State-Local Partnership against Addiction: A Report on a Drug Education—Prevention Pilot Project in Metropolitan New York

Abstract

In 1969–70 the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene received $400,000 in state funds to conduct a drug education pilot program in Metropolitan New York. To provide technical support and promote citizen participation in such a program in high risk areas of Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Rockland County, contracts were made with seven local mental health and social service agencies, which then formed partnerships with community organizations and citizen groups. While drug information activities were not evaded, primary emphasis in each project was placed on dealing with drug-related social and economic problems and finding alternatives to drug abuse. Through site visits, meetings and reports, it was found that while the programs were not directly reaching large numbers of people, high risk groups were receiving intensive attention. Alternatives to drug abuse—employment, recreational, training, and counseling services—were better received than informational programs. Numerous problems and successful approaches were experienced and described. The question of the causes of drug abuse was discussed by each project director.