On October 29, 2025, the Washington prevention community met for the monthly Provider Meeting where 2025 recipients and honorable mention nominees were honored during a virtual celebration of excellence.
Each year, professionals, community members, youth, and Coalitions are recognized for their exemplary contributions to substance abuse prevention, problem gambling prevention, mental health promotion and the health of their communities.
This year, DBHR received seventeen nominations. Fourteen awardees and three honorable mention nominees from across Washington were celebrated. If you know or work with the following exceptional prevention staff, please extend your congratulations!
HCA is pleased to recognize recipients of the Prevention Awards of Excellence.
- Youth Leadership - Individual: Angela Kruger
- Youth Leadership - Individual: Lauren Day
- Youth Leadership - Club or Group: Sunnyside School District Prevention Clubs
- Youth Leadership - Club or Group: Clarkston EPIC Youth Coalition
- Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Hollie Axel
- Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Hope Baker
- Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Dr. Crystal Collier
- Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Ashley Hall
- Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Maria Valle
- Tribal/UIO Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Kayani Ell
- Tribal/UIO Prevention Professional/Community Prevention Leader: Brittany Whitebird
- Early Career Prevention Professional: Dr. Heather Terral
- Lifetime Achievement: Linda Thompson
- Lifetime Achievement: Debi Newsom
- Honorable Mention: Karen Douglass
- Honorable Mention: Tabitha Walter
- Honorable Mention: Tamika LaMere
Congratulations to these recipients, and thank you to all who took time to nominate.