MATFORCE Speakers Bureau member Jason Burns is a Hon Kachina Volunteer Award winner. Each year the Hon Kachina Council and St. Luke’s Health Initiatives honor deserving volunteers from across the state for their outstanding work in improving the lives of others in our communities. Burns was one of seven winners for 2016.

Jason, who is mentally and physically challenged from a drunk-driving accident in 2002, shares his story with children and young adults throughout Yavapai County; a story that on one hand is tragic and full of regret, but also uplifting and powerful.

Jason said, “I could allow my accident to define me or I could make something positive of my situation. It is very rewarding knowing I can make a difference in someone’s life just by sharing my own experiences. As a speaker for MATFORCE, I want students to understand that if I can save just one of them from going through what I did, that is payment enough for me.”

Watch Jason's story: https://youtu.be/HttpAwicVuM

MATFORCE announces the results of its “Stand With Me, Be Drug Free” Video contest. The annual contest is designed to give youth in Yavapai County the opportunity to express their voices and opinions in order to make a positive effect on reducing the abuse of drugs and alcohol.

Middle School Category First Place – Doggie Do Drugs, By Trenton Gullikson and Micah Peterson

Second Place – Don’t Do Drugs, by Emmanuel Chaidez of Glassford Hill Middle School, Prescott Valley

Third Place – Which life will you choose?, by Lesly Castillo of Glassford Hill Middle School

View the 2016 "Stand With Me, Be Drug Free" Youth Video contest playlist.

High School Category First Place – How to Roll a Joint, by Cameron Bloniarz of Mingus Union High School Second Place – Don’t Worry About It, by Brett Loroi, Ethan Westling, and Zommy Zuhlke of Mingus Union High School

Third Place – Don’t Be an @$$, Just Say Neigh!!!, by Team Digital of Camp Verde High School

Third Place – The Skittle Party, by Griffin Franklin, Noah Detwiler, Alex Lloyd, Patrick Wilson, Nick Doerkson, Nick Bloniarz, and Chris Williams of Mingus Union High School

View the 2016 "Stand With Me, Be Drug Free" Youth Video contest playlist.

The Yavapai County Youth Council is looking for students in 5th – 12th grade to participate in a youth-led group. We want your input!

Have fun participating in
* anti-substance abuse campaigns
* media commercials
* community events

Earn scholarships and service hours based on participation.

Join YC2 today! Click here for an application.

Recognizing Those Who Are Creating a Positive Change in Our Communities.

In striving to reduce substance abuse, one of MATFORCE’s goals is to encourage positive and healthful activities and opportunities for everyone in our communities. That is why MATFORCE would like to recognize our community Game Changers.

There are many in our community who are Game Changers. Game Changers are youth or adults, who are going "above-and-beyond" to increase positive community changes. They are making a real difference in the lives of others.

You can nominate a youth, adult, group, business or organization that is making an outstanding effort in Yavapai County. Outstanding efforts or projects can be in any area, not just related to substance abuse. It can be an outstanding effort that minimizes a potential risk. Or it can be a positive effort in schools, businesses or the community that increases things like: health, safety, opportunity, knowledge or skills.

Click here to nominate a program or person today!