Drug education group talks fundraisers

Partners in Prevention (PIP), the Drug Free Community Grant initiative created to provide substance education opportunities for Newton County's youth discussed possible fundraisers when its membership met in regular session April 8 at the Newton County Library.
Bailey Taylor, PIP's program coordinator, presented the monthly activity report. She noted some ideas for possible fundraisers and proposed some possible youth activities.
Taylor has been meeting with school and community organizations and comprised a list of possible events that would involve youth and support youth coalitions by raising funds at the same time.
Among the items suggested include:
• A sticker campaign where youth coalition members would create stickers having anti-tobacco/drug messages and original artwork to distribute/sell.
• A project to paint the Jasper Elementary School restrooms and incorporating artwork and anti-tobacco/drug messaging.
• Working with Arkansas Game & Fish to hold a fishing derby.
• Work with local river concessioners to provide Free From Drugs floats and floating instruction events.

• Conduct a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
• Hold mountain biking events.
• Rodeo events.
Many of the activities would be held in participation with other community service organizations such as Kiwanis and businesses in the local hospitality industry.
PIP will have a booth at the Job and Information Fair, Friday, April 25, at Bradley Park.
There will be a meeting of the Leadership Committee April 14 to select nominees for PIP officers for the coming year.
Newton County Hometown Health Initiative's Partners in Prevention coalition was awarded the Federal Drug Free Communities (DFC) Grant last August. This grant provides $125,000 a year for 5 years. Its goal is to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. After five years, the coalition may re-compete for another five-year cycle.