The Tackling Youth Substance Abuse (TYSA) Initiative is a cross-sector coalition aimed at driving major improvements in youth substance abuse on Staten Island, with the ultimate goals of decreased use of alcohol and prescription drugs and youth making healthy choices overall. The Staten Island Foundation has generously supported this initiative from its inception in early 2011.

TYSA is a dynamic partnership of both private and non-profit organizations; city and state government agencies; philanthropists; parents, teachers and teens, many of who have been working to combat alcohol and drug abuse for years. The TYSA Initiative is different because it focuses all of its member’s efforts into achieving the same goals. Staten Island doctors, pharmacists, law enforcement officials, drug treatment providers, hospitals, educators and youth organizations are all working together to help one another, and the whole community, tackle youth substance abuse.