Central Vancouver joins other successful community prevention coalitions in West Vancouver, Washougal, Skamania County and Klickitat Counties
VANCOUVER — The community is invited to attend the opening celebration of Vancouver’s newest youth substance prevention coalition on Wed., Dec. 19, from 4-6 p.m., at Educational Service District 112, 2500 NE 65th Ave. in Vancouver.
The Central Vancouver Coalition, funded through a Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) grant, is designed to help communities prevent adolescent substance use and will primarily service the area surrounding Fort Vancouver High School.
Central Vancouver joins other successful community prevention coalitions in West Vancouver, Washougal, Skamania County and Klickitat Counties. According to a comparison of biannual Washington State Healthy Youth Survey data, 90 percent of the communities that have these coalitions saw a reduction in youth alcohol use.
The kick-off event includes:
- A community mapping activity to discuss area needs and locate sources of strength and protection in the central Vancouver community.
- A Town Hall where participants can share their concerns and learn more about how to support youth substance abuse prevention efforts as well as and the resources available to help.
“This event is about understanding community needs and identifying how the coalition can best help to prevent youth substance abuse,” said Leanne Reid, Regional Prevention Project coordinator. “Together we can help youth make healthy and informed choices that lead to productive futures.”
The new Central Vancouver Coalition grant provides funding for a community-based coalition coordinator and a student assistance professional who will work in central Vancouver schools and neighborhoods.
