Author: admin

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An overdose doesn’t have to end in tragedy, if you’re prepared

by Austin Blakeslee Pharm.D There is an epidemic facing America that has been around long before we ever heard about COVID-19. And unfortunately, it will likely still be around after COVID-19 subsides. The CDC states drug overdose deaths have quadrupled since 1999. Greater than 70% of the drug overdose deaths in 2019 involved an opioid-1. The opioid epidemic facing our country is something that needs to be challenged head on. Fortunately, we now have the ability to be prepared in ways we didn’t before. The tool that Washingtonians can now utilize is called naloxone. In an opioid overdose situation, the […]

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Substance Use: You are not alone

Confidential and effective substance use treatment is available in Skamania County by Ellie McDonald, MSW, SUDPT  There are many misconceptions around the risks associated with substance use. Substance use has been normalized within our society.  Smoking, drinking, and other drug use is often glamorized in movies, television shows, and music. In many cases, substance use is also commonplace among our friends and family. It is important to recognize that substance use does pose risk to your health, wellness, and safety. Experimenting with substances may be viewed as normal but puts you at much higher risk for addiction. Substances that are […]

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5 reasons why you should talk with your child about alcohol

1. The Chance That Children Will Use Alcohol Increases as They Get Older. About 10 percent of 12-year-olds say they have tried alcohol, but by age 15, that number jumps to 50 percent. The sooner you talk to your children about alcohol, the greater chance you have of influencing their decisions about drinking.1 2. Parents Play a Critical Role in Children’s Decisions to Experiment With Alcohol. Studies have shown that parents have a significant influence on young people’s decisions about alcohol consumption,2 especially when parents create supportive and nurturing environments in which their children can make their own decisions.3 In […]

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Developing healthy coping skills

by Maraiah Wenn Esslinger, LMHC, SUDP Have you ever been upset, stressed, tired, or nervous? How did you manage or deal with those feelings? Did you take a break? Did you go for a walk? Did you pet your dog or cat? If you did one of those things, that is called a coping skill. A coping skill is a behavior to help us feel better. In fact, petting an animal, taking a walk, or laughing with friends are all considered healthy coping skills because the act of doing those activities helps your body and your brain release chemicals (neurotransmitters) […]

Karen Douglass

Introducing our new Community Coalition Coordinator for OPA

 In July 2020, One Prevention Alliance (OPA) welcomed our new Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) Coordinator, Karen Douglass. Having served as the Superintendent for the Stevenson Carson School District (SCSD), Karen was already involved with OPA’s efforts and passionate about prevention and intervention efforts throughout our community. As the CPWI Coordinator, Karen is an employee of ESD 112, and is assigned to serve the community of Stevenson-Carson School District (SCSD). What makes Karen such an incredible fit is her familiarity with our community in addition to the network of support she has created during her 30+ years at SCSD, […]