Colfax schools receive funds to fight drug use

COLFAX - The Colfax School District is designated to receive $90,000 to combat drug and alcohol use by kids.

The money is from the Washington Health Care Authority's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR). It's designated to be used for training, technical assistance, and school-based prevention services, according to Brittany Campbell, director of Student Support Services for Northeast Washington Educational Service District 101.

Colfax is one of 100 communities statewide participating in DBHR's Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative. It supports new or existing coalitions in partnering with parents, youth, educators, health professionals, law enforcement, faith leaders, and local government.

Coalitions are to identify the highest prevention needs, plan and implement evidence-based strategies, leverage local resources, and evaluate the impact of selected programs.

"Extending these resources to local communities means greater reductions in risky behavior including substance abuse and the harm it causes to people and their families," said Michael Langer, acting assistant director of the DBHR. "Community leaders can use this grant to help young people make healthy choices and succeed."

The goals of the initiative are to reduce underage use of alcohol and marijuana, improve academic performance, and reduce juvenile crime.

"A number of factors were considered in selecting Colfax for services," said Campbell. "These included the increase of at-risk youth, vaping, mental health and suicide risks for Colfax students and families, much of which has been amplified by COVID-19."