Note: The following was provided by Polk Against Drugs for publication on Polk.Today – KtE

Georgia Prevention Project and Polk Against Drugs Coalition named Vann Blankenship to lead the CDC Drug-Free Communities prevention project in Polk County in late November. The DFC grant is a 5 year, $1.8 million dollar project, focusing on prevention program implementation for our youth in middle in high schools while working to strengthen the community with education, partnerships, and building a stronger Polk Against Drugs coalition.

The Georgia Prevention Project (GPP) first partnered alongside Polk Against Drugs (PAD) when both groups focused primarily on reducing meth use in Georgia. As the Georgia Meth Project, the organization trained local leaders as certified community trainers – with individuals in PAD becoming GMP trainers.

GPP evolved from the Georgia Meth Project, riding the momentum of the successful “Not Even Once” meth prevention campaign, expanding their focus to general substance misuse prevention in 2014.

“Polk Against Drugs is a strong coalition that has been serving the county for many years. Even while relying solely on volunteer support, and no official staff, the coalition has successfully planned and implemented prevention activities to create a healthier community.” GPP Executive Director states.

The DFC grant places strong emphasis on this goal: strengthening collaboration among community stakeholders to address youth substance use. By strengthening the existing coalition, and dedicating staff and resources to the cause, the general community will see benefits too. As the coalition grows, and local individuals have more opportunities to be involved and invested, the community will see a healthier community where youth and adults can thrive.

The role of GPP in partnership with Polk Against Drugs is to utilize their prevention expertise and statewide reach to strengthen local efforts in Polk County. Kaitlin Merchen, MSW, Certified Preventionist and Executive Director of GPP, partnered with Family Connection Executive Director, Rhonda Heuer to write the DFC grant because of her strong belief in the good work already happening locally in Polk.

GPP will oversee the program and serve as a guide for best practices that can strengthen the plans Polk Against Drugs implements. GPP has a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships with national and community-based organizations to create awareness campaigns and educational programming focused on prevention and positive youth development.

GPP is proud to introduce Vann Blankenship as Program Coordinator for the DFC grant. Blankenship, a 2008 Graduate of Haralson County High School and 25 year resident of the area, has been working in the substance use and recovery field since 2017, after experiencing his own challenges of substance use and mental health.

Since joining the field, Vann has managed, restructured, and developed several grant-funded programs within Polk County.

“He brings valuable insight into our work, both from a personal and professional perspective. Vann’s passion and dedication to the community is palpable and his knowledge of Polk County and the strong relationships he possesses place him as the ideal person to lead prevention efforts. We are thrilled to work alongside Vann and appreciate his leadership in further strengthening the Polk Against Drugs coalition.” said Merchen.

The Polk Against Drugs coalition will reinstate regular monthly coalition and board meetings at the beginning of 2022 with Vann’s leadership and guidance.

“I am very excited to begin a new era with our Polk Against Drugs Coalition! I so much appreciate all of the hard work of so many partners over the past 10+ years and all that’s already been accomplished. With our new funded position of a Program Coordinator, Vann Blankenship, and his extensive expertise and background, we envision stronger partnerships and increased collaboration across this community over the next 5 years. We already have a group of engaged partners who are passionate about the drug issues in Polk County. They will continue to work with Vann to seek solutions to help prevent substance misuse with our youth and help to educate our community on its detrimental effects. We are so grateful to the Georgia Prevention Project and Kaitlin Merchen for bringing this opportunity to Polk County,“ reports Rhonda Heuer, Executive Director of Polk Family Connection.

If you have any questions or want to join the coalition please reachout out through the Polk Against Drugs Facebook page or you can email vblankenship@georgiapreventionproject.org.