HHAPC Updates

At our October HHAPC meeting, the members discussed the implementation plan for 2009, a community-wide campaign to reduce the underage drinking rate in Hermosa.

The HHAPC debated the use of an outside PR firm to help with the implementation of the campaign. Although members would prefer that the campaign be run "en casa," it may be difficult to produce campaign messages and materials without the help of a professional. It was suggested that the HHAPC contact an individual at the Chicago Department of Public Health who worked with the City's anti-smoking campaign. In addition, a member from Metropolitan Family Services volunteered to contact the Illinois Institute of Art to see if students might be available to design materials for the campaign. HHAPC members also signed up to work in various areas of the campaign, such as Materials Distribution, Campaign Presentations, etc.

Currently, we have not had much luck recruiting assistance from city agencies and the university. Therefore, the SPF Coordinator is still entertaining proposals for PR firms that will work directly with the HHAPC and Hermosa youth to develop campaign materials. It is our hope that the materials can be produced over the winter break, and distribution can begin in January. Campaign Presentations, which would include an anti-drinking drama performed by our youth, will hopefully begin in February and March at our local schools and community-based organizations. Those dates will be forthcoming.

We will continue to keep you informed as to the status of the campaign, and how we can use our help. Thank you for all your suggestions and enthusiasm so far!

We hope to see you at our next meeting on December 11th. We will be having a pot-luck holiday celebration and fellowship, and we will reflect on all of the accomplishments we've had in 2008!