(December 1, 2010 – Columbus, OH) The Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS), presented its annual Exemplary Prevention Awards last week during the 22nd Ohio Prevention and Education Conference (OPEC), the largest alcohol and other drug prevention workforce development event of its kind in the state. The awards are given to providers and individuals who represent Ohio’s best prevention programming, advocacy and leadership.
“Prevention is a proactive multifaceted, multi-community sector process involving a continuum of culturally appropriate services which empowers individuals, families and communities to meet the challenges of life events,” ODADAS Director Angela C. Dawson explained. “This year’s recipients have distinguished themselves as pioneers in our field, navigating the rugged grassroots path in pursuit of our collective vision— an addiction-free Ohio that promotes health, safety, and economic opportunity.”
This year’s award winners are:
Exemplary Prevention Program Award: Health Recovery Services, Youth Leadership Academy (Athens County)
The Southeastern Ohio Teen Institute Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) was originated in the early 1980s by Health Recovery Services staff members who were deeply committed to the ideals of involving young people in alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention efforts. Modeled after the Ohio Teen Institute, YLA provides training and education for Ohio youth, empowering them to develop the skills to make drug-free, healthy lifestyle choices, become resilient adults, and to positively impact their communities.
Health Recovery Services, Inc., is a private non-profit treatment and prevention provider, committed to serving those affected with mental illness and addiction since it’s inception in 1975.
Innovator of the Year: Reginald Robinson, Certified Prevention Specialist II, Health Recovery Services (Athens County)
For 26 years Robinson’s leadership in the alcohol and other drug prevention field has fostered the highest quality prevention services delivery among professionals in this field across the state.
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Exemplary Awards, page 2
He has been actively involved in Ohio Teen Institute, in both planning and volunteer capacities, and on the Board for the Ohio Problem Gambling Network, providing outreach and prevention expertise for this underserved client population.
Robinson, a past recipient of the Enrique Camarena Award for Prevention Professionals, and the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, trains certified prevention specialists across the state in programming such as Communities That Care, Creating Lasting Family Connections, Drug Free Workplace, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Get Real About Violence, I-Safe, the Ohio Violence Prevention Process, Partnerships for Success, the Rensselaerville Outcomes Framework, Strengthening Families and the Tobacco Awareness Program, among others.
ODADAS also recognized State Sen. Ray Miller (D-Columbus) for his advocacy and outstanding leadership on alcohol and other drug addiction prevention, treatment and recovery support issues. Sen. Miller, who leaves the Ohio Legislature at the end of this year as a result of term limits, is widely considered to be the “father” of ODADAS. He co-sponsored House Bill 317, which led to the creation of the cabinet-level agency in 1989. Sen. Miller has authored a number of landmark bills that helped to shape Ohio’s behavioral health care system and has championed numerous other health care-related measures throughout his distinguished career.
Media Contact: ODADAS Communications Chief Amanda Conn Starner 614-644-8456, connstarner@ada.ohio.gov
NOTE TO EDITORS: High resolution photos available by request.
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