Coalition of the Quarter

The Way Out West (WOW) coalition was formed in November 2008, as a result of a collaborative project through the Partnership for a Drug Free America and Youth Evaluation & Treatment Centers (YETC). The WOW coalition is focused in the town of Buckeye, but also draws from the Verrado and Rainbow Valley communities. The Partnership for a Drug Free America, its Arizona affiliate and YETC began building capacity and collecting the necessary data for a comprehensive community needs assessment. Utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to guide its work, the coalition identified underage drinking as the community’s current substance use issue. One of the greatest strengths of the WOW coalition is its passionate and committed members, and the youth and families of the greater Buckeye Valley. Through broad sector representation, the coalition has been able to reach out to the community as a whole and unite them in an effort that affects the overall health and safety of their community. By having a coalition, members are actively involved in the SPF process. From gathering data to implementation of the strategies, the WOW coalition has insured its sustainability and member retention. The enthusiasm and support for this coalition cannot be expressed enough. This is a community that is engaged, wants change, and wants a healthier, safer environment for their children. The WOW coalition is currently working on a few key strategies focusing on environmental and individual change. A social host ordinance is currently before the city council. The WOW coalition has teamed up with Golden Eagle distributers to implement the ‘Prevent, Don’t Provide’ sticker shock campaign where youth placed stickers in over 23 sites, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and others. The event was very successful! Also, two peer leadership groups have developed at the local high schools, and they have started Students Against Destructive Decision groups on campus. The WOW coalition meets at noon on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, 508 E. Monroe. Please contact Paul Martinez at: 623-707-5371— Everyone is welcome!