Substance Abuse Action Coalition Overview

MISSION: To realize that working together we can reach our vision of a community free of substance abuse.

The Substance Abuse Action Coalition (SAAC) is a three legged stool that sits under the awning of the Community Services Initiative (CSI). CSI is the overall Lincoln/Lancaster County community planning process. (See CSI Annual Report 2006) It has six foci: Basic and Emergency Needs, Child and Youth Development, Stop Abuse, Housing, Healthy People 2010, and Behavioral Health. Under Behavioral Health are issues of mental health and substance abuse. The SAAC Coalition is addressing the Substance abuse issues under this coalition.

SAAC has three teams: The Prevention Coalition, The Treatment Team and the Criminal Justice Teams. Each has their own goals and objectives, sets of data and partners interested in making a difference. See Strategic Plan 2006-2008 SAAC operates primarily from grants provided via federal, state and local entities. The current operating budget is roughly $500,000. To view the sources and allocations of these dollars go to Funding Report 2007.

As SAAC continues to make a positive impact, we should see less availability of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, especially among youth ages 12-17; an increase in the ability to access high quality treatment for substance abuse disorders; and a change in our community's perception of risk and harm when using substances.