The Lake Mills Task Force Against Substance Abuse is an active organization working to make sure the youth in their area are staying safe and not using alcohol or drugs.

The “Got a minute?” campaign uses billboards and table tent signs at local businesses to encourage parents to talk to their children about different topics.

“They tell you what to be aware of and how to help your kids,” program director Shanna Eastvold said.

The task force is going on its third year after receiving the Drug-Free Community Grant. The grant is school-district based and Eastvold works closely with all age groups in Lake Mills schools to teach them about substance abuse.

“Our ultimate vision is to create a healthier community,” Eastvold said.

Eastvold meets with a focus group of sixth- to eighth-graders and their group is called Drug Busters. She tries to make their lessons fun by using games and having guests like local law enforcement come talk to the group.

Another group she works with is Team Caution. It’s a group of high schoolers who vow to be substance free. They also do their own research and make presentations on what they see their peers experiencing.

The third group Eastvold works with is YIELD which is Youth Investing Energy in Leadership Development. This group collaborates with area businesses to learn leadership skills.

Eastvold has a lot of events planned for this summer and is going to try to be at every parade in Winnebago County. She also will have a table set up at the July Jubilee in Lake Mills as well as other area community days festivals.

“We want to get our youth involved in every way we can,” Eastvold said.

She said she also works closely with law enforcement, businesses, city councilors and other administrators. Last November Winnebago County passed a social host ordinance that made it illegal for adults to have minors drinking alcohol on their property. At the same time a minor consumption ordinance was passed for the first time. Previously it was illegal to possess or buy alcohol for minors, but this new ordinance also made it illegal for minors to be drunk.

“It helps adults say no to kids and stand up to that pressure,” Eastvold said.

The next monthly meeting for their Coalition group is Thursday, May 27, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Task Force Center at 101 S. Mill St. in Lake Mills. Anyone can participate who has a passion for youth and stopping substance abuse. The group brings bag lunches and talks about upcoming activities. Eastvold said anyone is welcome to come and learn about how to help the task force.

“We want the community to thrive and keep our youth substance free,” Eastvold said.