I. Goals (2006-2007)
A. Sponsor and support community events and projects related to preventing and addressing substance abuse problems in Billerica
1. Sponsor the “First Alert Intervention Group” to allow Billerica to interrupt underage drinking and substance abuse in conjunction with the police.
2. Facilitate the provision of effective substance abuse counseling, intervention and treatment options to those in need of services
3. Sponsor and promote the annual “Billerica Walks Against Substance Abuse”
4. Review, organize, and where able develop (e.g., surveys) relevant data about community substance use patterns to understand trends and educate the community
5. Sponsor sticker shock and other programs to every liquor store in Billerica multiple times a year with active student participation
6. Support and sponsor efforts (e.g., information for drivers education programs; systematic newspaper submissions) to educate young drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence
7. Sponsor events designed to raise awareness about the link between youth smoking and marijuana use (e.g., “Billerica Runs Against Smoking Road Race”)
8. Identify community events that typically have increased alcohol and drug use (e.g., Thanksgiving Day football game, Prom Night, St. Patrick’s Day) and boost targeted education, prevention, and intervention activities (e.g., tragic stories from other communities; harm reduction strategies such as safe drivers and voluntary transportation services)
9. Develop a peer substance abuse support group program that promotes healthy choices among youth

B. Develop a forward-looking Committee infrastructure and system of processes upon which future Committees’ work can build
1. Develop a Committee structure and set of processes that promote efficient, effective, and productive activities. Nurture ever-expanding community-wide involvement in Committee activities through ongoing task-focused subcommittee work
2. Design and build a Committee website to facilitate achievement of goals and objectives
3. Create a set of Committee procedures to guide Committee activities and promote sound development over time
4. Develop reliable and valid databases and information sets that will provide baseline information upon which future committees can build, compare, and measure progress
5. Incorporate continuous quality improvement practices and strategies to include systematic evaluation of the success of projects and activities; regular feedback structures from all stakeholders; ongoing focus/activity improvement strategies into all aspects of committee activities