McKenzie County ND

Equipping community members with tools needed to move them into the future are goals of McKenzie County Horizons as well as the Community Coalition based out of Watford City. These two groups are partnering; helping one another tackle tough issues.

“Mapping Successes for Our Children” will be held on March 31 starting with a 6 pm supper at the Watford City Civic Center. Area community members are invited to attend this session and learn research based information about the dangers of underage drinking. Local and regional experts and community leaders will speak out about the issue and opportunities to share problem solving ideas leading to action will follow. The North Dakota Youth at Risk Behavior Survey results for Watford City, 2007, reveal that 1 in every 1.6 high school kids had consumed alcohol in one or more of the past 30 days. This figure, as well as numbers indicating binge drinking behaviors, top regional average figures statewide.

“Sources of Strength” suicide prevention training for youth and adults will take place on April 14 at the Civic Center in Watford City. This “Gatekeeper” training is designed to equip those who want to be part of solutions with the tools and skills they need to identify and assist others who are or may become suicidal. McKenzie County is one of six areas in the state identified by the North Dakota State Health Department as high-risk for youth suicide.

I’m excited to share these upcoming sessions, sponsored by Horizons and Community Coalition, and designed to help create awareness, solve problems, build skills, empower youth and adults and strengthen our communities. Please give me a call at 444-3451 or e-mail me at marcia.hellandsaas@ndsu.edu if you would like to participate or receive more information.