What is the Community Alcohol Strategy?
The Community Alcohol Strategy (CAS) is a roadmap for the community to address safe and responsible alcohol use. Through focus groups and discussions, the public provided feedback on what they envisioned for their community. This diverse feedback was refined into a broad vision with five strategic directions:
- Creating a Healthy Community
- Marketing Responsible Alcohol Consumption
- Facilitating Stakeholder Collaboration
- Encouraging Community Mobilization Related to Alcohol
- Implementing Programs to Meet Community Needs for Intervention and Support
The Community Alcohol Strategy is a document that captures the community’s vision and details strategic directions. The life of the Strategy depends on people and organizations in the community.
The Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee (CASSC) was formed as a result of the Alcohol Strategy. CASSC has chosen three priorities to help people and organizations move in the identified strategic directions to make the CAS vision a reality. CASSC is helping people to encourage, promote and provide:
- Family friendly-alcohol free events and activities
- Safe and responsible consumption whenever alcohol is served
- Access to support and treatment for individuals and families suffering from the disease of addiction
How was the Strategy formed?
In 2013, the Community Mobilization Prince Albert, Centre of Responsibility (COR) staff developed A Call to Action to create awareness of the data they had gathered in regard to the five categories; impaired driving, underage drinking, binge drinking, chronic alcoholism and Liquor Law Compliance.
For many people in Prince Albert, and organizations that work here, the impact alcohol was having on individual lives, the healthcare system, social services and policing became more and more evident could no longer be ignored.
Representatives from the community, various agencies, and individuals were brought together to participate in focus groups which resulted in the development of a vision. A strategy was then created to help our community travel down the road towards that vision.
A Steering Committee for the Strategy was developed in the fall of 2015. The Community Alcohol Strategy Steering Committee – known as CASSC – participates in community events throughout the year and educational training sessions and presentations to further the goal of the Strategy.
What is the Strategic goal?
To create healthier communities where attitudes towards alcohol do not negatively impact the health and well-being of families, and the harms to every individual have been reduced.
What organizations are a part of the strategy?
The Steering Committee is made up of over 20 members from the community that represent a broad range of agencies and interests – from education to policing to health that all see the benefits of having a long-term alcohol strategy for the community.
Does the Strategy want to ban alcohol?
No, the Community Alcohol Strategy encourages healthier community by promoting the safe, responsible consumption of alcohol.
How can I become involved with the Alcohol Strategy?
CASSC membership is open to interested members of the community or organizations who demonstrate commitment to working collaboratively with others to make the vision of the Community Alcohol Strategy a reality.
Contact the communityalcoholstrategy@gmail.com.
Who does the Strategy apply to?
Families, individuals, community organizations. People of all ages and walks of life.
Who does the Strategy belong to?
The Strategy belongs to Prince Albert and surrounding area. The Steering Committee currently has representation from a broad spectrum of community-minded members. The Steering Committee was created to network and connect with other community agencies and organizations to empower them to further the goal of the Community Alcohol Strategy.
How do I find out more information about the Strategy?
Visit www.paalcoholstrategy.ca or email communityalcoholstrategy@gmail.com