Mission Statement:

EGAAD’S Mission is to provide comprehensive, substance abuse prevention services to high-risk youth and families to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Therefore, the vision of the EGAAD Coalition is to create a safe and healthy environment for residents, families, schools, and communities.

The Eloy Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs Coalition serves as the Eloy community prevention planning body and has been in existence for eleven years. EGAAD also provides project oversight and has been successful in leveraging resources inclusive of the State Incentive Grant, OJJDP Drug Free Communities Coalition Grant, Governor’s Division for Children Title V Grant, and the City of Eloy Project Safety Link. EGAAD serves as the umbrella coalition for community prevention initiatives. EGAAD is comprised of representation from the City Council, City Staff, Eloy Police Department, Justice Court, Eloy Elementary School, Santa Cruz Valley Union High School, students, parents, social services, housing, Minis trial Alliance, Pinal County Health Department, Pinal County Sheriff’s Department, Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Pinal Hispanic Council, behavioral health, and local business.

Red Ribbon Campaign: Each year, the Red Ribbon celebration provides the coalition an opportunity to renew our commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle and show our dedication to education and prevention efforts in our schools and communities. The City of Eloy and Local School Districts in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Committee comprised of EGAAD coalition members, developed Proclamations in which October is proclaimed to be Red Ribbon Month. A large Red Ribbon Event is held for the community youth in which youth emcee, various guest speakers are present, prizes for the Red Ribbon poster contest are announced, and various other activities are held to promote a drug-free day. During this event a red ribbon is worn by students, teachers, parents, staff, and all other participants it powerfully symbolizes each individual’s commitment to preventing drug abuse in schools, workplaces, and communities. Not only does Red Ribbon Month focus on the work being done to stop the spread of drugs but it also draws attention to the growing number of youth in our community who have already pledged to live drug-free.

Underage Drinking Initiative:

The community of Eloy, working collaboratively with parents, youth, government entities, and law enforcement, and other stakeholders, will align ourselves to combat the growing challenges of underage drinking, which will ultimately lead to a reduction in underage drinking occurrences.

EGAAD in conjunction with Pinal Hispanic Council compiles data for the City of Eloy regarding Juvenile Crime, Adult Crime, Domestic Violence, Teenage Pregnancy, and Auto Crashes, on a yearly basis. The data is analyzed for the purpose of developing community priorities and initiating programs in response to risk factors.