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. The coalition welcomes all members of the community to join in our efforts. General coalition meetings are every other month and subcommittee meetings happen on an as needed basis.

Especially for Parents:

A unique way for parents to be involved in creating change is through the OSAP Parent Coalition! The purpose of the parent coalition is for parents to work together and be one united voice for a drug free community for our youth.  To become involved in the OSAP Parent Coalition contact Jodi at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Our Vision:

We who live, work, and care about youth in Ottawa County will prevent substance abuse through effective, coordinated and sustainable action.

Our Priority Areas:

According to the 2007 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey, our 8th, 10th and 12th grade students report:

• Almost 1 in 3 students report current alcohol use and 1 in 5 report current binge drinking.
• 1 in 7 students report current use of marijuana
• 1 in 8 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)

Four Ways to Get Involved with OSAP:

1. OSAP Coalition: Help determine emerging issues, promote coalition activities and drive us towards being a catalyst for action.
2. OSAP Subcommittee: Implement prevention strategies in your quadrant of Ottawa County
3. OSAP Youth Coalition (Student Leaders Initiating Change): Assist youth coalition coordinator with implementing opportunities for youth involvement
4. OSAP Parent Coalition: Join other parents in advocating for a substance free county for our youth.

Join the OSAP Coalition! Contact Leigh Moerdyke at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 616-396-2301 ext 127.

View the OSAP Strategic Plan here.

“Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey” 

1. 2009 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey Data (Coming Soon!)
2. 2009 Ottawa County Youth Assessment Survey Data use exercise

Community Coversations

The NE Quadrant Subcommittee of the Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Requests your help! Download the flyer here for details! 

Check out the Prescription and over the counter drug abuse brochure for tips on what to tell your child about prescription medication, How to dispose of unused and expired medications, and more information!

OSAP Newsletter Archive

Find out what's happening in the county regarding the prevention of youth substance use.

The Catalyst - December 2009: Volume 2, Issue 1

The Catalyst - April 2010: Volume 2, Issue 2