The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON -- Dayton Washington has received $31,575.00 to reduce youth alcohol and other drug use, and create a healthier and safer community environment. The support includes funding for training, technical assistance, and com­munity and school-based prevention services.

Dayton is one of 35 communities statewide currently par­ticipating in a Prevention Redesign Initiative (PRI), funded by the state Department of Social and Health Services' Di­vision of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR). PRI supports new or existing coalitions in partnering with parents, youth, educators, health professionals, law enforcement, faith leaders, and local government. Coalitions will identify their highest prevention needs, plan and implement evidence- based strategies, leverage local resources and evaluate the impact of selected programs.

PRI will focus a larger amount of leveraged resources in targeted communities over several years, with the primary goals of reducing underage drinking among 8th and 10th graders, improving academic performance, and reducing juvenile crime.

"A number of factors were considered in selecting Dayton for services", said Rea Culwell Columbia County prosecutor and current president of the Coalition for Youth and Fami­lies. "These included a high rate of Alcohol and marijuana use among Dayton's youth. According to the Healthy Youth Survey taken by the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in 2010, there is a Low perceived risk of harm and it is easy to obtain. The Coalition has been successful in bringing key leaders together to address the problems Dayton faces in keeping our youth healthy and safe. These factors show that Dayton is ready to benefit from prevention services.

The Coalition for Youth and Families was organized in the fall of 2009, and encourages community members to join the coalition to help plan and support programs.

"Our goal in redesigning and targeting our state preven­tion services is to leverage enough resources in high-need communities to achieve greater reductions in substance abuse and the harm it causes," said Chris Imhoff, DBHR's Direc­tor. "Community leaders are prepared to use these resources to help young people make healthy choices and succeed," added Imhoff.

DBHR plans to expand PRI funding in the next two years to provide prevention services to 50 high need communities in Washington State.

State and county data from the 2010 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey is available at www.AskHYS.net. In­formation and tips for parents for preventing underage drink­ing can be found at www.StartTalkingNow.org.

For information about joining the Coalition for Youth and Families, contact Laura Tolman the Prevention Coordinator at Blue Mountain Counseling by calling 509-382-1164 or email laura.tolman@bluemtncounseling.org.