21 Reasons is currently helping to develop a substance abuse prevention coalition in the Casco Bay Region, which includes Cumberland, North Yarmouth, Falmouth, Gray, New Gloucester, Yarmouth and Freeport. Follow the links below to learn more specific information regarding our efforts in Portland or the Casco Bay region.
21 Reasons (formerly Portland CMCA) is a coalition based on the CMCA model.* We bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses with a common goal: to build a healthy community environment with policies, practices, and attitudes that support the drug-free development of all youth. There are currently more than 150 concerned community members and organizations who are working to build a healthier environment for youth.
Why focus on alcohol?
We know more today about how alcohol impacts the developing brain and the real consequences of underage drinking. Alcohol kills more youth in this country than all other illegal drugs combined. Only one-third of these deaths are related to vehicle crashes—The other two-thirds involve alcohol poisoning, homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries such as burns, drowning, and falls. Drinking alcohol before the age of 21 also places youth at higher risk for academic failure and dropping out of school; depression; sexual assault, rape, and other violence; teen pregnancy; and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. In addition, underage drinking is linked to other drug abuse, including marijuana, tobacco, and prescription pills.
Why focus on environment?
"Holding youth solely responsible for underage drinking is like blaming fish for dying in a polluted stream." -- Laurie Lieber, Marin Institute
Research shows that in order to reduce underage drinking, we must change the community environment that’s making it happen in the first place. It's not enough to target youth with messages and programs. In order to make a difference, we also need to change the behavior and attitudes of adults, because they are the ones who control the supply.
21 Reasons is a project of Medical Care Development, Inc. (MCD), a non-profit organization that has worked to improve the health of Maine citizens since 1966. 21 Reasons is part of Maine’s Environmental Substance Abuse Prevention, (MESAP), Center at MCD. Funding and resources for 21 Reasons are provided by SAMHSA’s Drug-Free Communities Program, Medical Care Development, and the generous in-kind contributions of our organizational partners.
*Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) is federally recognized by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) as a model program for reducing youth access to alcohol. In the communities where the CMCA model has been implemented, significant outcomes have included increased checking of age-identification by alcohol retailers, reduced arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, and reduced provision of alcohol to younger teens by adults and older teens.
Prevention Plan
View the 2010 Substance Abuse Prevention Plan for Portland, developed by 21 Reasons and One Maine One Portland. The Prevention Plan outlines the background, workplans and goals for the two coalitions and was recently endorsed by Portland City Council.
