advocacy
Achievements 24/7 Program, April 2011: Our community just said no to OWI recidivism! re:TH!NK partnered with county officials and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office to implement the new 24/7 Mandatory Sobriety Program. Now, second-time offenders (and beyond) who operate vehicles while intoxicated must check in twice daily or else wear an alcohol detection bracelet ensuring they remain alcohol-free. This offender paid program already boasts 80 participants in the first 4 months of inception. The program is projected to grow and prevent harms related to alcohol abuse/misuse. K2 Ordinance, February 2011: re:TH!NK champions mobilized police chiefs along with city council members to pass a K2 ordinance banning the sales of dangerous synthetic marijuana. This swift action resulted in various bans countywide by each municipality and called for the immediate removal of this look alike drug from the shelves of convenience stores...and out of the hands of youth. Social Host Ordinance, January 2011: Hosting underage parties REALLY adds up! Thanks to Lt. Vendola Messer and the new Sherrif John Matz, rural areas of our county are being addressed. Reserving a hotel room, providing beer in the basement, or providing alchool to youth at bonfire parties, no matter the setting, ALL are ILLEGAL and PUNISHABLE by the new Social Host Ordinance in the Winnebago County townships. This ordinance's passage expands the already existing state law related to furnishing alcohol to minors. Smoke-Free Air Ordinances, Summer 2010: The City of Neenah and the Town of Menasha adopted Wisconsin's statewide smoke-free air law into their local codes in order to more easily ensure compliance and clear up language regarding "enclosed spaces." Coming Soon Funding the Prescription Drug Data Monitoring Program We recognize a need for identifying consumers who are recipients of prescription medications and an electronic system needs to be funded to deter "Dr. Shopping." Expanding the Cheers! Responsible Beverage Server training This could incorporate the class faciliated by area police to be included with the current bartender licensing process. Contact Advocacy Committee Chair, Joe Yana jyana1 @ charter.net, for upcoming Advocacy meeting dates times and agenda topics. |