Community event supports substance abuse prevention in Clark County
On March 20, over 500 Clark County citizens, including many families, participated in a 5k Walk/Run and community fair to celebrate and promote healthy living free of the effects of substance abuse. Sponsored by the Community Choices and PREVENT! Coalition organizations, community participation for the first annual event far exceeded expectations.
The 5k route kicked off at Skyridge Middle School, winding through the Lacamas Shores Neighborhood and concluding with a community fair and youth performances. The fair involved 18 community organizations engaging youth and community members in positive activities and connecting them with resources to help them stay healthy. The highlight of the fair was youth performances including: several groups of dancers from Vega Gymnastics/Virtuosity Dance Studio and Dance Fusion; Martial Arts showcases from East West Martial Arts; and a riveting performance from the middle-school age band Changing Tide.
“So often when we are trying to prevent substance abuse, we are focused on the negative consequences. This event was a great opportunity to bring attention to all of the positive work happening in our community and to celebrate youth and families who make our county a wonderful, nutritive place to live” said Sondra Storm, PREVENT! coalition coordinator.
In addition to participating in the walk and fair, numerous youth were involved in planning, and volunteered at the event. “Research shows that youth who know their community places value in them and expects them to make healthy choices are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse.” Storm added. “The more we can show youth that as a community we support them and want them to thrive, the more effective our prevention efforts will be.”
Public Information - March 23, 2010