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PARKERSBURG — A coalition in Wood County aimed at encouraging youth wellness has hired its first executive director.

Racheal Morrison, a substitute nurse for Wood County Schools, is the part-time executive director of the Wood County Prevention Coalition.

The coalition’s mission is to promote wellness through positive youth development and increase positive youth behaviors, thus reducing at-risk behaviors, including substance abuse.

“That’s what I like about the coalition,” said Morrison, who has served as a volunteer for the coalition.

As a substitute school nurse, her experiences have been firsthand, like seventh-graders returning from rehab, she said.

“That’s one of the reasons she was interested in this,” said Bob Newell, chairman of the coalition. “This fits right in her wheelhouse.”

A prime reason, among others, to hire an executive director is the collection of data for grant applications for a Drug Free Communities grant, Newell said. The coalition, which focuses on kids in kindergarten through 12th grade, has yet to receive one, he said.

Another reason is there are many activities the coalition organizes or participates in and a coordinator is needed, Newell said.

Among the initiatives is Red Ribbon Week, which wrapped up at the end of October. The coalition, working with elementary and middle school student counselors, distributed pencils, booklets, supplies and $20 restaurant gift cards valued in total at $13,889.

Since 2019, the coalition has spent $100,000 to support Red Ribbon Week.

The coalition, in existence for 10 years, also is involved with a scavenger hunt for youth at McDonough Park, activities with the Fraternal Order of Police and other agencies such as trunk or treat nights, swimming parties and has distributed school backpacks with information about the coalition, Newell said.

Bowling Bash to Strike Out Drugs, a bowling party for students, will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Pike Street Lanes, Morrison said. Registration is at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three bowlers, she said.

The coalition meets from 9-10 a.m. on the third Fridays of the month at the Vienna Police Department annex, 604 29th St. Meetings are open to the public and volunteers are encouraged, Morrison said.

“Everybody is welcome,” she said.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com