LMAS Communities That Care (CTC) Coordinator Jamie Rushford has been recognized with the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking (MCRUD) Shining Star of the Year Award. The award honors individuals with five or fewer years in the prevention field who demonstrate outstanding local or statewide efforts to reduce underage drinking and other alcohol-related issues.
Rushford has served as the CTC Coordinator for two years and has made a remarkable impact in that time. She has played a key role in developing and strengthening the coalition, encouraging community members to actively address youth substance use. Her prevention expertise has fostered innovative partnerships throughout the region, empowering residents to champion initiatives they believe in.
Known for her willingness to learn and collaborate, Rushford seeks insight from seasoned colleagues while readily sharing her own knowledge. Her passion for prevention—and for her community—has become a driving force behind the coalition’s progress.
Rushford also works closely with her coach to ensure steady advancement through the Communities That Care model’s benchmarks and milestones. Her participation in the Opioid Coalition Academy further expanded her skills and leadership as a coordinator.
Alex Williams of NorthCare Network, who nominated Rushford for the award, praised both her personal and professional growth.
“I believe her success can be measured in two ways: by the growth of the coalition, as well as the growth I see in Jamie,” Williams said. “I anticipate that in the next year or so, we will begin to see change evidenced in youth surveys—such as decreases in risk factors and increases in protective factors—along with greater community participation, strengthened partnerships, and a coalition that is able to sustain itself.”
For more information about the Luce County Communities That Care Coalition, or to learn how to donate or volunteer, contact Jamie Rushford at jrushford@lmasdhd.org or 906-293-5107 ext. 344
