Advocacy workgroup identifies focus areas

The Prevention WINS Advocacy Workgroup met for the first time yesterday and decided to focus advocacy activities on:

1. Increasing enforcement of current laws regarding underage drinking and youth drug use.

2. Increasing youth prevention and intervention services in schools and the community.

3. Opposing legislation that would increase youth access to alcohol and drugs and supporting legislation and that would decrease youth access to alcohol and drugs.

While currently debated legislation, such as the establishment of a safe medicine return program and the legalization of marijuana, could effect youth access to drugs, the Workgroup suggested that the full coalition first needs to define a process for taking stances on issues. 

The next Advocacy Workgroup meeting will take place Tuesday, May 2, noon, at Seattle Children's Hospital.