Project Description Narrative:
A rural county in northeast Wisconsin, Calumet County has, for the last decade, led Wisconsin counties in excessive alcohol consumption. County Health Rankings Data show Calumet adults binge drink at a rate of 27-30%. This far exceeds the national average of 20%. While this is certainly concerning, the profound effect this cultural norm has on Calumet County youth is even more alarming. The most recently available Youth Risk Behavior Survey data show that 34% of Calumet County high school students regularly use alcohol, and 63% have consumed alcohol.
REACH, Calumet County’s substance misuse prevention coalition, strives to move the community into a more positive alcohol climate that will allow youth to reach their full potential without the use of alcohol.
This project will involve a comprehensive municipal inventory of 17 identified municipalities in Calumet County. The goal is to understand the laws on the books, document current practices, and identify gaps relating to alcohol regulation. Defining gaps will assist public health, law enforcement, REACH, and others in the community to focus their capacity and efforts on high-impact solutions.
Community partners: REACH, Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project