Health Promotion & WEllness Coalition
About Us
Health Promotion & WEllnessCoalition
Health Promotion
& Wellness Coalition
Our Mission is to prevent substance abuse, enhance wellness and educate the community by raising awareness through partnerships and health promotional activities.
Our Vision is to build a safe, healthy and drug-free community for residents of Alachua County.
Team Members
Program Director
LaShay Johnson, is the Project Director for The Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition. She has served in the field of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Community Education, for over 10 years. Previously, LaShay served on the HPW Board of Directors in the capacity of Secretary for 3 years. LaShay brings a wealth of community relationships, innovative ideas and passion beyond measure.
Program Coordinator
Amy Patrick first became involved with the Coalition as an intern during her years as a student at the University of Florida and was later brought on as a staff member in 2018. Amy currently serves in the position of Program Coordinator and enjoys interacting with community members and volunteers, hosting local events such as the annual 5K Color Run, and developing new programs or activities to address substance use.
Program Director
My name is LaShay Johnson, the new Project Director for The Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition. I have been in the field of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Community Education, for over 10 years. I served on the HPW Board of Directors in the capacity of Secretary for 3 years. I am excited to continue to serve in this new role.
Program Coordinator
My name is Amy and I first became involved with the Coalition as an intern in January of 2017, but have since assumed the position of Program Coordinator and graduated with a Masters of Public Health from the University of Florida. Some of the most fulfilling aspects of our work includes connecting with youth and parents, creating large-scale community events such as our annual 5K Color Run, and continuing to adjust our programs to meet the needs of current substance use trends.
Community Event Coordinator
Jasmine Moore joins the HPW team after serving Alachua County Schools for over 6 years. Jasmine’s degree in Early Childhood Education is an asset to the community and Alachua County youth. Jasmine has two published books“Raziya Saves the Day, No More Bullies” and “Raziya Saves the Day, Understanding Differences”. She has toured different states and spoken at many events about the effects of bullying. Finding a way to connect more with her community, she has recently taken an event coordinator position with the HPW Coalition. Helping to take drugs and substance abuse out of the community. Her beliefs are “you have to be the change you want to see.”
Board Members
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
HPW compiles an annual report that covers its largest events, programs offered, successes throughout the year, and the Coalition’s goals for next year. The report also recognizes the vital assistance of the Board of Directors, interns, volunteers, and community partners. Read the Annual Report learn more about HPW’s work in the community!
HPW Coalition
As a Drug-Free Coalition, HPW works closely with the twelve sectors for Drug Free Communities. Partners include parents from the Alachua County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (ACCPTA), law enforcement at Gainesville Police Department and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, students from the University of Florida, members of the Youth Coalition, and other substance use agencies such as the Hanley Foundation.
HPW’s work in the community would not be possible without the support and assistance of local agencies so we would like to thank all of our partners and volunteers for their diligent work in preventing substance use.
CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a sponsor for the HPW Coalition. They are vital partners in the mission to prevent substance use and improve overall wellness for residents in Alachua County.
University of
As one of HPW’s largest partnerships, the University of Florida hosts internships each semester with students from educational programs such as the Health Disparities in Society Minor and the Bachelor of Public Health. Interns are vital to HPW’s mission to develop new projects, participate in events such as Friday Night Done Right, and provide new ideas to reach youth.
Youth
Youth Coalition
At HPW, students are vital to the mission to prevent substance use in the community. Members of the youth coalition provide input and suggestions for programs, volunteer at events, and help educate their peers about substance use.
“We need to be able to be at the table when decisions are being made, I love being able to voice my opinion in the youth coalition” – Kacie S.
To build a safe, healthy and drug-free community for residents of Alachua County.
©Copyright 2022 Alachua County Health Promotion and Wellness Coalition. All Rights Reserved
DEA Drug Take Back Days provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous method of disposing of unwanted, expired or unused prescription drugs. These events are coordinated with law enforcement agencies such as the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office with a deputy present at each drop site. Take Back Days occur each April and October with multiple sites across Alachua County.
Designed as an educational campaign, HPW places stickers with information that might not be well known or could be “shocking” to the community on beer cases and liquor. Posters and handouts with the same information are placed on locations such as liquor store windows to spread awareness. Topics can cover social hosting laws and statistics on underage drinking. Please contact HPW if you know of a liquor store that would want to get involved in this campaign!
