The Mercer Island Communities that Care Coalition earned an exemplary service award during the 2012 Washington State Prevention Summit on Nov. 5 for the group’s work to reduce underage drug and alcohol use in the community.

The award was given by the Washington State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery and was presented by Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen.

In the CTC’s nomination, specifically mentioned was the City’s underage drinking ordinance, the first of it’s kind in the state.

“This award is really a recognition of the efforts of all CTC members and those City leaders who worked on the ordinance including Police Chief Ed Holmes, Police Operations Commander David Jokinen, City Attorney Katie Knight, and the City Council–special mention goes to Deputy Mayor Dan Grausz who was instrumental in bringing the idea of an underage drinking ordinance back to the table,” says CTC Project Director Derek Franklin.

To learn more about the CTC or to get involved visit www.mercerisland-ctc.com.