This year's progression of events has trulybeen a rollercoaster ride. This issue of StarLights addresses where we've been within the past year and where we're planning on going in the next few years.

April, 1996. The Minnesota Star of the North Prevention Coalition was cruising along, completing its continuing application for third year funding from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP).

May, 1996. Then came the news that we and all the other 1994 grants would be defunded. We had funds to operate at reduced operations through February of 1997. However, the regions would end their work in December of 1996.

October, 1996. Congress refunded the grants at 50% of the original amount.

December, 1996 New funding began and will run through November of 1997.

At this point, we think there will be funding for years four and five, but not sure at what level of funding. The Steering Committee has approved a workplan for year three.

The Steering Committee decided that in light of funding changes the Coalition should prioritize and emphasize efforts to:

a) build the capacity of local coalitions to take action appropriate to both local and statewide needs;

b) enhance the ability, skills and motivation of coalitions, agencies, and individuals to connect with each other and communicate about prevention issues, strategies, and resources;

c) focus prevention efforts toward changing: alcohol, tobacco and other drug policies, systems and institutions in communities and substance use behavior of individuals toward a common goal of reducing problems related to the use of these substances;

d) celebrate successes and accomplishments of the coalition and its members.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Outcomes for the Star Coalition, please contact Gunta Stegura at the Minnesota Institute of Public Health at 800-247-1303 or 612-427-5310.