About CARSA

CARSA is a Coalition in Seneca County that is funded with local levy dollars through the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties. CARSA was born out of the Seneca County Health Alliance Health Assessment which provided data that was used initially to apply for and receive the Drug Free Communities grant in 2006. In 2013, the Board received the Ohio Traffic Safety Office “Safe Communities” Grant with CARSA with implementing the outreach to the community. We continue that work today. CARSA is a member of the Statewide Prevention Coalition Association and CADCA. CARSA, along with the MHRSBD is currently engaged in the SPF-PFS grant process and have targeted prescription drug misuse in grades 9-12. Using the SPF-PFS process we have worked to create a evidenced based, data driven response to our community substance use issues.

CARSA is made up of community stakeholders and various sectors that are committed to increasing public health and well-being who also oversee our comprehensive approach to addressing substance use in Seneca County. By utilizing environmental strategies, building capacity and membership, and providing education and awareness CARSA is seeking long term community level change.

Environmental Prevention Strategies – CARSA collaborates with local and statewide partners to address underage drinking by addressing access and availability. CARSA promotes The Parents Who Host Program and the Talk We’ll Listen Campaign.

Education – CARSA assists with the coordination of Red Ribbon Week at the Seneca County Elementary Schools. CARSA also works in conjunction with area school counselors to promote substance misuse education.

Awareness – CARSA and its community partners developed the interactive program “Hidden in Plain Sight” that has been used throughout our county to bring awareness to high-risk teen behavior. CARSA also brings attention to Alcohol Awareness Month, Drug Facts Week, and Overdose Awareness Day.

In Remembrance – Charla VanOsdol

Charla started her career in the behavioral health field as a cook for the 181 House. She advanced in her career by working for Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services as a 24/7 crisis worker, responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, conducting evaluations, and planning their treatment care. Later in her career, she became a prevention specialist, working tirelessly as an advocate for prevention and education services, especially services for children. She also worked for the Prevention Partnership Coalition of Sandusky County, Wyandot County Family and Children First Council, CARSA Coalition, Wyandot Counseling Associates, Seneca East Guidance Department, and HOPE in Fostoria. Charla also started her own consulting business, Prevention Connection. “Charla was the backbone of prevention services in our Board district. She taught all of us the importance of prevention services and the importance of teaching our children from a very young age about healthy behavior. We are going to honor her by continuing the critical services she implemented in our communities, especially alcohol and drug prevention services for children”, said Mircea Handru, the Board’s Executive Director.

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Our kids want to have the conversation about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. We’re here to help you start the conversation today.