What is a coalition?

A coalition is a formal arrangement for collaboration between groups or sectors of a community, in which each group retains its identity but all agree to work together toward a common goal of building a safe, healthy, and drug-free community.
(CADCA’s National Coalition Institute, 2004)

What is a sector?

The term “sector” is used to describe groups of people from diverse disciplines in the community. To be successful, a coalition should include members from the following disciplines: youth, parents, education, business, government, faith-based, media, law enforcement, substance abuse/mental health providers, youth serving agencies, healthcare, civic/volunteer groups, and any community resident who is interested in making St. Johns County a better place to live.

What services and programs does the coalition provide?

The coalition provides no direct services or programs. The purpose of the coalition is to bring multiple sectors together to develop solutions to the complex problem of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse in the community. The members of the coalition provide the services and deliver the programs and the coalition helps bring these sectors together to figure out the best way to coordinate the needed services. 

Is the Coalition prohibitionist (against drinking alcohol)?

No. PACT supports the safe and legal consumption of alcohol. PACT is focused on the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse in our community.

Why should I get involved with PACT?

PACT is a grassroots effort to bring representatives from all over the county to address substance abuse. By joining PACT, you are given the opportunity to learn what is already being done and offer your input and expertise on the issue.

What does it cost to join?

Nothing. Membership is free.

Who is in charge?

The PACT membership is in charge of PACT. A full-time paid staff member, the coalition coordinator, maintains the daily functions and coordinates the efforts of the members. The Board of Directors and the General Membership are the voting members of the coalition.

How much time is needed to be a member?

The general membership meetings take place on the third Tuesday of every month at 4:00 PM at the St. Augustine Record, unless otherwise noted. The public is welcome at all general membership meetings. There are also several committees which voting members are asked to serve on, and these committees meet at various times throughout the month.

How is PACT funded?

PACT is funded by grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control and Florida State University’s Florida Center for Prevention Research.  EPIC Community Services, Inc. is the fiscal agent for the Coalition.

Is PACT a not-for-profit agency?

The PACT Prevention Coalition (a. k. a. The Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County) is recognized as a 501(c) (3) by the Internal Revenue Service.