Primary Prevention

What if we could stop harm before it happens? Primary prevention focuses on building skills in individuals that help them to avoid involvement in risk behaviors. Many prevention activities focus on growing communication skills, improving access to healthy coping skills, and promoting community-wide change in social norms that tolerate problems such as intimate partner violence, substance abuse, stigma, or child abuse.

Primary prevention in our community is supported by many service organizations. Find out more about some of our favorite prevention programs below.

Girls on the run

GOTR’s mission is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Using both an interactive curriculum and running, The program is designed to work with girls’ emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health. Girls on the Run 4-6th grade offers a 12 week/24 lesson after-school programs addressing self-confidence, self-respect, and healthy life choices through an interactive curriculum and running.  All program participants complete the program with a fun run 5K–an empowering non-competitive celebration.

Volunteer opportunities include being a GOTR coach, assistant coach, or running buddy during our Spring 2019 season which runs from February through May.

For more information, including volunteer or sponsorship, contact Program Coordinator Amy Montgomery at amy.m@wishak.org or call 228-4090.

let me run

What is Let Me Run?

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health. 

Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. Each season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.

We are currently recruiting for coaches and sites for the upcoming Spring 2019 season! Is your school interested in hosting a team? Reach out to us to learn more.

For more information, including volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, contact Program Coordinator JD Martin at jd.m@wishak.org or call 228-4160.

Fourth R healthy relationships

The Fourth R Program (R = Relationships) is a comprehensive school-based program designed to reduce violence, substance use, and other risk behaviors. The program is based on the premise that relationship skills are as important to learn in school as the other three R’s (Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic). The program focuses on building healthy relationships and decision-making skills through interactive teaching methods such as role play. The Fourth R lessons provide a variety of discussion opportunities to process issues with peers and the teacher, as well as opportunities to examine individual beliefs and boundaries.

WISH currently facilitates 4th R small groups at the Revilla Alternative School. For more information about this program or to request lesson facilitation contact Arika Paquette at arika.p@wishak.org or call 228-4371

teen dating violence prevention

Women In Safe Homes is dedicated to providing all community members the skills to recognize and avoid violent situations. Partnering with the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, we provide students with interactive lessons to broaden their understanding on a variety of topics, including:

• Consent

• Recognizing Warning Signs/Red Flags

• Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

• Personal Boundaries and Personal Safety

• Technology Abuse

• Bullying

• And more!

Our prevention and education team can tailor presentations to fit the needs of your class or group. To discuss options or schedule a presentation (or series of presentations), email arika.p@wishak.org or call 228-4371.