Karen Douglass, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for One Prevention Alliance Community Coalition, was recently named Member of the Year at the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner.

PAWS Club

A One Prevention Alliance community partner, Anna Henschel from Skyline Health, teaching a lesson on healthy food choices at an elementary school, as part of the coalition’s PAWS Club program.

The event on January 26 at the Skamania Lodge celebrated local businesses’ accomplishments from the past year. The Member of the Year award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the community. Nominees are known for their teamwork, professional conduct, and their continual eagerness to engage in activities that contribute to the betterment of the community.

Douglass is in her third year coordinating events for One Prevention Alliance, a community coalition dedicated to reducing and preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Previously, she spent 32 years as a teacher, principal, and then superintendent for the Stevenson-Carson School District. She thoroughly enjoys engaging with the families she serves, and it’s common to see her at the coalition’s many events.

“Karen is everywhere,” said the person who nominated her for Member of the Year. “She volunteers on her own and participates in almost every local event with the One Prevention Alliance Booth. Karen has an amazing presence on social media, posting regularly/giving lots of shout-outs to other local programs and businesses. She is always quick to respond to questions and makes people feel special.”

Although her win came as no surprise to those who know and work with her, Karen admitted the award was unexpected because she knew about the great work being done by her fellow nominees.

“I guess what it means to me,” Douglass said of her win, “is the business community values what I’m doing and how I’m coordinating One Prevention Alliance. The community business leaders understand and see the value of it.”

National Night Out

A community partner from Windermere passing out medication lock boxes at National Night Out.

While One Prevention Alliance Community Coalition coordinates many programs, Douglass’s proudest accomplishment in 2023 was National Night Out, a national community-building campaign. Two years ago was the first time this event took place in the area, and since then it has grown by leaps and bounds. A true “street fair”, they had to request an extra block in Stevenson due to its popularity last year, and they’ll need even more space this year, allowing Douglass and her team to engage with families in the community and spread their message.

In addition to Douglass’s win, One Prevention Alliance Community Coalition was also nominated for Business of the Year. This award acknowledges businesses that surpass expectations. Nominated businesses actively engage in their communities, volunteer their time, consistently deliver exceptional customer service, and exemplify outstanding business conduct.

One Prevention Alliance Community Coalition serves the Stevenson Carson School District in Skamania and is funded by the Community Prevention Wellness Initiative, a resource managed by the Washington State Health Care Authority/Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. One Prevention Alliance coordinates many prevention programs, both in schools and the community, including evidence-based programs that have been proven to assist families in avoiding the misuse of substances. With so many different programs that community members can participate in, the coalition has grown its volunteer force to over 100 individuals.

“A coalition is a community,” said Douglass. “The more people and partners we have, the more we can do. There’s always a place for volunteers, regardless of what their skills are or what they’d like to do, and we’ll accept them with trumpets and whistles!”

Individuals interested in volunteering with One Prevention Alliance can contact Karen Douglass directly. If you wish to learn more about a prevention coalition in your area, please visit https://www.esd112.org/prevention/community/.