Three nominated for efforts to curb drug abuse

Communities That Care Lorain County has nominated the city of Avon Lake along with individuals Anthony Kovacs and Scott Petersen for the 2017 You’re A Champion award.

They were nominateed for their leadership in working to reduce drug and alcohol abuse, according to a Sept. 26 news release. The award recognizes individuals and organizations in Lorain County who exemplify leadership, excellent and commitment to helping youth through the development of strategies to reduce drug and alcohol abuse, the release said.

Avon Lake has recently been working on legislation to crack down on adults who allow underage alcohol consumption in their homes, earning praise from CTC Coordinator Tim Williams, who noted the city is the fourth community in Lorain County to take this zero-tolerance approach.

“What is more amazing is the accelerated time frame in which it was completed and the broad collaborative coalition that was engaged to successfully advance the initiative. The initiative serves as an excellent example of community collaboration and engagement to produce environmental change as it relates to public policy. The entire legislative effort was realized in less than 90 days,” Williams said.

Kovacs of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office has served the community as an officer in the LSCO’s drug abuse resistance program since 2012. Kovacs has represented the department at countless community events throughout the county promoting antidrug and anti-alcohol messages, according to the release.

“I believe Deputy Anthony Kovacs is deserving of the Champion Award because he is someone the community has come to believe in, someone they can seek out, and someone who has touched the lives of so many of our children throughout Lorain County providing positive education and leadership in the fight against drugs and Alcohol. His body of work represents everything a champion should be,” Williams added.

Petersen works as a pain management specialist at Cleveland Clinic Avon where he has been involved in efforts to raise awareness about the opiate abuse epidemic.

“He recognizes that the opiate problem needs to be addressed through multiple strategies, including prevention. He has worked tirelessly in his organization and the community to advocate for and implement responsible prescribing practices,” Williams said.

Petersen is being recognized by CTC for his role in changing the culture the community’s approach to prescription drug, a key strategy priority for the organization in Lorain County.

Members of the community can vote online here until Oct. 10 and the winner will be announced at the CTC advisory meeting on Oct. 24.