FOCUS Provincially

• FOCUS on a Provincial Level

  The goal of the FOCUS Community Program is to prevent problems, including injuries, associated with alcohol and other drug use.

  The provincial objectives for the Focus community Program are grouped into three categories: programming, knowledge and behaviour. The objectives are directional in nature, and provide guidance on the nature of change strived for at the provincial level.

  FOCUS' Provincial Objectives:

  Programming:
  • To increase the number of effective initiatives to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse, including the prevention of injuries associated with the inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs.
  • To increase the number of effective initiatives to prevent alcohol and other drug abuse among youth.
  • To increase the number of effective initiatives using a combination of approaches (awareness, education, policy and environmental support).
  • To increase the number of effective alcohol and other drug abuse prevention initiatives in key settings (work sites, schools, etc.).
  • To increase the number of people reached by these alcohol and other drug abuse prevention initiatives.
  
  Knowledge:
  • To increase the level of awareness regarding the risks, including the risk of injuries, associated with alcohol and other drug abuse and their consequences.
  • To increase the level of knowledge of low-risk drinking practices.
  • To increase the level of knowledge of appropriate actions to prevent injuries associated with alcohol and other drug abuse.
  
  Behaviour:
  • To reduce the proportion of youth (12 - 19 years old) who consume alcohol at least once a week.
  • To reduce the proportion of adult women and men who consume alcohol at levels that place them at risk for alcohol and other drug-related injuries.
  • To reduce the rate of alcohol-related injuries or deaths.
  • To reduce the proportion of licenced drivers that report driving after consuming at least two drinks in the previous hour.
  • To reduce the proportion of illicit drug use.
  
  Initiatives:
  Initiatives undertaken by local Focus Community Projects are expected to support the provincial goal and objectives of the provincial Focus Community Program. This will be achieved by:
  • ensuring broad-based community involvement;
  • using a comprehensive, population-based approach;
  • using evidence-based interventions (i.e. based on theory, best practices and research);
  • incorporating program monitoring and evaluation.

   

The FOCUS Community Program was developed by the Ministry of Health Long Term Care as part of their Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Programs.

Dedicated funding for the FOCUS Community Program ended March 2010, when the Ministry of Health Promotion (MHP) developed the Healhy Communities approach. More information about the Healthy Communities Fund is available on the MHP website..