Webinar on Alcohol Policy

Presented by Maureen, Expert in Alcohol Policy at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Welcome and Introduction

• Presenter: Aaron Ficker, Prevention Manager at Great Lakes PTTC
• Topic: Alcohol Policy and Prevention
• Series: 1 of 3 webinars; funded by SAMHSA
• Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not reflect official positions of HHS or SAMHSA
• Housekeeping:
  • Tech support by Shannon Cassidy
  • Live transcripts available
  • Q&A through chat
  • Surveys and certificates for participants
  • Accurate Zoom names required for certificates

Speaker Introduction

• Maureen: Director of Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project at Medical College of Wisconsin
• Experience: Decades in public health policy and advocacy, co-chair of Wisconsin Public Health Association Public Affairs Committee

Agenda

• Topics: Alcohol policy, public health advocacy, lobbying fundamentals, equity, stakeholder relationships
• Learning Objectives:
  • Alcohol policy in a public health context
  • Initiating, updating, and incorporating equity into policies
  • Identifying key stakeholders and building relationships

Alcohol Policy Overview

• Definition: Regulates alcohol manufacture, sale, consumption, and related problems
• Epidemiology Triangle: Host (ethanol), individual traits, and environment (laws, social norms, etc.)
• Primary Prevention: Focus on comprehensive community impact over individual interventions

Goals of Alcohol Policy

• Negative Consequences: Address through laws like drunk driving and underage drinking
• Risky Consumption: Influence through regulations like closing hours and sting operations
• Risk Factors: Reduce through zoning, tax increases, and enforcement

Sample Alcohol Policies

• Regulating density, increasing taxes, dram shop liability, limiting sales hours, electronic screening, enhanced enforcement

Public Health Advocacy

• Roles of Public Health: Educate, organize, mobilize for systems change; focus on population health
• Importance of Stories: Use data and personal stories to build community support
• Inclusion: Involve community members, different backgrounds, and sectors

Lobbying Fundamentals

• Federal Definition: Communication to influence legislation, policies, regulations, appointments
• Key Points: Specific requests on specific bills to decision-makers qualify as lobbying
• Reporting Requirements: Varies by organization and state law
• Citizen Advocacy: Own time, dime, and equipment; you can communicate with your own legislators
• Best Practices: Clear organizational definition, community empowerment, strategic decision-making

Action Steps for Policy Planning

1. Identify the Problem: Use assessment data and community input
2. Leadership Buy-In: Necessary for long-term success
3. Where to Make Change: Identify the right level (local, state, etc.) and systems for implementation
4. Decision-Makers: Understand who holds formal and informal power

Equity in Policy Development

• Equity Lens: Analyze impact on underserved, marginalized groups, eliminate barriers
• Cultural Humility: Involve communities most impacted, responsive communication
• Engagement: Continuous community involvement, follow-ups post-meetings

Case Studies and Stories

• La Crosse, WI: Community efforts reduced drunk driving incidents
• Public Health Officer Impact: Personal relationships influenced legislative changes

Wrap-Up and Q&A

• Important Notes: Engage a wide range of stakeholders, ensure continuous community and leadership engagement
• Resources: Community guide, What Works for Health, StopAlcoholAbuse.gov, etc.
• Upcoming Events: Effective group facilitation, engaging youth in prevention, advocacy training

Thank you for attending!