GALION, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Galion Community Theatre (GCT) has been recognized as the 2023 Public Health Partner of the Year by the Crawford County Board of Health. This prestigious award is given annually to community partners who have made significant contributions to public health in Crawford County.
The GCT earned this recognition for its commitment to hosting the inaugural “Amplified Expressions of our Journey” event in August 2023. The event, which is already slated to return in 2024, was spearheaded by the Crawford County Prevention Coalition. It paired local individuals in recovery with artists to create unique artworks reflecting their journey from addiction to recovery.
Seven brave individuals took center stage at the GCT to share their stories, while talented artists revealed interpretations of their journey through various art forms, including portrait painting, song, dance, and collage art.
Health Commissioner Kate Siefert presented the award to the GCT Board of Directors on February 20th, expressing gratitude for their innovative approach to combating the stigma surrounding substance use. “Your willingness to bring life to an innovative way to combat the stigma surrounding substance use while also providing hope to others through the arts is a direct reflection of GCT’s compassion and commitment to the community,” Siefert said.
GCT Board Member Beth Anne Jarvis, a key organizer of the event, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to involve GCT in this community-driven project. “The Amplified Expressions of our Journey event was a great way to showcase how the performing arts can be a powerful tool to tell stories, celebrate accomplishments, and even shape our own thoughts,” Jarvis said.
This is the sixth year of honoring a community partner for efforts that help Crawford County Public Health fulfill its mission to educate, empower, and improve the quality of life for the Crawford County Community. Previous recipients include Sheriff Scott Kent (2018), Avita Health System (2019), Crawford County EMA (2020), the Bucyrus Public Library and the Crestline Public Library (2021), and the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities (2022).
The Galion Community Theatre is dedicated to promoting performing arts opportunities within the community. To learn more about Galion Community Theatre and its upcoming productions, visit galiontheatre.org.
A five-minute recap of the “Amplified Expressions of our Journey” event can be watched on YouTube.