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Because It Matters > About SAPCC

About SAPCC

“Building a safer community free from substance abuse”

The Substance Abuse Prevention Community Coalition (SAPCC) works to promote cooperative community efforts related to the prevention of substance abuse. Our aim is to provide a forum to exchange ideas and assess needs, develop and coordinate a community-wide action plan, and allocate funds obtained through the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program.

Since it’s inception in 1986, SAPCC has initiated or supported numerous substance abuse prevention activities. Most recently SAPCC has provided funds to the following programs:

• Strengthening Families, a series of family workshops to enhance family communication, decision-making skills and relationship building.

• Youth Justice Initiative, an effective restorative justice program that helps young offenders get back on track.

• P.A.C.E. which provides extra counseling services at Valley High School and Walnut Creek Campus.

• Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program for elementary students.

In October of 2004, SAPCC sponsored a community discussion on underage drinking. Community members met and discussed their concerns and identified factors in the community that contribute to underage drinking. As a result of the community discussion, a Community Action Team was formed to address the issue of underage drinking. Over the next several months the Action Team began developing a social marketing campaign titled Because It Matters.

Because It Matters is the central theme that ties together a public awareness campaign. The current focus of the campaign is on underage drinking. Because It Matters is designed to:

• Inform community members that alcohol is our #1 drug problem.

• Affirm parents as a powerful influence in the lives of their kids.

• Educate youth and adults about the dangers of early alcohol use.

• Encourage adults and retailers not to provide alcohol to minors.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead