Avalon, Calif., is the only city on the picturesque island of Santa Catalina, about 22 miles across the sea from Los Angeles. Some 3,700 residents and one million tourists each year find paradise here, where flora and fauna are protected and motor vehicles are so restricted that there is a 10-year wait list to bring a car to the small island. As idyllic as this may sound, however, Avalon is not without problems.

"Avalon has attracted tourists for over 100 years," explains LeeAnn Human, a prevention specialist for CHOICES (Citizens Helping Our Island Children End Substance Abuse). "Folks come here for a good time, which equates into a lot of alcohol and drug use. Our youth see this behavior and think it is standard, because of all the adults who model it."

Human said that while Avalon has lower smoking rates than the national average, its rates for alcohol and other drug use (primarily marijuana) are higher than average.

CHOICES is a coalition of organizations, groups and individuals that represents all facets of the island. Since 2002, CHOICES has partnered with Hazelden to educate youth and families about alcohol and other drug use and abuse, increase the availability of addiction treatment and support, and promote sober teen activities. The coalition was made possible through a grant from the Offield Family Foundation.

"When I first visited the island, it was clear that people weren't talking about substance abuse issues," says Marty Harding, Prevention Strategies manager at Hazelden in Center City, Minn. "The kids who weren't using told me so many kids used drugs and alcohol that they--the non-users--tried to be less visible by keeping quiet. Now people aren't afraid to talk about addiction."

Hazelden provides training and consultation to CHOICES members, and Human and others have come to Minnesota for training programs. Addicted teens have come to Minnesota to receive treatment at Hazelden's Center for Youth and Families.

Avalon students in grades 6-8 have been using Project Northland, an evidence-based prevention curriculum that delays, prevents and reduces alcohol use among students. Plans are also underway this year to implement Class Action, another evidence-based prevention curriculum for students in grades 9-12. A variety of educational and informational workshops are also offered to parents, students and community members throughout the year.

Last March, Harding presented the Safe Dates curriculum to six members of the Catalina Women's Forum. The group wanted to implement Safe Dates, which prevents dating abuse, into their mentoring program for high school girls. Forum members were so excited about the program that they requested training for all their members so they can offer Safe Dates to all girls in the school district.

Non-using teens are anything but invisible these days in Avalon. CHOICES' Avalon High School Social Action Team took a public stand by pledging not to drink or use drugs during high school, and it drafted Hospitality Guidelines for businesses that sell alcohol. The guidelines promote responsible drinking and discourage underage drinking. So far 28 of the 39 businesses that sell alcohol have adopted the guidelines.

The changes don't stop there. The Activities Team put on a sober New Years Eve celebration for youth, and an activity called "Free Lunch Fridays" has been successful at decreasing unexcused absences on Fridays.

To encourage parental involvement, CHOICES initiated a "Let's Talk" campaign, by distributing little tins filled with conversation starters for families. Conversation "prompts," such as "What things or people make you happy" or "Name two strengths you have," are available in either an English or Spanish version (40 percent of residents are Latino).

These are just some of the many CHOICES' programs and activities. "There's so much going on, and I'm seeing the impact all across town," said Human. "The community is really committed to providing opportunities for youth and presenting solutions for parents."

"CHOICES is the poster child for community-based prevention," said Harding. "Churches, civic organizations, social services, schools, businesses--everybody--is involved. A small island is perfect for implementing prevention efforts; everyone knows each other and information gets disseminated quickly. All in all, it's a community organizer's dream."

For more information on CHOICES and its activities, visit www.catalinachoices.org.

--Published April 14, 2008