This is a report using the Communities That Care (CTC) model to combat risky youth behaviors. In rural western Massachusetts, a CRC coalition with members from many sectors of the community has been working for more than a decade to support youth well-being and reduce youth substance use. In that time, youth drinking, cigarette smoking, and marijuana use have declined substantially, as have targeted risk factors underlying problem behaviors.

This report summarizes the experience of the CTC Coalition of Franklin County and the North Quabbin region, providing a replicable example of how a collaboration involving health care and community partners can successfully create measurable, positive changes in community health.