The leadership team is committed to supporting adult allies who are facilitate youth-led programs that prepare Ohio’s youth to be active, critically aware and contributing members of their communities.
The team consists of representatives from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, and Prevention Action Alliance.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ (OhioMHAS) Office of Prevention and Wellness provides statewide leadership for Ohio’s Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services/Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ADAMHS/ADAS) Boards. OhioMHAS provides funding for the Ohio Adult Allies Initiative.
Mrs. Valerie Leach is a Prevention Administrator with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Office of Prevention & Wellness. She currently leads and facilitates the advancement of BH Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Supports utilizing the public health approach related to substance abuse, suicide, depression/anxiety, youth empowerment and for the State of Ohio.…
Faculty, professional staff and students from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs provide training and technical assistance to Ohio’s Adult Allies, as well as evaluation services for the statewide initiative.
Holly Raffle, Lead Evaluator, is an Associate Professor at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. Dr. Raffle works primarily in the disciplines of K-12 education, post-secondary education, and public health. Dr. Raffle is the lead evaluator for Ohio’s Partnerships for Success (PFS) project and has worked on a wide variety of AOD…
Dr. Collura is a Research Associate at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. She earned her doctorate degree from the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her work focuses on youth engagement in community networks, youth organizing, and positive youth development. Jessica has also published on the topics of…
Prevention Action Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health in order to build healthier communities in Ohio. They support the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network and facilitate OYLPN’s Youth Council.
Fran joined Prevention Action Alliance as its Assistant Executive Director in 2017. In July 2020, she took the position of executive director. At Prevention Action Alliance, Fran supervises staff, assists in program and grant development, and represents the agency at various state and local committees, boards, and coalitions. She is a member of ADAPAO (the…
Julianna joined Prevention Action Alliance as its Community Prevention Manager in 2021. She oversees the youth and young adult services that include the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network and the Ohio College Initiative for Student Wellness. Julianna’s professional background includes over 20 years of experience working in Ohio’s behavioral health field in a variety of capacities…