During the 1980s, children were taught to 'Just Say No,' but today a local organization is taking substance abuse prevention a few steps forward.

Formed in 2005, the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition is attempting to teach not only children to avoid drugs and alcohol, but it also is reaching out to parents as well.

The coalition has waged a few campaigns some may be familiar with: 'Sticker Shock' involves adults and youth placing '21 Means 21' stickers on alcoholic beverages for sale in stores. The stickers are reminders to adults not to buy alcohol for those younger than 21 years old. The next Sticker Shock is planned for Super Bowl weekend.

Also, town hall meetings have been held on various topics, including why parents should not host parties that allow underage drinking.

The coalition has also participated in the Wheeling Police Department's compliance checks, which involve sending an underage patron to a store to try and buy alcohol.

Since helping the department increase its checks from once to twice a month, coalition director Martha Polinsky said compliance averages 90 percent, with some stores complying 100 percent of the time for a year.

The coalition also helps train elementary school guidance counselors to teach a program called 'Too Good For Drugs' and 'Keep a Clear Mind.'

The coalition primarily is funded via state and federal grants, one of which is funneled through Youth Services System Inc. The coalition's staff members include Polinsky, Julia Charvat, project coordinator, and Heather Markonich, community educator. But it has 30 volunteer members representing all walks of life. It also works with a youth group, We Are the Future.

'YSS is our fiscal agent ... We are considered YSS employees, but our coalition is community operated and driven,' Polinsky said.

Upcoming programs include a 'Parents Promote Prevention' meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bridge Street Middle School, 19 Junior Ave., during which Wheeling police Sgt. Don Miller will talk about prescription drugs. And a prescription drug summit is being planned for March 26.

We Are the Future member Cody Nash, 18, of Wheeling has participated in past Sticker Shock campaigns and public service announcements about not selling to underage youth. He has some advice for his peers about drugs and alcohol: 'Don't let people influence you to do something you don't want to do.'

Nash said his group is planning to create a documentary about prescription drug abuse.

'It's a pretty good group to join for a young kid,' Nash said of We Are the Future. 'You get a chance to make music in the studio, and you also get a chance to go out and help other people.'

The recording studio Nash was referring to is located inside the Lincoln Center, the former YSS headquarters. YSS's offices have relocated to the Hazel-Atlas building.

'It's a chance for kids to learn to contribute to a team effort, and to give to people that don't really have that much,' Nash added.

Nash noted he tries to lead by example.

'Cody is an excellent role model for younger kids,' said YSS aftercare counselor Shane Lantz.

'I try to put on the best example for younger kids I talk to,' Nash said.

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