Recent pep rallies throughout Columbia County stress drug-free living to children

Students from throughout Columbia County learned the hard realities of drug use at a series of drug-free pep rallies put on recently by Columbia County Public Health, in partnership with the Opioid Response Network.

Participating schools included Vernonia (fifth-12th grades), Clatskanie (seventh-10th grades), Sauvie Island (fifth-seventh grades), St. Helens Middle School (sixth-eighth grades) and Rainier/Hudson Park (fifth-12th grades).

Events took place May 6 through May 10 and featured several community speakers. Students were informed about crucial substance use prevention and education activities.

The rallies, attended by Columbia County Commissioners Margaret Magruder and Kellie Jo Smith, as well as representatives including Columbia Health Services, Youth Era, Vernonia Police Department, Columbia River Fire & Rescue and local coaches and chaplains, focused on three main areas: overdose prevention, vaping/nicotine and cannabis/dabbing.

“It was an honor to be part of the Drug-Free Pep Rallies and see firsthand the positive impact they have on our youth," Smith said in a release. "These events are crucial for educating our students about the dangers of drug use and providing them with the resources they need to make healthy choices.”

She continued, “Columbia County is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote our community’s well-being, and I am grateful to all the organizers and participants who made thee rallies a success.”

Also in attendance were representatives from the St. Helens Police Department, Sauvie Island Fire District and Oregon Health & Science University. Several school administrators, staff, teachers and nurses took part in the presentations.

The county noted, “These rallies were designed to engage students while providing targeted drug education and prevention. It was the objective of the rallies to promote a sense of community among students and to provide them with information regarding local resources.”

Jim Helmen, superintendent for the Vernonia School District, said, “The Vernonia School District extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Columbia County Public Health Department and Jerria Martin (of the Opioid Response Network) for their unwavering support in empowering our students from grades 5-12 to lead drug-free lives.”

County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Jessica Kosydar added, “These rallies represent Columbia County’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its students, providing them with the knowledge and support they need to make positive choices for their futures.”

For information on Columbia County Public Health, visit www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/publichealth .