Coalition

An environmental scan is a useful assessment method coalitions can use to gather visible information on local conditions surrounding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Coalition leaders, who travel to “hot spots” in the community where underage drinking and/or drug use is reported to be occurring, lead environmental scans. At each location or event, youth and adult volunteers take notes of the types of signage and lighting in the area, take pictures of any drug or alcohol paraphernalia they see and record their observations of activities or behaviors they witness. Environmental scans are conducted under the supervision of staff and/or adult volunteers.