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History

Learn more about our efforts to address issues within our community:

Green County Prevention Partnership began as Better Brodhead in 2014 to address a rising concern about local sexual assaults. Partnering with a Rock County coalition, it benefited from a mentoring grant that funded a staff member to help build the coalition’s infrastructure.

During this early phase, data was gathered from community and school surveys and public sources, revealing key issues including underage alcohol and marijuana use, along with prescription drug misuse.

In 2016, the organization received its first Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant, which allowed it to develop strategies aimed at reducing substance misuse within the Brodhead School District. Through media campaigns, local event outreach, school activities for students, and support opportunities for parents, Better Brodhead (now Green County Prevention Partnership) laid the groundwork for sustainable prevention efforts. The DFC grant continued annually through 2021.

By 2019, the coalition was awarded the Sober Truths on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act) grant to address conditions that put LGBTQ+ youth at risk for underage drinking. This marked a turning point, as efforts expanded beyond Brodhead to include all school districts in Green County.

The coalition supported the creation of Gender-Sexuality clubs to give LGBTQ+ youth safe spaces to connect and thrive, while also offering training for professionals and the public to foster broader understanding and acceptance. The grant further enabled the formation of Green County Pride, an advocacy group supporting LGBTQ+ students, and it remained active through 2024.

In 2021, the coalition received its second DFC grant, which continues to be renewed through 2026, maintaining focus on underage alcohol use, marijuana use (including vaping), and prescription drug misuse in the Brodhead School District.

That same year, the coalition was awarded a Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act grant to promote safe use of prescription drugs within the Latino community, using the funding for countywide education. Spanish signage was added to medication drop boxes, educational brochures were translated, and new programming including classes, fairs, and events broadened access to prevention resources. This grant is also renewed annually through 2026.

Support from the Alliance for Wisconsin Youth (AWY) further strengthened the coalition’s capacity through professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and trainings. Beginning in 2020, AWY’s State Opioid Response funding enabled the distribution of medication lock boxes, overdose prevention training, and educational initiatives.

In 2022, a one-year United Way grant supported a program for 7th grade students focused on building relationship skills to prevent bullying and dating violence, offered in partnership with the Sexual Assault Recovery Program of Green County and accompanied by parent education.

In 2023, the coalition received a Mental Health Awareness grant to implement suicide prevention training across Green and Lafayette Counties. With several trainers certified, a range of courses—from online to in-depth options—were deployed, and an annual mental health event provided a forum for community engagement and resource sharing. This grant also continues through 2026.

That same year, the coalition was among 26 coalitions nationwide selected to pilot an opioid misuse prevention strategy, focused on reducing stigma and bias around treatment. The initiative launched a health professional committee, developed training tools, distributed awareness materials, and fostered collaboration among care providers to expand access to treatment.

Most recently, in 2025, the coalition was awarded an additional United Way grant to expand its proven prevention efforts beyond the Brodhead School District. With this support, it extended successful programs into other districts, continuing its mission to promote safer, healthier communities throughout the region.

In 2026, the decision was made to re-name and re-brand Better Brodhead to Green County Prevention Partnership in order to more clearly reflect the coalition’s reach in support of Green County communities.

Timeline of Milestones & Expansion:

  • 2014
    • Formed as a Task Force to address increasing local sexual assaults.
    • Partnered with Rock County coalition and received Mentoring grant to build infrastructure.
    • Data collected from surveys and public sources revealed issues: underage alcohol use, marijuana use, and prescription drug misuse.
  • 2016–2021
    • Awarded first Drug Free Communities (DFC) grant to develop strategies targeting substance misuse in Brodhead School District.
    • Efforts included media outreach, student activities, and parent support opportunities.
  • 2019–2024
    • Received STOP Act grant focused on LGBTQ+ youth and underage drinking.
    • Expanded prevention efforts countywide and launched Gender-Sexuality clubs in schools.
    • Offered public and professional training to increase LGBTQ+ awareness.
    • Supported creation of Green County Pride to advocate for LGBTQ+ students.
  • 2021–2026
    • Secured second DFC grant, continuing to address alcohol, marijuana (including vaping), and prescription drug use.
    • Awarded Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act grant to educate Latino community about prescription drug safety.
    • Initiatives included Spanish-language signage, brochures, and outreach programs.
  • 2020–Ongoing
    • Through State Opioid Response funding from AWY, distributed lock boxes, hosted overdose prevention training, and delivered education programs.
    • AWY also provided training and development opportunities for coalition members.
  • 2022
    • United Way grant supported a 7th grade relationship-building program to prevent bullying and dating violence, offered with Sexual Assault Recovery Program.
    • Included a parent education component.
  • 2023–2026
    • Mental Health Awareness grant awarded for suicide prevention training in Green and Lafayette Counties.
    • Multiple training formats launched; annual mental health awareness event established.
  • 2023
    • Selected as one of 26 coalitions nationwide to pilot an opioid misuse prevention strategy focused on stigma and bias.
    • Health professionals committee formed, materials and awareness campaigns deployed, and provider collaborations initiated.
  • 2025
    • Received additional United Way Grant to expand successful prevention programs from Brodhead School District to other districts.