WHAT IS SAGA? The Substance Awareness Greater Anderson (SAGA) Coalition was founded in 1995 through a partnership between the Anderson Area Wellness Alliance and the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce as an effort to mobilize the community to address the threat of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for youth. SAGA services 78,000 citizens, 94% Caucasian, residing within the Greater Anderson area largely defined by boundaries of Anderson Township and the Village of Newtown in the suburban southeastern Hamilton County, Ohio.

The mission of the SAGA Coalition is to unite the Greater Anderson community in acknowledging, taking responsibility for, and preventing the use of illegal drugs and the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Anderson Area average age of first use among youth has actually decreased by one year as compared to prior survey results. The current age is 11.6 years versus 12.7 in 2002. Data shows a steady decline in youth perception of harm which correlates with an increase in use across most indicators. There is a prevailing attitude of acceptance within the community that supports the presence of alcohol, especially at in-home parties. With a high rate of dual income families, average household income of $87,600, youth have large blocks of unsupervised time. Here as in most higher income communities, youth feel pressured to be successful academically, athletically and socially.

SAGA will utilize funds provided through the Drug Free Communities Support Program to employ four primary strategies aimed at reducing adolescent substance abuse in the Greater Anderson area. First, we will collect, analyze and disseminate student drug use data for use by the community. Second, we will act as a resource of community partners to bring the community together to address “hot” issues as they arise. Thirdly, SAGA will permeate the community with evidence-based prevention programs, practices and activities. And finally, we will act as a conduit to identify substance abuse prevention/reduction resources appropriate to the Greater Anderson community needs. Key activities of the coalition will include a Business Summit, a Faith Leaders Summit, Youth Leadership training, training in Asset Development and expanded media components.

WHAT IS A COALITION? A voluntary, strategic alliance to enhance our ability to achieve a common purpose by sharing risks, responsibilities, resources and rewards.

Many people confuse community and coalition. Coalitions are a form of community problem solving—a democratic, ethical way to solve important community problems resulting in a more healthy community. Broad representation yields different experiences and perspectives creating greater opportunities for shared rewards—healthier community/relationships. It’s not the WHO is in the room that makes a coalition but WHAT they do in the room. Form does not equal function.

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