Coalition for Youth and Families plans several key events

DAYTON–The Coalition for Youth and Families reviewed upcoming events and discussed preliminary results of recent community surveys at their regular meeting January 9.

The coalition have several events over the next several months which are in the planning stage. The Key Leader event is scheduled for February; Guiding Good Choices Parent Workshop which is in coordination with the Pomeroy Coalition, date not specified; Drug Take Back Day April 27; and Hidden in Plain Sight May 15.

The unofficial results of the community survey asked parents various questions how they perceive the problem of drugs, alcohol, and bullying among local youth. The Coalition will condense all information into a single sheet of data which will be used to focus their efforts on specific community's needs.

The coalition's focus is to increase community awareness of youth substance abuse and mental health.

Kristen Thorstenson has recently taken the position of coordinator for the Coalition for Youth and Families, an organization occupied by members from Public Health, the Port of Columbia, Sheriff's Office, School District, and the Kiwanis Club. They receive grant funding to help provide classes, seminars, and events to the public to promote their mission.

For those needing help with insurance and basic food, Public Health can help sign families up. If you are already on Medicaid, Apple Health, or Molina insurance, be sure to utilize the Medicaid dental clinic located in the regular clinic.