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1 8 6 H a r t f o r d The Governor's Prevention Partnership With a focus on Connecticut's youth, The Governor's Prevention Partnership is a statewide public- private alliance, building a strong, future workforce through mentoring, prevention of school violence, bullying, underage drinking, alcohol and substance abuse. N o doubt, children are our most precious resource," said Governor Dannel Malloy addressing a group of top business leaders in May 2011. "We must make every effort, despite the times, to preserve their health and well-being, and ensure a successful future for every child in Connecticut." Malloy is co-chair of The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a public-private part- nership launched in 1989 to stem the rising tide of substance abuse. Don Langer, CEO of AmeriChoice of Connecticut is co-chair of The Partnership representing the private sector. "The Governor's Prevention Partnership aligns with our mission to engage in community service projects that benefit those with the greatest need and to provide children and families with an opportunity to build strong, healthy futures," Langer said. In its early years, The Partnership was instrumen- tal in helping Connecticut corporations establish drug-screening policies and develop addiction recov- ery programs for employees. Over time it became clear that problems with substance abuse may begin as early as childhood and adolescence, well before an individual enters the workforce. For this reason, The Partnership in recent years has expanded its mission to include early intervention, with the goal of impact- ing tomorrow's workforce. "We've remained vigilant in identifying issues affecting youth … and open to the fact that at different moments in time, different issues must take the lead," said Jill Spineti, Partnership President and CEO. The Governor's Prevention Partnership attacks the problem of substance abuse from all sides. "We work with parents and educators to be the first line of defense," said Spineti. "With parents it's about how to talk to their kids, warning signs to look for, which drugs — including prescription drugs — are popular, how to give their children skills to refuse drugs. At the schools, we work with superintendents and teachers to ensure that students get the right information." Since alcohol is the most commonly abused sub- stance by school-age children, with nearly 50% of youth reporting that downing five or more alcoholic drinks nearly everyday is "no big deal" (2010 Parent Attitude Tracking Survey), much of The Partnership's focus has been on cutting off supply. When the program was initiated, 75% of the merchants were selling to minors. Now, after years of enforce- ment and education, less than 18% of licensed outlets are selling alco- hol to underage customers. The Partnership collaborates with local coalitions to develop and implement comprehensive, community-specific strategies that reinforce the drug prevention message. There are 32 coalitions operating across the state. The Partnership's efforts have been successful: the number of underage students who reported consuming alcohol in the last 30 days dropped 8.9%. The Partnership has been instrumental in influenc- ing legislation that strengthens underage drinking laws related to 'social hosting,' making it illegal for youth to possess alcohol on private property and penalizing adults who permit underage drinking. An upcoming challenge will be the development of a new strategy fol- Above: Governor Malloy (center) with Logan West, Connecticut's Outstanding Teen 2010, who was bullied in middle school (left) and Talan Daigle, a student mentored by Patty Murphy, a vice president at Webster Bank (not pictured here). Right: Governor Malloy thanks The Partnership's Partners In Prevention: (left to right) Alan Must, VP, State Government and Legislative Affairs, Purdue Pharma; David Fusco, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield; Katie Wade, VP State Government Affairs, CIGNA; Don Langer, Plan President,CEO of AmeriChoice of CT; Peg Parks, Human Resources, LEGO; Peter Holland, Director, State Govern- ment Affairs, UTC; Governor Dannel Malloy; Tim Bannon, Chief of Staff, Office of the Gov- ernor; Marlene Ibsen, President, Travelers Foundation; Mark Bertolini, Chairman, CEO and President, AETNA; Jill Spineti, President, The Governor's Preven- tion Partnership; Jeffrey Brown, Executive VP, Chief Administra- tive Officer, Webster Bank. "