RED BUD – A local drug prevention advocate has been named one of two national prevention advocates of the year by the organization known as CADCA which is Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America at its annual National Leadership Forum in Washington DC.
Dennis Trask serves as a staff member for Healthy Communities Alliance, (HCA).
Left to right, Sue Thau Public Policy Consultant CADCA, Dennis Trask, Youth Prevention Coordinator HCA and ComWell, and Major General Barrye L. Price, PhD, U.S. Army Retired, President and CEO CADCA
HCA is a local community coalition working in Randolph and Washington Counties to prevent drug misuse, promote recovery and provide support to people in need.
ComWell is the fiscal agent for HCA where Dennis serves as a Youth Prevention Coordinator.
This award recognizes substance misuse prevention leaders who are exceptional advocates for the field, forging relationships and educating their elected officials throughout the year about key substance use and misuse-related issues and helping to ensure that Members of Congress understand the importance of community coalitions.
In 2021, HCA was recognized as a Blue-Ribbon coalition by CADCA for successfully reducing rates of teen alcohol use in Randolph and Washington Counties.
Dennis was honored with the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health Prevention Leadership Award that same year.
Regarding the award Dennis said that, “Every HCA volunteer and ComWell staff member creates stories of success making a difference in lives. I am blessed to get to share stories about our great work together.
For some related history, Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19th century French historian, toured our young nation in 1831. His book Democracy in America is a must read for perspective about our nation in its early years. In his words, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” Community coalitions lead the way in repairing the faults that contribute to drug misuse. Healthy Communities Alliance is a great local example.”
A key upcoming coalition event is Drug Endangered Children (DEC) training. This free training is one of a series engaging the community in efforts to identify and serve children and their families impacted by substance misuse. Many different people are needed to address this issue.
First responders, law enforcement, educators, health care, governmental officials and other concerned people are coming together to work on this issue locally.
In partnership with Sparta Community Hospital, an in-person DEC training will be provided on Thursday evening, February 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at One Broadway Plaza in Sparta. Light refreshments will be provided.
To register and for more information please contact Dennis at dtrask@comwell.us or (618)954-0552.