Congratulations to Christine Lee, PhD, recipient of a WA State Health Care Authority’s Prevention Award of Excellence at the 2024 Prevention Summit! The Summit, which has been convening annually since the 1980s, is an enriching training and networking opportunity for youth, volunteers, and professionals engaged in health promotion and the prevention of substance misuse, violence, and other high-risk behaviors. The event provides high-quality workshops, forums, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to meet a variety of needs, including professional development for prevention professionals.
This year’s awards went to 13 remarkable people and organizations – youth and adult – who have impacted the landscape of behavioral health in Washington with their unwavering commitment to prevention. Dr. Lee, who was recognized in the Prevention Professional category, has worked for over 20 years to advance best practices in prevention. She has developed a brief intervention shown to successfully result in reductions in cannabis use and related consequences among college students. This program was developed, implemented, and tested in Washington. She also developed an adaptation to the program BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) for community college students which can be delivered virtually. During the pandemic, this option was a game changer and resulted in lower estimated peak blood alcohol concentration and fewer drinks per week.
The full list of winners includes:
- Michael Langer, Lifetime Achievement
- Jackie Berganio, Lifetime Achievement
- Luke Fincher, Young Adult Leadership
- Katya Miltimore, Prevention Professional
- Francisco Jimenez, Prevention Professional
- Dr. Christina Lee, Prevention Professional
- Jordan Newbug, Early Career Prevention Professional
- Clarkston EPIC Leadership Team, Community Prevention Group
- WSU 4-H Teens Helping Teens, Youth Leadership: Group or Club
- Nexus Mental Health Hub for Schools, Youth Leadership: Group or Club
- MV Hope Equity Team, Community Prevention Group
- Sake Yakima Valley, Contributions to Prevention by a Community Organization
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, Contributions to Prevention by a Community Organization
The WA State Health Care Authority congratulates Dr. Lee and the other winners, “we are better because of you!”
