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WATERVILLE – Two Waterville-based coalition leaders, Denise Delorie and Lisa Larrabee, were recognized Feb. 6 for completing the National Coalition Academy, a training program designed to increase the effectiveness of community drug prevention leaders.
The Mid-Maine Substance Use Prevention Coalition was one of 160 community coalitions honored during a graduation ceremony at Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s National Leadership Forum, just outside of Washington, D.C.
Approximately 3,000 forum attendees represented coalitions from all regions of the country, government leaders, youth, prevention specialists, addiction treatment professionals, educators, law enforcement professionals, and faith-based leaders.
“We are so proud of our staff members, Denise and Lisa, for graduating from this year-long intensive course,” said Fran Mullin, director of Healthy Northern Kennebec. “Our coalition looks forward to applying innovative strategies to ensure that youth in our community live drug free.”
The coalition has worked with the Waterville Senior High School’s Adverse Childhood Experiences Committee to build a culture of health and resilience for all students, including many who have experienced traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, and substance use at home. Adverse Childhood Experiences can affect people of all backgrounds and are strongly related to the development of a wide range of health problems, including substance misuse.
Sherry Brown, chair of the WSHS English Department ACE Committee said, “Thanks to a grant provided by Healthy Northern Kennebec, Waterville Senior High School Adverse Childhood Experiences Committee members welcomed students back from break on a chilly January morning with hot cocoa and a ‘Welcome Back to School’ sign.” Making students feel welcome and appreciated at school is a positive way to reduce the negative impacts of ACEs. Strong collaboration with community partners in Mid-Maine improves the effectiveness and sustainability of local substance use prevention efforts.
Winta Tedros of the CADCA National Coalition Institute said, “We certainly appreciate the hard work and dedication you put forth for your coalition and in your community.”
Healthy Northern Kennebec’s vision is that everyone thrives in our vibrant, healthy communities. The Mid-Maine Substance Use Prevention Coalition, an initiative of Healthy Northern Kennebec, has a mission to mobilize the community to create a unified effort to reduce substance use among the youth and young adults of Northern Kennebec County.
The mission of CADCA is to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions to create and maintain safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally.
