Better Together Coalition & Members
Better Together (formerly the Substance Abuse Coalition of Kanabec County, SACK) provides innovative prevention and mental wellness programs that help keep Kanabec County youth strong and resilient for a healthy life free from dependence on illegal drugs and alcohol.
Better Together meetings include representation from our community and from organizations that are also working to build a healthier environment for all people in Kanabec County.
Better Together strives to include the following sectors of our community: Youth, Parents, Businesses, Media, Schools, Youth-Serving Organizations, Law Enforcement, Justice/Corrections, Faith-Based Organizations, Civic and Volunteer Groups, Healthcare, State and Local Government, Other Organizations Involved in Reducing Substance Abuse, and High-Risk Sub-Populations.
Ad hoc committees of coalition members are also formed as needed to work on specific policies, events, or other initiatives.
Meetings
Meetings occur monthly on the first Friday of each month from 9:00am – 10:00am at the Kanabec County Jail Training Room at 100 N Vine Street, Mora, MN 55051. All are welcome to attend. If you would like to be added to the e-mail list for meeting updates and agendas, please reach out to Michelle Crandall at michelle.crandall@kanabeccountymn.org
History
Concerned community members formed the Methamphetamine Task Force in 2002. The Substance Abuse Coalition of Kanabec County was established in 2006 when community members expanded their mission to also prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. Many efforts to educate, change policies, and provide help for those in need have been, and continue to occur, through the work of our local community members.
Today we are the Better Together Coalition of Kanabec County! We promote mental health wellness skills to help keep our youth strong and resilient for a healthy life free from dependence on illegal drugs and alcohol. We strive to promote an environment of success for the youth in our community.
Mission & Vision
Mission
Promote community health through positive choices.
Vision
Building positive community partnerships and improving community health through awareness, education and substance use prevention.
What is Primary Prevention?
Primary prevention means taking action before problems happen. It focuses on building safe, healthy, and connected communities where people have the support they need to make positive choices.
Prevention can include many efforts, such as preventing injuries, violence, suicide, substance misuse, and chronic disease. In substance use prevention, this means reducing the risk of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drug misuse before it starts. This work may include youth and family activities, school and community education, awareness campaigns, safe storage education, mental health supports, retailer education, public safety partnerships, and local policies that help create safer environments.
Primary prevention is woven into everyday community life. It is about supporting individuals, families, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods so everyone has a better chance to be healthy, safe, and well.