Right now, we are working on marijuana prevention through education on legalization and changes that are happening with the marijuana industry and products.  Our main priority during this year is to educate community leaders on proactive steps they can take to protect their communities in preparation for possible legalization.  As part of our strategies, we are working with mental health professionals and organizations to educate on the connection between mental health and substance use.  Along with getting the word out to our communities on resources available to them and lessening the stigma that surrounds mental health, especially in smaller communities.

Adverse Childhood Experiences have also been an important focus within professional circles.  In the past years we have worked to bring trainings on ACEs to schools, law enforcements and others that work with youth.  This year we have been working to take the information of ACEs and present it in ways that connect with the whole community by addressing the impact of toxic stress.  Currently, we are preparing for a community event to address the impact social media is having on our youth which has been developed working with counselors in our school district. 

As a Coalition we believe that addressing wellness issues "upstream" will influence substance use within our county.  It has allowed our transition from being seen with the negative message of not doing drugs to a positive message of what is possible when we intentionally live out a life of wellness.  This is all summed up with our #1 Core Value as a Coalition...You Matter!

(Thanks, David Condry, for telling us about the great work your coalition is doing in Benton County!)