Substance abuse has become a critical binational health issue. High levels of drug trafficking and conflicting laws and policies have increased availability of alcohol and drugs leading to high rates of substance abuse. The Imperial Valley has become a major corridor for drug smugglers with more than 80 percent of the cocaine coming into California being smuggled through the region.

Binge drinking by youth is also become a major problem. Young people, ranging in age from 12 to their early 20s, travel regularly to Baja California to drink and party. A recent survey indicated that a third of those under age 21 return from Mexico with a blood alcohol level over the legal California limit. Many are arrested in Mexico or at the border for drunk and disorderly behavior, assault and/or vandalism. Alcohol-related car accidents are also a common consequence of heavy drinking.

To help address these problems, the BHI supports and co-coordinates the Imperial-Mexicali Valleys ' Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Binational Committee, which is coordinated by the Imperial County Department of Behavioral Health Services. This effort of 30 organizations from both countries works to combat the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through youth awareness programs and community building. The committee meets monthly to exchange information, plan joint events and coordinate services in the Imperial/Mexicali area.

The BHI also supports the work of local Tijuana and San Diego binational committees and organizations that work in substance abuse prevention. Two substance abuse prevention organizations that we have supported are La Iniciativa Fronteriza Tijuana/San Diego, A.C. and the San Diego Prevention Coalition. Support from the BHI organizational was in the form of strengthening activities, participation in meetings and planning binational conferences. These organizations coordinate their efforts and work binationally to reduce substance abuse in the border region. The BHI has also provided assistance to other individual organizations; CIRAD, A.C. and the Youth Advocacy/Innocent Addicts Program, Inc. (YAIAP). With the BHI's backing, these two organizations have formed a binational partnership to share their experiences and develop strategies for the promotion of a drug court in Tijuana that will help to reduce crime, the illicit use of drugs and long term imprisonment.

For more information contact Enrique Gomez at (011 52 686 ) 582-3110, or egomez@projectconcern.org , and enriquegomez@uabc.mx