MEDICAL LAKE – The City of Medical Lake has received a grant from the Department of Health’s Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program worth approximately $108,000.
According to city administrator Sonny Weathers, the grant focuses on the prevention of tobacco and cannabis use among young people aged 12 to 20, and it is poised to make a substantial impact on public health.
Concern over underage substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs is what spurred this initiative Weathers explained.
The grant spans a period of two years, during which specific prevention strategies will be implemented, and aims to bolster efforts to improve community health.
To achieve this, the city plans to partner with key stakeholders, including the Medical Lake School District and the West Plains Safety Alliance.
One of its key components is the allocation of funding to hire a part-time coalition coordinator, who will spearhead prevention and outreach initiatives in Medical Lake by forming a coalition consisting of community leaders.
According to Weathers the city is taking inspiration from the successful efforts of the TALK 2 Healthy Choices Coalition in neighboring Cheney and Airway Heights, the City of Medical Lake aims to establish prevention programs with a community-focused approach.
A significant portion of the grant funding will be directed towards hiring a part-time coalition coordinator. This coordinator will play a pivotal role in uniting community leaders in Medical Lake and coordinating efforts to curb youth substance abuse.
“Additionally, efforts will be made to provide opportunities for Medical Lake youth to participate in the Airway Heights Police Adventure League,” Weathers said via email. “This program offers various outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, paddleboarding, and more during the summer.”
Starting this fall and extending through June of 2025, the grant will fuel a range of educational and preventative activities targeted at young people.
These initiatives are aimed at not only curbing substance use but also fostering a healthier, more promising future for the community.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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