Board of Health votes 4-2 to advance 'Reality Party' youth-prevention program, seeks $10,000 from opioid settlement

COWLITZ COUNTY — The Cowlitz County Board of Health voted 4-2 to advance a proposal to bring a parent-focused substance-use prevention program — commonly referred to as a “Reality Party” and run by Straight Up — to the county commissioners with a requested startup payment of $10,000 to be paid from opioid-settlement funds.

Kelly (Board member) introduced the program and described a short demonstration video used to show parents realistic party scenarios, then asked for discussion. The board voted to forward the request for commissioner approval with a $10,000 starting allocation; the motion passed on a 4-2 voice vote.

Nut graf: The proposal would pay Straight Up to travel to Cowlitz County, train local volunteers and run parent-oriented performances. The $10,000 amount would cover initial training and expenses; if adopted, future per-performance royalty fees were described as $240.

What the program would do and how it would work - Program structure: organizer Catherine (Straight Up) said the troupe adapts scripts to local concerns in advance and that the performance is followed by a facilitated debrief where parents discuss local issues with counselors, law enforcement and prevention staff. - Scheduling and participants: county staff and speakers emphasized the program is designed for parents, not students — performances would be scheduled on weekends, use volunteer actors and not use school instructional time. - Cost and ongoing fees: a one-time startup fee of $10,000 was proposed; Catherine stated a royalty of $240 per subsequent performance if the county (or another local sponsor) hosts them.

Key points from discussion and public comment - Local tailoring and coalition building: multiple board members and a local WSU Extension representative asked that any outside program be localized and tied to existing local coalitions. Catherine said, “Part of what we do ... is coordinating with your county and with your areas about what needs to be included in your reality party.” - Evidence and effectiveness: several speakers urged the board to consider sustained funding and measurable outcomes rather than a single event. A WSU Extension staff member said, “One-time events don't work. Assemblies really don't work,” and recommended family-strengthening, multi-session approaches. - Public-safety context: a public commenter cited January overdose data for the county, saying the community had 10 overdose deaths that month, including one teen, and asked the board to act. - Concerns about actors and participant impact: some board members raised concerns about role-playing sensitive scenarios (including implied sexual assault) and whether local volunteers would be willing to perform; others said the program has drawn strong parent interest in other counties. - Funding source and next steps: county staff noted the funding discussed would come from opioid-settlement monies already allocated for prevention; the board resolved to forward the proposal to the commissioners for formal appropriation and program implementation details.

Formal action - Motion: "Move forward with the Reality Party and start with the $10,000 starting point, to be determined when it will be performed and upon commissioner approval." (motion moved from the board floor) - Outcome: approved, voice vote, tally recorded as 4 in favor, 2 opposed; the motion sends the proposal to the Board of County Commissioners for funding approval and further direction.

Ending: Board members urged creation of a local coalition to guide program localization and sustainability if commissioners approve funding. The board tabled remaining agenda items and adjourned at 11:22 a.m.