Environmental Approaches


Environmental approaches  to prevention are large-scale activities designed to ensure universal coverage of the population, while optimizing resources.  These approaches are necessary to ensure the delivery of a full continuum of services and are designed to prevent the onset of unhealthy behaviors.  Environmental approaches target the geographic area as a whole , as well as populations that are isolated or at increased risk of substance abuse.  These strategies serve as a supplement to school-based efforts and include: the dissemination of prevention information/materials; efforts to change social norms/policies; media advocacy; and community-based processes.  On an annual basis, WNY United utilizes the following environmental approaches:

Information Dissemination

Changing Attitudes and Knowledge through Awareness Campaigns and Associated Events

 

Quarterly Digest 
Every quarter WNY United disseminates important organizational and partner prevention information via the quarterly digest to community members such as teachers, school administrators, and businesses.   The newsletter also highlights the success of our partner schools and the students who participate in the various programs.  To view our most recent newsletters, please click here. 


Red Ribbon Week
Each year, October 23-31 is designated as Red Ribbon Week in honor of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camerena.  The objective of Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and provide individuals a visible way to display their disapproval of drug use.  In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, WNY United works with school districts and communities to produce a Red Ribbon Rally and "Take A Stand" Banner Contest & Walk as well as provide materials and activities utilizing the Red Ribbon theme.  Some of the school-based themes include "Wear Red" Day, "Team Up Against Drugs" Day, "Drugs are Scary" Day, and "Make the Pledge" Day.  For more information about Red Ribbon Week and how we can help your school or community participate, please contact Jessica LaFalce at jlafalce@wnyunited.org.  For a list of Red Ribbon supplies that can be ordered through WNY United, click here and call Kathy Deet 716-821-7722 ext. 310 to place your order.

 

"Take a Stand" Banner Contest & Walk
Also part of Red Ribbon Week, "Take a Stand" is an opportunity for students and community members to actively demonstrate their stand against drug abuse.  Each year, WNY United supports and organizes "Take a Stand" rallies around Western New York.  For more information on how your school or community can participate and take a stand against drug abuse, contact Jessica LaFalce at jlafalce@wnyunited.org.


Red Ribbon Baseball Game
Utilizing our long-standing partnership with the Buffalo Bisons, important SCAT partnership individuals are recognized at the annual "Red Ribbon Baseball Game."  These individuals have been identified as "Friends of Prevention" by WNY United staff members and as such, are honored in front of the home crowd at a Bisons game.  This event serves as a great opportunity to thank some very important people and raise awareness at the same time!


WiNnY - the Drug-Free Buffalo "Hands off Drugs"
 WiNnY is Uniting the Herd to be "Hands Off Drugs."  WiNnY is a collaboration between students of Western New York and WNY United.  Students trace their hands therefore pledging to be "Hands Off Drugs" for the new year.  These handprints cover WiNnY giving her a "handprint" coat.  WiNnY is prominently displayed at the Buffalo Convention Center and serves as the kick off for First Night Buffalo, she also travels to different partner schools, helping us to Unite the Herd and spread our important message.  If your school would like to participate, please contact Jessica LaFalce at jlafalce@wnyunited.org.

First Night Buffalo
WNY United is proud to partner with Independent Health Foundation to produce the annual drug and alcohol free First Night Buffalo celebration.  It has been a community wide tradition for more than 20 years, with WNY United and Rich Products Corporation being the original founders.  The family-oriented event includes rides, entertainment, story book characters and a variety arts on display.  For information about the event, contact Jessica LaFalce at jlafalce@wnyunited.org.  You can also visit the official homepage at http://www.firstnightbuffalo.org.


Erie County Fair
Since 1992 we have partnered with 106.5 WYRK-FM to run the "Wheel of Prizes" promotion at the Erie County Fair.  This activity serves as an opportunity to spread the message of making healthy and responsible choices and raise much needed dollars.  Fair attendees are encouraged to find the WYRK gazebo, spin the prize wheel, and help a great cause!

 Environmental Strategies

Aimed at Settings and Conditions in which People Live, Work, and Socialize in an Effort to Change Policies

 

Parent Drug Awareness Forums 
 Starting in 2008, in collaboration with ECCPASA and the Erie County Sheriff's Department, WNY United began targeting underage use by delivering Parent Drug Awareness Forums in Erie County to school districts interested in providing a 90-minute education forum for parents of children participating in sports and/or school functions.  The concept of these forums was created in collaboration with local community interest groups, school boards, and school superintendents.  The forums teach parents about the risks of underage drinking and the legal consequences of serving minors.  For more information about how these Parent Drug Awareness Forums can be provided in your school district or community, please contact Karen Smith at ksmith@wnyunited.org. For the Memorandum of Understanding for these forums, which includes additional information and structure, please click here.

 

Community-Based Processes

 

Community Coalitions
WNY United works directly with community leaders through active coalitions.  These collaborations consist of individuals that come together with the common purpose of improving their communities and changing social norms.  WNY United's role in these coalitions is to offer support and structure.  Through their histories, coalitions supported by WNY United have created and maintained boys and girls clubs, fostered pro-social parent/student activities, and advocated for communities free of drug and alcohol abuse.  If you are interested in creating a coalition in your community, please contact Karen Smith at ksmith@wnyunited.org. 


Other

 

Other Environmental Activities
The preceding list in no way constitutes all of the agency's environmental activities.  WNY United actively collaborates on high visibility promotions with other service providers: April is Alcoholism Awareness Month; Sticker Shock targeting underage drinking; and September is Recovery month.  Watch for our web postings, mailings, billboards, television and radio public service announcements, and newspaper articles!