Since 2006, the Kent County Prevention Coalition (KCPC) has brought together 26 member organizations to reduce public health issues like substance abuse and misuse particularly in youth. These institutions include, among others, the Grand Rapids Housing Commission, Grand Valley State University, Network 180 and the Kent County Health Department. The village-like framework has changed community conditions, norms, systems and policies in landmark ways.
You may have heard about the “Above the Influence - Kent County” project. It was the development of a local movie celebrating the choices Kent County youth make daily to live above the negative influences around them. However, there's more to know:
• They were the recipient of a 5-year Drug-Free Communities grant totaling $625,000 administered by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration.
• The “Above the Influence - Kent County” movie won the 2011 Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) National ‘Best Activity of the Year’ award.
• KCPC Staff and Youth Coalition Members were one of only two coalitions nationally invited to present an “Above the Influence” workshop with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy at the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Conference in Anaheim, CA this July.
• The organization is the first coalition ever to receive the State of Michigan ‘Coalition of the Year Award.' This award is administered by the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Alcohol Use.
That is quite an impressive track record. And, the nonprofit organization continues to move forward with a collaborative approach.
“Engaging an entire village to relieve a local condition is very applicable to the current public health model for addressing underage substance use,” says Coalition Co-Chairperson Shannon Cohen. “The more we move together as collaborators versus competitors, the greater our impact.”
Congratulations to the Kent County Prevention Coalition on their award-winning success.
Do you want to help put the good back in do-gooder? Here’s how…
• View the Above the Influence-Kent County
movie• Attend a monthly general assembly meeting. Email
Shannon Cohen for a schedule
• Attend the upcoming free Family Day event at John Ball Park – Monday, September 19th from 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Free meal and family fun activities for all
• Check out their ArtPrize 2011 project; Above the Influence-Kent County will be hosted by Devos Place
Source: Adam Russo, Seyferth Public Relations; Shannon Cohen, Kent County Prevention Coalition
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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