We Are the Medicine: Possibilities for Flourishing Through Difficult Times

This session presented new research and approaches to promote child and family well-being using a positive approach to health that fosters self, family and community-led healing of the trauma and adversity concentrated in many of our families and communities today.

Congratulations to Luke Fincher, our coalition’s young adult prevention advocate who continues to work as a Peer 2 Peer Trainer and Program Assistant.

Luke’s contribution has been Rock Solid! His work has had a profound impact, helping to build the Peer 2 Peer program in March 2020 and adapting this model into a thriving online workshop when the pandemic moved all teaching to Zoom rooms. He has supported three different Program Directors in the last four years. We are proud to watch Luke’s prevention journey and his growth in helping his peers and paying it forward to the next generation.

Each school year, Peer 2 Peer offers middle and high school students from across five counties within our prevention network, including our Friday Harbor students, an opportunity to participate in wellness workshops they will teach to their younger peers. Luke has helped lead these wellness workshops promoting health for the last four years, even as a college student! The workshops address topics like developing healthy coping skills, refusal skills, presentation skills, prevention science, and social norms.

“If we want health, we must promote health.” Dr. Jeff Linkenbach, The Montana Institute and the Science of the Positive framework

It is a true honor for Luke to be recognized by Prevention Specialists across the state of WA. We, the coalition, are immensely proud of you, Luke! Your achievements are a testament to your dedication and hard work. Congratulations!

In September 2019, lead researcher Dr. Christina Bethell released the results of a study of 6,188 adults at Johns Hopkins seeking to identify Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) that could buffer against the health effects of traumatic ones. A percentage of kids with high ACE scores do nevertheless grow up to have normal development and good adult emotional health. The researchers were looking to identify the factors that created a level of resiliency in these kids that helped them to thrive despite difficult childhoods.

The study determined there are 7 positive childhood experiences that can be statistically linked to good emotional and mental health in adults.

Incorporate these seven PCEs key findings as you raise your kids or support the youth in your circle of influence. Kids need supportive, understanding, and trusted adults in their lives.

Hello Community,

There will be food and fun!

Please RSVP so we can plan for enough food:) Thank you! Send to: natalien@sanjuancountywa.gov

Knowledge is power