Board of Health hears aims of Coalition for Youth and Family

DAYTON-The Columbia County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) heard a presentation from the Board of Health on the Coalition for Youth and Family during the meeting February 27. In addition, the BOCC had a discussion with County Prosecutor Dale Slack about meeting about county jail facility safety.

During the Board of Health meeting, Coalition Co-Coordinator Jasmine Helm provided some general information about the Coalition for Youth and Family. It is comprised of various parties including the Sheriff’s Department, the county prosecutor, the schools, the hospital, and others. The goal is to offer community education using different programs to curb substance use and abuse in youth such as Hidden in Plain Sight that aims to increase parental awareness of potential places kids will hide drug paraphernalia.

They also offer parenting classes and a collection for unused prescription drugs for disposal. Grant funding through Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative is awarded through conducting surveys and collecting data.

Recently the coordinators attended a conference along with Sheriff Joe Helm who contributed to say that the conference provided some helpful classes about Fentanyl use and human trafficking. Attending the conference is a requirement to be certified in the coalition.

Following an executive session with County Prosecutor and Sheriff Helm, the Commission told them that he sees three options to address jail safety needs and suggested they form a committee and meet on March 20 to discuss and take steps to move forward.