The Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition for Porter County (TEPC) held a volunteer appreciation event in Valparaiso to thank their volunteers and community partners for all that they have done to provide smoke free air and to end smoking and vaping in Porter County.
“We always look forward to this annual event to show our appreciation for our volunteers for all they do throughout the year,” said Carrie Higgins, Program Director for the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition. Emily Carpenter, outgoing Youth Facilitator and Outreach Specialist, presented awards to the volunteers.
“In affiliation with the Valparaiso University College of Nursing and Health Professions, we work throughout Porter County as a part of the Indiana Prevention and Cessation division of the Indiana Department of Health to prevent tobacco use, and to promote smoke free air and to help people quit smoking and vaping,” Higgins said. “We recognize individuals and organizations who have worked on advocacy issues and educated school students and personnel, property owners, patients, citizens and employees about cessation and prevention of smoking and secondhand smoke, in addition to the current epidemic of electronic cigarettes.” Many of the volunteers are involved in healthcare and behavioral health as the issue often intertwines within their fields. However, the coalition welcomes all community members who want to help provide the residents of Porter County with smoke free air.
Carley Samayoa, Project Director along with HUB Coalition of Porter County, was awarded the North Star Partner Award in recognition of individual and organizational efforts to promote a smoke free lifestyle for their employees, clients, and community.
Donna Golob, Executive Director of a Positive Approach to Teen Health (PATH), was awarded the Star Leadership Award in recognition of her continued outstanding service and leadership to the coalition.
Honoree, Alyssa Zilz, Porter County Program Director for Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana was awarded the Rising Star Award which recognizes new members of the coalition who consistently and proactively engage in coalition efforts.
Clay Corman, Principal of Boone Grove High School, received the School Superstar Partner Award for his support of TEPC to assist in and promote youth tobacco prevention and education efforts, while Melissa Deavers, Director of Communications & Community Engagement for Portage Township Schools, received the Communication Superstar Award which recognizes a member of the media or communication field who promotes education, prevention and cessation resources of TEPC which she shares with employees and the school community.
Gold Star Awards were bestowed upon Shannon Hough, Health and Wellness Coordinator and nurse for Community Healthcare System, Trish Poncher, Outreach and Enrollment Coordinator for HealthLinc, and Kim Eldridge, Healthcare Consultant with Indiana Wellness Consultants, in recognition of the extraordinary service and dedication they provide to TEPC efforts.
Other honorees included a graduating Senior from Boone Grove High School, Lauren Jeffries, who received the Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award for her advocacy on behalf of youth throughout the State as a Youth Ambassador representing Porter County and Brooklyn Hall, a student at Washington Township School, who was presented with the Youth Media Radio Star Award for radio ads she volunteered to record her story of how she is grateful her father, Captain Joe Hall of the Valparaiso Police Dept., quit smoking after a near fatal heart attack when Brooklyne was a toddler.
“While we have many amazing volunteers and partner organization members on the TEPCPC, these seven members went above and beyond this past year. Without each and every coalition member, we would not be able to provide resources and education to improve the health of Porter County citizens. We are so thankful to each and every one of them,” said Higgins.
