Press Release

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May 22, 2006

Individuals and groups working to combat drugs and alcohol were recognized recently for exceptional work in their communities.

The 10th annual People Who Make a Difference awards were presented at a Board of Supervisors meeting on May 16. The campaign was sponsored by the Alcohol and Other Drugs Advisory Board of Contra Costa County.

"This event provided a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work that people and organizations in the community are doing to help make our communities safe from drugs and alcohol," said board member Harold Parsley.

The Non-Volunteer Group award was presented to the Early Intervention Outreach Specialists. Volunteer Group awards were presented to San Ramon Valley Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA), the Antioch High School Friday Night Live Group and Victory Outreach in Pittsburg.

"These groups have been a vital contributing force in reducing substance abuse in our communities - each one in a unique way," said Tom Aswad, Chair of the Board.

Lauren Healey received the Youth Leadership award for organizing the "Every 15 Minutes" program at Campolinda High School. Ellen Peterson, founder of the Acalanes Attendance Area Drug/Alchool Coalition, received the Individual Special Award. For her efforts in Walnut Creek, Moraga, Orinda and Lafayette, Anne Grand Lund received a Volunteer Individual award.

Non-volunteer awards were presented to Contra Costa County Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator Kevin Charles, Corporal Tim Corona of Bay Point and West Contra Costa Unitized School District's Claudia Nelson Kalmin.

"All these individuals have been a tremendous help in providing youth with treatment referrals, intervention, or education. We truly appreciate their contribution and need more people like them to help us with this challenge," said Harold Parsley.

Ten certificates of Merit were also presented. Winners' names and descriptions of their contributions are available online at cchealth.org.

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