Clay County's Drug-Free Communities Award Strengthens Local Prevention Efforts

Clay County's commitment to preventing youth substance use has received a significant boost through new federal funding, allowing local leaders to expand programs that promote healthier choices and stronger communities.

In November, nearly 300 adults attended the first Courageous Conversations Night at the Rex Theatre in Clay Center, Kansas. This is one of many activities supported, in part, through the CDC Drug-Free Communities project awarded in September 2023. (Courtesy Photo, KCLY Radio)

The Clay Counts Coalition, a community-wide partnership focused on substance use prevention, was awarded a $125,000 grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Drug-Free Communities Support Program in September 2023. The grant is renewable for up to five years, providing long-term support for prevention initiatives throughout Clay County.

For the coalition, the mission is deeply personal.

"We are focused on kids, but not exclusively kids," said Lori Martin, Community Mobilizer for the Clay Counts Coalition. "The kids today are going to become the adult leaders of tomorrow. This initiative is investing in the future of our communities."

Founded in 2007, the Clay Counts Coalition brings together local organizations, volunteers, schools, and community partners to reduce youth substance use and build healthier futures. The Clay County Health Department serves as the grant's fiscal agent, with Martin serving as program director. Matt Weller was recently hired as grant coordinator to strengthen collaboration with the local school district.

The coalition also received grant writing support from Deb Ohlde, Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives at the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC).

"We had been told that the program was highly competitive and that we would likely not get funded on our first try," Martin said. "We asked Deb not to write the grant completely but to serve as the captain of the team. She did a great job of keeping us on task and schedule. We could have continued to limp along as volunteers, but this funding solidified and amplified our impact in the community. This award has strengthened the structure of the Coalition."

Expanding Community Impact

The Drug-Free Communities grant is helping the coalition expand programming over the next five years, including support for Clay County YLinK (Youth Leaders in Kansas). One recent example was the Community Commitment/Courageous Conversations Night held at the Rex Theatre in Clay Center.

Nearly 300 adults attended the event, demonstrating the community's strong commitment to supporting local youth.

"The turnout tells you the level of interest and involvement in the community," Martin said. "It was impactful."

The evening featured a student-produced video titled "What We Need You to Know," created by YLinK members to encourage meaningful conversations around substance use prevention. Students will continue their advocacy by participating in state-level events throughout the year.

Building on the success of the inaugural event, the coalition plans to host additional Courageous Conversations focused on topics including:

• Alcohol and drug education

• Mental health awareness

• Community prevention strategies

• Building resilience among youth and families

Building Momentum for Prevention

In addition to the CDC award, the coalition has secured funding from the Kansas Suicide Prevention Coalition and Drug Endangered Children in Kansas, further strengthening local prevention efforts.

Martin believes the coalition's work is about more than preventing substance use—it's about creating healthier communities for future generations.

"I recently read a quote that really captures the essence of what we do," Martin said. "'Creating resiliency by addressing the social needs of our communities.'"

Through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and strategic investment, the Clay Counts Coalition continues to create opportunities for Clay County youth to make healthy decisions while building a stronger community for years to come.

Published: March 27, 2024