Otsego's Choice is currently being re-organized.

Underage Drinking has been the focus of increased effort in Otsego County since a taskforce was established in 2002. The taskforce includes many of the key leaders in the community who can not only speak to the problem, but also commit to workable solutions. Members are from such agencies as: Otsego County STOP-DWI, Oneonta Police Department, Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta, City of Oneonta, Otsego County Board of Representative. Also participating are students, parents and other concerned citizens.

Efforts will be enhanced and expanded in 2006 and the following year through a NYS OASAS State Incentive Grant Enhancement (SIG-E) awarded to SUNY College at Oneonta with LEAF as Community Partner and the Business Community represented by the Black Oak Tavern, Inc. The Underage Drinking Task Force – Campus Community Coalition (UDT-CC Coalition), renamed Otsego’s CHOICE 1 (Choosing Healthy Options in Campus/Community Environment) and CHOICE 2 (for youth under 18 yrs.) is developing a strategic plan to include program based, environmental, and systems change strategies to address the issues of both underage consumption and young adult substance abuse.

CHOICE I - LEAF’s primary focus will be working with the sections of the business community that employ 18 to 25 year olds. Services will include:

• social norms media campaigns
• training programs for employers and managers, etc.
• providing alternative activities