Community Coalitions

TCHD works with the community to educate youth and adults about the effects of tobacco and second hand smoke through the Smoke free Taney County coalition. This coalition meets every other month, and is active in the community through anti-tobacco clubs in local schools and various other events tailored to educate county residents about the negative effects of tobacco and second hand smoke.

Alcohol And  Drug Abuse Prevention Team ADAPT is a coalition that works to educate licensed liquor businesses about the legal ramifications of selling alcohol to a minor. Topics pertain to social consequences of underage drinking, ensuing liability, compliance and enforcement.

In October of 2010 the Taney County ADAPT team was nationally recognized. They received the “Milestones” award recognizing newer coalitions that demonstrate progress toward meeting long-term outcomes (reductions in substance abuse or substance abuse-related problems) as indicated by measurable, community-level changes in intermediate outcomes.

Many of the programs ADAPT uses focuses on the youth in the community. The coalition has sponsored two underage drinking awareness campaigns.  During the months of April and May, members of the Dream Big Club recorded PSA's about the effects of underage drinking.  Posters were displayed at the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, Rec-Plex and schools, mailings on serving alcohol to minors went out to parents of prom eligible students.

The After-Prom Event tops off the alcohol awareness campaign and is the biggest event sponsored by ADAPT.  Prom attendees are invited to come to the IMAX to watch a movie and enjoy popcorn and a beverage for free.

The Safe and Sober Prom Night Campaign is another event targeted toward the youth of the community.  Approximately four weeks before prom, students and their parents have the option of signing a pledge card to stay drug and alcohol free during prom season.  Schools are placed into divisions based on the number of prom eligible students in their school.  The school from each division who has the most percentage of students sign the pledge wins $100,000.  In 2010 Branson and Hollister won their division.

In addition to educating the public about underage drinking ADAPT also sponsored a Prescription Drug Take Back Event in September. During this event prescription drug collection sites were set up in Branson, Hollister and Forsyth.  Between the 3 sites, we were able to collect approximately 150 pounds of expired medications.  The Drug Enforcement Administration then took these medications and disposed of them properly, keeping them out of teens hands and out of the water supply.

If you would like more information about community coalitions contact Kara Miller at
(417)334-4544 Ext. #225.