NCJ Number
211302
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2005 Pages: 3-11
Date Published
January 2005
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the impact of an alcohol harm reduction and prevention demonstration program after the demonstration phase ended and the local community took over its operation.
Abstract
The Community Mobilization for the Prevention of Alcohol Related Injury (COMPARI) was a demonstration project that operated in the Western Australian regional city of Geraldton from 1992 through 1995. The project was based on a community action approach to alcohol related harm reduction in the area. Upon its completion, the West Australian Government awarded COMPARI a local tender to expand its alcohol and other drug services in conjunction with the regional health service. This study sought to investigate how the intervention initiative was sustained in Geraldton following the demonstration phase of the project and to identify the benefits of the program. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 key informants who included past and present COMPARI employees, committee members, general community members, and health service providers. Interviews focused on alcohol consumption, service delivery issues, and project activity. Quantitative data were also gathered and analyzed, including hospital accident and emergency department information. The analysis indicated that the original prevention focus of COMPARI had taken a back seat to a focus on individual prevention through education and training. However, the community action approach was retained in terms of the community collaborations that contributed to a higher level of treatment referral and a better use of community resources. Quantitative evidence indicates that alcohol consumption in Geraldton has decreased since the inception of COMPARI. Moreover, the legacy of the original COMPARI demonstration project can be seen in the greater community awareness of alcohol issues. Table, figures, references