The Reflector Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Haukaas is presented with a certificate of appreciation by Prevent Together Battle Ground Prevention Alliance Coalition Coordinator Kathy Deschner.
Alaina Green, coordinator of West Van for Youth Coalition, recognized Clark College Addiction Counseling Education students (A.C.E.s) club for many years of partnership.
Prevention coalitions from around Southwest Washington gathered together at Marshall Center Community Park with elected officials and community members to honor volunteers and partners.
Each of the nine partners from Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties recognized these volunteers and their contributions to community prevention projects with certificates of appreciation.
Recipients
• Recognized by Prevent Coalition: Kathy McNicholas and Madison Langer.
• Recognized by Connect Evergreen: Randy Dewater and Connect Evergreen youth volunteers including Ryan Dewater, Riley Dewater, Oliver Neves, Abigayle DeJesus-Wood, Wyatt, Lindsey.
• Recognized by Central Vancouver: Fort Vancouver High School MEChA and Fort Vancouver High School LULAC.
• Recognized by KLASAC: Kirsten Poole and Joshua Bautista.
• Recognized by La Center United: Kate Soske and Wyatt Manwell.
• Recognized by One Prevention Alliance: Riley Hershberger and Colleen Wahto.
• Recognized by Our Klickitat: Marisa Cieloha and Rita Pinchot.
• Recognized by Prevent Together Battle Ground Prevention Alliance: Battle Ground High School Administrative Team( Principal Charb Gourde, Erick Suksdorf, Scott Yingling and Heather Ichimura) and Jonathan Haukaas, editor in chief of The Reflector newspaper.
• Recognized by UNITE! Washougal: Shayla Rae Tyner and Lisa Bennet.
• Recognized by West Van for Youth: Latte Da Coffee House & Wine Bar and Clark College ACEs Club.
The groups celebrated the impact these area community members have had on prevention efforts in the area. According to Educational Service District 112, local data indicates youth substance use is generally trending downward. Since 2008, alcohol use has decreased by 44%, binge drinking has decreased by 50%, prescription painkiller misuse has decreased by 57% and cigarette smoking among youth had decreased by 62%. Marijuana use has remained stable.
“We really appreciate the hard work and countless hours key coalition partners dedicate to building healthier communities,” Christopher Belisle, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for ESD 112 said in a press release. “We’re excited to gather as one prevention community and collectively honor volunteer and partner contributions.
