Dear Colleagues,

We have heard so many times that no one strategy will, by itself, be the magic bullet to greatly reduce the problems related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse. This issue of Impact! makes that statement again. We are challenged to evaluate what we are doing so that we can improve programs, make sure that they are part of a comprehensive approach, or try other strategies. The newly created Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) described in this issue will assist Minnesota and the ten state region to do just that - apply what the research is showing to be effective. And finally, we need to address the “supply” side of alcohol through changing public policy if we are going to be comprehensive and effective.

Reducing underage youth access to alcohol is the focus of the Minnesota Join Together Coalition, which is introduced and welcomed in this issue as an integral, ongoing part of this newsletter. Welcome aboard!