Wellness center hires Ketchikan teens to help promote drug-free lifestyle

A Ketchikan assemblyman is proposing the borough issue vouchers to allow students to choose private or public school. (Photo from KRBD)
Ketchikan Wellness Coalition will hire high school students to promote drug-free activities and serve as peer counselors. (Photo from KRBD)

A new substance-abuse program will be implemented at Ketchikan High School this year.

The Ketchikan Wellness Coalition, or KWC, received funding through the federal Drug-Free Communities grant program to hire high school students as peer counselors and leaders. The students work with staff to develop programs and activities promoting a drug-free life and supportive relationships.

Incoming senior Rachel Winburn said promoting a drug-free life will always be included in program activities, but an upcoming session will focus on identifying adult mentors.

“This upcoming one is more along the lines of helping these kids move forward successfully in their lives by having different ties with different people that they can rely back on, not just their parents,” she said. “Family members, coaches, teachers, other people that they can rely on.”

KWC executive director Kevin Gadsey said studies show having a web of support of at least five adults is important for keeping students drug-free, and teen mentors are key in developing effective communication.

“In the office, I think we’re all 40 or older. We don’t know the ways,” he said. “Rachel has already educated us on Snapchat and some of the other snap-related marketing abilities.”

Specifics for the program still are under development, according to Gadsey. He hopes much of the messaging will be created by the student workers, with KWC staff providing support and direction.

A part of the grant requires putting together an activity group of teen leaders. Gadsey said the vision is a counsel of councils.

Vince Tenebo, a junior and another student hired for the program, stays active in sports. He hopes to attract sports groups, and others, into the program to join the council.

“It’s going to create ties and that’s going to lead to connection where we really can control each other,” Tenebo said. “Get away from drugs and really move forward in high school without using drugs or alcohol while having fun.”

Gadsey says this the second year of a 10-year grant, and KWC hopes to continue the in-school program in future years.

KRBD - Ketchikan

KRBD is our partner station in Ketchikan. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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