Minnesota Prevention Achievement Award

Isabela Ocasio has been a dedicated member of Students Taking A New Direction (STAND) since 2021, logging over 300+ hours with the group. Isabela stepped up and led in the youth group, earning her an interim officer position as a freshman in the spring of 2024, and an official position of president of the High school youth group in the fall of 2024. Her peers see her as a great leader, and she has created a safe and consistent environment and connection when there was uncertainty. Her peers often call upon her when they are in need of support. Her dedication to prevention keeps young people engaged, motivated, and advances advocacy for them. Isabela is a young leader who has found a passion for her community through prevention efforts and has made great contributions thus far.

The Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention (SUP) Coalition has made a significant and lasting impact on public policy across the county, particularly by amplifying the voices of young people and empowering them to lead change. One of the coalition’s defining strengths is its deep community engagement and sustained investment from partners, youth, and stakeholders. Youth leaders, in collaboration with coalition members, have played an instrumental role in advocating for stronger local policies, including efforts to explore and advance tobacco control measures aimed at protecting young residents. SUP’s success is also reflected in its broad and growing influence. The coalition has launched numerous effective and lasting public education campaigns. Some of there ongoing work and success stories include: the “Talk Early, Talk Often” initiative, the county’s social host ordinance, the “Be Real campaign, a county-wide drug disposal initiative promoting safe disposal of unused medications, their “Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit, annual “Sticker Shock” campaigns, and an extensive library of drug fact sheets. Through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and community wellness, the Sherburne County SUP Coalition continues to lead the way in substance use prevention—making a tangible difference in the lives of thousands and setting a high standard for others across the state.

Kierstin Laidlaw has continually demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout her work in prevention, specifically through her efforts in engaging students and fostering a culture of awareness regarding substance abuse. Her leadership style in this role is deeply collaborative and student-centered. By fostering an open-door policy for all students, Kierstin has cultivated an environment in which students feel valued and heard. The impact of this leadership is clear: students feel empowered and supported in their journey toward making positive life choices, and the community benefits from having a motivated and well-informed group of young people who are dedicated to making positive changes in their school environment. Through her efforts, Kierstin proved that prevention doesn’t have to be all about lectures and hard-hitting statistics—it can also be about creating experiences that foster connection, positivity, and belonging. Kierstin demonstrates that she believes in the power of students to be agents of change in their own communities.

Phyllis Bengston has dedicated 20+ years to supporting substance misuse prevention in Minnesota. Phyllis provides transformational vision and leadership as the Prevention Policy Lead at the Minnesota Department of Human Services-Behavioral Health Administration. This is demonstrated through her advocacy and attention to details that ensure the impact of this work is shared. Her passion for primary prevention and the wellness of our youth is evident. She has had many partners and collaborators along the way. Phyllis has been willing to listen, learn, and collaborate to move prevention forward. Phyllis has played a crucial role in the growth and advancement of prevention programs in Minnesota - including Positive Community Norms work, the work of the Regional Prevention Coordinators (RPCs), the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC), and Substance Use Minnesota (SUMN). Phyllis has been instrumental in creating a powerful model that can be replicated in other states to drive ongoing positive change.