Public Education, Public Policy and Advocacy

		Public Education, Public Policy and Advocacy

The use and/or abuse of alcohol and other drugs are significant or underlying factors in many of the problems experienced by individuals and society. These problems include parenting and domestic violence issues; underage drinking; alcohol-related deaths and injuries both on the highways and elsewhere; the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications; and implications for health care, to name just a few.

Western New York residents can access ECCPASA by telephone or e-mail in order to obtain information on chemical dependency issues and help in locating appropriate services for themselves or others who play significant roles in their lives.

Part of ECCPASA's mission is to inform the community, including parents, educators and elected officials, of new trends and research involving alcohol and other drugs. This is accomplished through a variety of means.

As an affiliate both of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. and The National Association for Children of Alcoholics, ECCPASA participates in public awareness campaigns spearheaded by these agencies. In addition, ECCPASA has been named a "Lead Agency" - one of only four in the United States - in the Partnership to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a project of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention.

Under the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, ECCPASA is licensed to provide training for continuing education credits for individuals desiring to obtain or maintain certification as Credentialed Prevention Professional or Credentialed Prevention Specialist.

Locally, ECCPASA's newsletter, AwareNews, reaches some 5000 recipients several times yearly. News releases and advisories to the media mark national campaigns concerning substance abuse issues as well as local events and developments. These are supplemented by letters to the editor and opinion pieces also intended to reach the population at large. Elected officials are alerted to the impact that existing or proposed legislation may have on chemical misuse and its consequences.

ECCPASA maintains a library of instructional videotapes available for borrowing, free of charge. In addition, a large volume of pamphlets and brochures are in stock for those who request them. Public education and outreach are also the goal of numerous presentations and wellness events to schools and community groups.