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Committee honors Pastor Cole Mechley and Gather Community Services' work

Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee · August 3, 2026
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Summary

Chair Tony Walton opened the meeting with a memorial for Pastor Cole Mechley of Gather Community Services, noting his recovery‑navigator leadership, low‑barrier buprenorphine access work, and a public celebration of life scheduled Aug. 15.

Chair Tony Walton opened the meeting by sharing the death of Pastor Cole Mechley, executive director of Gather Community Services in Lewis County, and invited members and attendees to reflect on his legacy. Walton described Mechley as an early leader in recovery navigation and low‑barrier medication access, and announced a public celebration of life on Friday, Aug. 15 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Centralia.

Several committee members offered brief personal reflections. Malika Lamont recalled meeting Mechley in 2016–2017 and praised his compassionate, relationship‑based approach. Walton said the committee would distribute celebration and GoFundMe details with the meeting minutes.

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