Coalition aims to make community safer

SANDPOINT — For Kari Clark, drug and alcohol abuse isn’t an abstract societal crisis — it’s personal.

It wasn’t long ago that her brother passed away from liver disease related to alcohol addiction. The experience fuels her passion in preventing other individuals and families from suffering the consequences of substance abuse.

“We have other history of substance abuse in my family (as well,) so it is important to me to make sure people are aware of the dangers of substance abuse,” she said.

Clark has the opportunity to do just that with the formation of the Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention. Built upon a partnership with Sandpoint Police Department and Bonner County Justice Services, the coalition aims to develop practical programs, demonstrations and public services to make the community a safer place.

Both Sandpoint Police Chief Corey Coon and Justice Services Director Debbie Stallcup see the coalition as a way to take the offensive against a social cancer that leaves many in thrall.

“When faced with the consequences of abusing drugs and alcohol, people may believe prevention programs are just a scare tactic,” Coon said. “As a coalition, we would like to spread awareness of how even trying drugs can have legal, health, social and financial consequences. The first time you use drugs it is a choice. After that, it may not be.”

The coalition, which is filled out by a variety of local law enforcement officers, religious leaders, business owners and other community figures, cuts its teeth over the next few weeks on two major Bonner County issues: prescription drug abuse and underage drinking.

That focus is evidenced by the coalition’s first major events. Today, members are staging a drug take-back program designed to collect excess prescription drugs and dispose of them safely. Teen drinking will be demonstrated next with a mock teen party detailing the latest trends and behaviors associated with underage drinking.

“From this point forward we will be developing many programs and awareness campaigns,” Clark said.

The organization also seeks to grow its number of supporters and active members. Those with a passion for substance abuse prevention should call Clark at 480-206-5006 or email her at kari.clark@lposd.org.

Thanks to a grant from the Idaho Office of Drug Policy, the coalition should have plenty of time to establish a local presence. The Strategic Prevention Framework Grant provides $100,000 each year for four years.

The grant funding is the reason Clark was able to take the reins as the coalition’s executive director. She brings 10 years of nonprofit and public relations experience with experience in substitute teaching and special education. She’s lived in Sandpoint for just over five years — more than enough time to fall in love with the community and want to make it a better place.

“(Through my work,) I have had the opportunity to get to know many citizens of Bonner County and love this community and those who live here,” Clark said.