Winneshiek County
SAFE Coalition

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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1)     What is Winneshiek County SAFE?
2)     What is the Community Readiness Assessment?  
3)     Why doesn’t SAFE just focus on youth alcohol issues?  
4)     When does the SAFE coalition meet? 
5)     Who are the members of the SAFE coalition?
6)     If alcohol and tobacco are legal drugs, why should I be concerned about my child using them?  
7)     What should I do if I find that my child is using drugs?  
8)     Won't my child just outgrow this?
9)     Is there really a drug and alcohol problem in this county?  
10)   What resources are available through SAFE?
11)   How can I help?

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What is Winneshiek County SAFE?  Winneshiek County SAFE, also called Winneshiek County SAFE Coalition, is a group of individuals and organizations that came together in 1998 to "address the county’s concerns with respect to substance use, violence and other issues that affect the safety of the county.”  SAFE provides education to its members and the community, holding or co-sponsoring activities and events.  SAFE is focusing on restricting underage access to alcohol, on preventing damage caused by exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke and on working to improve communication among service providers, particularly as it relates to substance use.
What is the Community Readiness Assessment?  A community readiness assessment was conducted in Winneshiek County in the fall of 1993 to assess the county’s attitude toward underage alcohol use.  Interviews were conducted with individuals representing key elements of the population (treatment, youth, teacher, law enforcement and parents) on a range of issues related to underage use.  These results were scored.  The score shows that Winneshiek County is in a “vague awareness” stage of being ready to change.  This means that some individuals might be aware that there are some problems in the county with underage alcohol use, but they are not sure.  The strategies being used by the coalition to move us to being ready to change involve mostly educational efforts.  These efforts have included newspaper, radio and internet advertising, hosting educational forums and panel discussions, writing editorials and speaking with individuals and groups about underage alcohol concerns.
Why doesn’t SAFE just focus on youth alcohol issues?  SAFE is focused on underage alcohol issues, but it is approaching the issue by encouraging adult responsibility toward youth – the responsibility of parents to set limits and voice expectations, and the responsibility of alcohol beverage sellers and servers to sell responsibly. This work complements the alcohol and other drug education that is offered to youth in area schools.  
When does the SAFE coalition meet?  SAFE currently meets monthly, at noon, at the City Hall.  The dates vary from month to month, but are listed on the "Latest News" tab of the web page.  Meetings are always open to the public.
Who are the members of the SAFE coalition?  SAFE members represent many sectors of the county – parents, business people, medical professionals, treatment, faith community, youth, elected officials, law enforcement and others who share a concern for substance use and safety issues in our county.
If alcohol and tobacco are legal drugs, why should I be concerned about my child using them?  Alcohol and tobacco are legal drugs for adults of the proper ages, but they are also usually the first drugs of choice for youth because of their availability and because of a perception by both adults and youths that these drugs are “not so bad” for youth to use.  Most youths who use illegal drugs usually start by using legal drugs underage.  Early use of a drug like alcohol increases the probability of lifetime problems with it as well.  Preventing the use of legal drugs by underage youth also helps prevent the use of illegal drugs.  
What should I do if I find that my child is using drugs?  If you or your child are in a crisis or life-threatening situation, immediately seek professional help (law enforcement, crisis lines or treatment professionals).  If it is a serious situation, but not life-threatening, remain calm, and confront your child about what you know or have discovered. Your actual approach may depend on the substance being used, and on the stage of use. The earlier a drug/alcohol problem is found and faced, the easier it is to overcome. Contact Winneshiek SAFE or consult some of the resources listed on our resource page.
Won’t my child just outgrow this? Part of normal developmental for youth includes finding challenge, separating from parents and family, and belonging to a group. You can help with this normal development by supporting them in undertaking challenges with acceptable risks, giving them responsibility, and encouraging their participation in a healthy peer group.  Preventing early experimentation with alcohol decreases the probability of any lifetime problems with alcohol or drugs. It’s an important time to share your family values, rules and consequences of use/no use.
Is there really a drug and alcohol problem in this county?  Winneshiek County, like surrounding counties and the rest of the state, has problems with alcohol and drug use.  According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, a five-county region that includes Winneshiek County has the highest incidence of adult binge drinking in the state--17.8% of the adult population.  According to the national "Monitoring the Future" survey, approximately 1% to 2% of your friends and neighbors may be using methamphetamine.  According to the Iowa Youth Survey for 6th, 8th and 11th grade students, alcohol is the number one drug of choice and marijuana is the number one illicit drug of choice. (Check out the links page to get comprehensive statistical information.) According to local law enforcement, alcohol use is involved in over 50 % of criminal activity such as assaults, burglaries, vandalism and domestic abuse.  According to juvenile court services serving a multi-county area that includes Winneshiek county, out of 1,100 juvenile court cases in a one year period, approximately 40% were charged with alcohol or drug offenses. 
What resources are available through SAFE?  We offer regular trainings for those who sell and serve alcohol and offer referrals to appropriate resources for people who need assistance, including counseling, crisis lines, youth serving organizations, and support for parents.
How can I help?  
  • Your support:  Financial contributions help to keep programs (like our radio and newspaper ad campaigns) going. 
  • Your time:  We need individuals to work on projects like the county fair booth and community training events and to participate in ongoing committee work.  We are supportive of alcohol free activities and efforts and we encourage you to give time and support to these activities as well.
  • Your words:  We ask you to talk with other parents, with your friends, and with neighbors about what you can do to decrease the damage done by alcohol and other substance use in our county.
  • Your actions:  Set a good example for your youth and their friends.