News & Updates

Project Prevention Champions Honored

What do you call someone who has helped provide support for a healthier life in our community by reducing risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse, supporting recovery and building assets for our youth and other community members? 

The Rice County Chemical Health Coalition calls them Project Prevention Champions.  The Coalition will be honoring six individuals and one organization that have made significant contributions to the prevention, treatment and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse for residents in Rice County.

The 2011 Project Prevention Champions were nominated by their peers and chosen by a committee of individuals with close ties to local prevention efforts.  The award recipients include the following:

Paul Beaumaster, the Rice County Attorney, was nominated by a Faribault parent who appreciates his genuine desire to see our kids grow up strong and healthy.  Paul’s column in the Faribault Daily News sends a strong message about his commitment to creating an environment for youth to develop in a strong and healthy way.  In the courtroom and in the community, Paul’s commitment to substance abuse prevention is clear and firm.

Donna Crowl is a Faribault community member who is committed to providing access to activities for area youth.  She was instrumental in the development of the aquatic center, and since that time, has been active in securing scholarships for families to participate in summer activities.

Tom Graupmann, the Activities Director of Northfield High School, was nominated by local parents for his enthusiastic support of the “Pure Performance: Life of an Athlete Program,” its implementation in Northfield and his advocacy for the program throughout the state.

Ed Hoisington was nominated for his leadership with Double Impact.  Since 1996, Double Impact has been organizing mock crashes, speakers and other activities designed to help youth make positive choices.  Ed has worked with local youth and adults to provide safety related events for High School students throughout the community. 

Rhonda Mulder of District One Hospital was nominated for her work with smoking cessation classes and with the Coalition’s Provider Team to offer educational sessions for hospital staff.  In addition, she assisted in credentialing alcohol and drug counselors who serve patients at District One Hospital through providing consults, assessments and referrals.

Martha Schultz, Youth Development Coordinator at Faribault Schools, was nominated for her work “24 hours per day, 7 days per week” with youth. Among other duties, Martha works with the STOPS program supporting peer driven prevention efforts.  The STOPS group shares in this recognition.  STOPS is a student-run organization at Faribault High School, open to interested students grades 9-12. Members sign contracts pledging to be free of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. They complete 55 hours of community service each year and support activities such as the 5th Grade Lock In, the Black Light Dance, Chemical Health Week, the Dance Your Heart Dance Marathon, the Halloween Costume Contest, Seat Belt Challenge, and many more!

The Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use was nominated as a group of volunteer citizens who have developed a coherent action plan that focuses on prevention, strengthening community resources, enforcement and education.  The individuals on the task force being honored include Curt Benson, Katherine Cooper, Patty Gallivan, Judi Harper-Malecha, Paul Hart Ruthenbeck, Joan Janusz, Jackie McBeain, Kristine Matson, Mark Mohlke, Mary F. Nelson, Susan Sanderson and Kris Vohs.

For more information regarding the project prevention awards or other resources offered through the Rice County Chemical Health Coalition, please visit www.ricecountychc.com.

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