September 19, 2011
Monday AM

I'm sure I join many others in our community in applauding the efforts that PATHWorks, their volunteers and a "slim" staff (of two part-timers) accomplished during the time that organization evolved from a community process addressing the health of this community to current times.

When I arrived in Ketchikan in the late 1990's PATCHWorks and the Revilla Island Prevention Coalition were working in tandem under the leadership of Diane Gubatayo. Through that effort our community learned about the "40 assets" involving youth with programs and examples of how to support our youth in living healthy and meaningful lives. This educational effort involved many community programs and meetings such as T.A.L.K (Teens and Adults Linking in Ketchikan), posters, PSAs, presentations in schools and more. Other energetic and committed leaders followed Diane and the original PATCHWorks Board contributing to the mission of this organization. Over the past few years another coalition, the Ketchikan Wellness Coalition, has evolved from a community process to address current community health issues. This coalition is working to educate all and provide direct support programs not only for youth but for all segments of our community.

So, Dawn, thank you for leading the last hurrah of PATCHWorks and acknowledging that new groups and leaders are coming to the forefront to carry forward and expand the important work PATCHWorks began over a decade ago.

Want to be part of this important effort? Go to the KWC website (www.ktnkwc.org)or KWC on Facebook to learn more about the coalition and its task forces. There is a lot going on. Fill out the community survey; click on the task force initials at the bottom of the website home page to catch up on the activities of each task force and come to a meeting. You can also visit the Ketchikan Drop Out Prevention Forum facebook page to learn and discuss what we can do to raise the graduation rate in Ketchikan.

So PATCHWorks founders, thank you for getting us started. Now it is up to us to carry your effort forward.

Bobbie McCreary
Ketchikan, AK