The Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is a group of community members, human service professionals, businesses, law enforcement, government officials, schools and school personnel who are working together to create change regarding youth substance use. We are advocating for a community that supports and encourages substance free youth.
Vision
We who live, work, and care about youth in Ottawa County will prevent substance abuse through effective, coordinated and sustainable action.
Priority Areas
According to the 2011 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey, our 8th, 10th and 12th grade students report:
→ Almost 1 in 5 students report current alcohol use
→ 1 in 8 students report current binge drinking
→ 1 in 7 students report current use of marijuana
→ 1 in 9 students report having misused prescription medication
at least once in their lifetime
→ Youth in Ottawa County are initiating substance use at an early age
(typically around age 13)
 OSAP Strategic Plan (PDF)
OSAP Annual Report 2011-2012
OSAP Annual Report 2010-2011
Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey 2011 (PDF)
Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey 2009 (PDF)
PARENT RESOURCES
 Useful information, resources and workshops
Informational brochures on drugs
OSAP Drug Abuse Log Booklet (PDF) Prescription education/medication management tool
Roadwise Rx Online tool detailing common side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medication with personalized feedback on how medications, herbal supplements and foods, and their interactions with each other, can impact safety behind the wheel
2013 Teen Living Calendar (PDF) Tool for teens in 8th-12th grade to gain knowledge of unhealthy and healthy relationships. Students will watch videos, complete activities, and consider ways they can help promote respect among their peer group. This calendar is useful to parents, educators, and professionals working with teens.
TALK EARLY. TALK OFTEN. LEARN HOW.
 Studies show that kids in west and southwest Michigan are experimenting with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as early as age twelve. The sooner you talk, the easier it is to keep the line of communication open with your children.
At www.talksooner.org you will find links to helpful resources, techniques, and conversation starts, as well as current information and events in West Michigan.
CONTRACT FOR LIFE PROCLAMATION
Robert Anastas, the founder of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) came and spoke to students at Ottawa County High Schools on April 18th. Mr. Anastas is a former school administrator, teacher and hockey coach and lost two students to drinking and driving in 1981. Mr. Anastas spoke to students about developing responsible attitudes and making good decisions. He emphasized the fact that college is becoming more and more competitive and in order for students to succeed they need to be at their best. Mr. Anastas gave the students four keys to success and encouraged them to remain drug and alcohol free.
While Mr. Anastas only spoke to students in Ottawa County, he had a message for both students and parents. Mr. Anastas encouraged families to develop a contract where youth promise to call if they ever find themselves in a situation where a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In this same contract, the parent and/or guardian promises to pick up their youth or to arrange for another safe transportation option. The contract says that in the moment parents won’t lecture or discuss the issue, but will instead focus on making sure there is a safe option for the teen to get home. The contract does say the matter will be discussed later.
This Contract is designed to facilitate communication between young people and their parents about potentially destructive decisions related to alcohol, other drugs, peer pressure, and behavior. It can also help parents bring up the challenging topic of underage drinking and begin conversations with their teens early.
Price Proclamation (PDF)
The Check In® Contract for a Winning Life (PDF)
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