2008 Year in Review

WC Healthier Communities Partnership Presents Open Forum

The Whiteside County Healthier Communities Partnership will be presenting an open forum on November 12th - Communication and Coping

In the wake of recent tragedies in our community, the Whiteside County Healthier Communities Partnership has decided that we need to be vigilant with our efforts to provide citizens with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our youth. As a partnership with over 40 agencies represented from our community we have identified some staggering statistics that affect everyone. We are facilitating these forums not only as a tool to educate but also as a tool to change the current community environment.

Underage drinking and a rise in over the counter drug use have been identified as significant issues in our community. The recent 2008 Illinois Youth Survey taken by Whiteside County youths had indicated that many kids find it easy to obtain alcohol and feel that drinking is a norm in our community. In addition local law enforcement has indicated that there have been significant increases in violence and crimes related to drug and gang activity. Elevated teen pregnancy rates and increased poverty in our area have also been identified as significant issues. High rates of hopelessness and depression have plagued our youth as well as many adults in this area. By having an open dialogue about these issues, we hope to dispel the myths about these issues and come up with some real solutions.

Many times community members are frustrated and don’t know where to begin. This is where, in your homes with your children. Forty percent of our youth have reported that they have not had a significant or memorable conversation with their parents about some of these key issues. Our community needs to embrace every opportunity it can to empower our youth and come together in a positive way. Parents, educators, and citizens are invited to join local experts in dialogue about “Communication and Coping” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Rock Falls Community Building, 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
November 3, 2008