| Press Release |
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| December 20, 2005 |
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Governor Recognizes Leaders in Three Counties for Helping Oregonians Struggling with Addiction
(Salem, OR) – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski today applauded local leaders who will be recognized by the Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs for exemplary efforts in championing substance abuse prevention and treatment.
“Those honored today are among Oregon’s heroes in fighting the damaging effects of methamphetamine, underage drinking and workplace substance abuse,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Their dedication to our communities and to making Oregon a safe and healthy place to live, play, learn and work is an example for us all and Oregon is a better place to live because of their contributions.”
The Governor’s Council presents awards annually for exemplary service in combating addictions. This year’s awards were presented by the Governor’s Health Policy Advisor on his behalf at a ceremony at the State Capitol in the following categories:
Thomas R. Dargan Award: Don Skundrick, vice president of Medford-based contractor LTM Inc., has been a proponent of drug-free work environments since 1981. For the past 10 years Skundrick has served on and chaired committees promoting drug-free workplaces including his chairmanship of Workdrugfree, a statewide business leaders’ group.
*Dargan, for whom the award is named, was a dedicated humanitarian who served as the council’s first chairman.
Clark Campbell Media Award: Douglas County Communities Aligned to Prevent Substance Abuse works to educate the public about underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The coalition’s work included an anti-drug production, “Truth, Lies and Videotape,” which involved 13 Douglas County high schools along with approximately 600 community members, parents and elected leaders and is being duplicated in other parts of the state.
*Clark, for whom the award is named, was an assistant administrator of state alcohol and drug programs who staffed the Council and was dedicated to improving substance-abuse programs.
Community Achievement Award: Willamette Family Treatment Center in Eugene was honored for its 40-year commitment to serving Lane County families with residential and outpatient programs, a child development center and medical services. The program is known for specialty services for women and children and for maintaining strong affiliations with its community partners.
Youth Community Achievement Award: Laura Coffman, Christine Hayes and Amanda Lyon were recognized for their leadership in substance-abuse prevention through Southern Oregon Drug Awareness (SODA) in Jackson County. Through SODA Teens, their efforts have included educating other teens about the health risks associated with tobacco, alcohol and other drug use, participating in a meth forum with Congressman Greg Walden, and participating in Reward and Reminder visits supporting merchant efforts to keep youth drug-free.
The Governor’s Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs was created in 1985 and is charged with advising policy makers about the need for prevention and treatment services, identifying standards for measuring success, and reporting on addictions’ economic and social impacts.
Media Contact:
Lonn Hoklin, 503-378-6169
Anna Richer Taylor, 503-378-6496
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