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MEDIA RELEASE

(insert date of release)

Make a difference – XXX CDAT looking for local help

Do you care about drug and alcohol problems in your community? If you do and want to help make a difference, the XXX Community Drug Action Team wants to hear from you.

Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs) are groups of people who are working together in towns and cities across NSW to prevent harm from drugs and alcohol.

Binge drinking is a major cause of harms in the community – both in terms of health and society. Alcohol is a major factorin domestic and public violence, as well asin road and other accidents.

Long-term heavy drinking is a major risk factor for chronic disease and brain damage, and contributes to family breakdowns and broader social problems.

According to the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey:

•More than one-third (approx. 38%) of people had drank in a way that placed them at risk of an alcohol-related injury; and

•Nearly 14% of people in NSW reported using an illegal drug in the past year.

XXX CDAT Chair name said there are a range of opportunities available to get involved and help prevent alcohol and drug harm.

“Whether you want to become a CDAT member or just have a small amount of time to assist with a one-off event, we’d love to hear from you,” said XXX.

“We’re looking for locals to contribute their skills or to help other CDAT members with things like running local community events throughout the year. If you think you might be able to help out with a short-term event such as a conference, community activity or campaign, we’d love to hear from you.”

“Community Drug Action Teams are run and led by the community, for the community. If more people get involved we can work together to tackle drug and alcohol problems in the XXX district.

To express your interest in getting involved in XXX CDAT please contact XXX on <phone> or <email> or come to <place> on <date> and chat to one of the CDAT members.

For more information or to arrange an interview with the XXX CDAT please contact (insert relevant name and contact details).

The NSW Government’s Community Engagement and Action Program (CEAP) is administered by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation. The program oversees the coordination and operation of Community Drug Action Teams (CDATs). For more information about CDATs and drug and alcohol prevention go to