Unite for youth represents Lincoln County at national leadership forum

Lincoln County Unite for Youth (UFY) Chairman Dave Ginther joined thousands of substance abuse prevention and treatment specialists from across the country in Washington D.C. Feb. 6-9 for CADCA’s (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) 27th National Leadership Forum.

The training provided information, tools, trends and strategies to reduce and prevent youth substance use as well as the opportunity to speak with Montana’s U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester about the consequences of substance abuse in Lincoln County, the underlying risk factors that lead to the abuse and the opportunity to advocate for the resources needed to create a stronger, safer, healthier Montana. “The opportunity to attend the conference will help me not only as UFY’s Coalition Chair, but also in my role as father, Youth Pastor and community member”, says Ginther.

“The Mid-Year is a unique professional development opportunity for anyone trying to prevent and reduce drug abuse, and its related problems, in their community,” General Arthur T. Dean, CADCA’s Chairman and CEO said. “After three days of intensive training, participants return to their communities with new skills and strategies, and a clearer roadmap to create environments where young people can thrive.”

The training event covered a wide range of topics — everything from how to prevent prescription drug abuse to how to create tobacco-free environments, reduce impaired driving and develop policies to reduce marijuana use, heroin use and underage drinking.

“For me”, Ginther said, “the take home message is that for Lincoln County to be a truly Drug Free Community — and a place where youth and families can really thrive – we have to work together. We have to be willing, as a community, to get out of our comfort zone to do what it takes to create true and lasting change. I believe we can make a difference – let’s get to work!”

Unite for Youth is committed to reducing youth substance abuse through collaborative community prevention efforts utilizing evidence-based, community-level strategies.

UFY’s Youth Leadership Team is currently working to host a documentary screening and expert panel discussion about the consequences of prescription drug abuse and what we as a community can do to prevent harm.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Lincoln County Unite for Youth at lincolncountyuniteforyouth@gmail.com.