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NORFOLK - The Norfolk Police Division has received a $4,300 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety to cover the cost of officer overtime during the You Drink and Drive, You Lose campaign. Captain Steve Hecker tells WJAG NEWS Norfolk officers will be working from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. nightly from August 21st through September 7th, focusing on impaired drivers. The Nebraska State Patrol is also taking part in the campaign.


"Your Kids Are Drinking"

On April 14th, Nebraskas First Lady Sally Ganem traveled to Norfolk to discuss statewide under-age drinking concerns at the Lifelong Learning Center. Nebraskas First Lady showed the NET video production Your Kids Are Drinking, which examines the most under-reported aspect of under-age drinking - the adults that allow it to happen. Two youth from Project Extra Mile presented Norfolk mayor Sue Fuchtman with a proclamation declaring one week in April as Alcohol Awareness Week. First Lady Sally Ganem encouraged the community to get involved in efforts to limit youths access to alcohol and to establish clear guidelines and expectations with youth in regards to alcohol use. This event was sponsored by Region 4 Behavioral Health System, Healthy Communities Initiative, Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Madison County, Northeast Community College, and Project Extra Mile.

On May 5th and 6th, HCI sent June Fox from Cuming Countys JAG coalition to Johnstown, PA to attend training for Project Northland. Project Northlands is a SAMHSA approved evidence-based classroom curriculum that has been proven to have positive outcomes in reducing and preventing underage drinking. By receiving this training, June will be a resource/TA person for staff that would implement this in their schools.

On May 11-12th, Lee Sherry from the UNL Extension in Madison County and the HCI Director, Brandy Boschult, will be attending training for Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Lions Quest is a SAMHSA approved evidence-based classroom curriculum that has been proven to have positive outcomes in reducing and preventing alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use. Other outcomes of this classroom curriculum are social functioning, success in school, and misconduct. Lee and Brandy will serve as a resource/TA person for staff that would implement this in their schools.

On May 28th, Dianne Harrop from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will join the regular HCI coalition meeting and discuss the recently submitted Strategic Plan for our coalition. Dianne welcomes any questions that coalition members may have regarding this process and will provide any technical assistance throughout this process.