In response to tragedies and overwhelmingly high rates of underage drinking, the Jones County school districts began a project in the 2004-2005 school year that included community efforts to reduce underage drinking through coalition work. Those efforts, which became the JCSHY Coalition, have contributed to the decrease in underage drinking and youth marijuana use in Jones County. In 2008, the Coalition expanded its focus to include marijuana and other drugs. Education and advocacy for and by youth to officials have aided in polices that protect children and encourage adults to create a healthy environment for youth and the whole community.