10 Feb Coalition Corner With Crystal Dykes

by Joseph Byrum

Coalition Corner is an opportunity to highlight the good work that coalition members do every day and to hear their thoughts about coalition work.

Crystal Dykes is a Health Educator with the Prevention Network for North East Texas (PREV-NET).

How long have you been a member of the Piney Woods Substance Abuse Coalition?
I am part of another substance use prevention coalition known as PREV-NET, and we have officially partnered with PWSAC since October of 2020.

What do you like most about the coalition?
I really enjoy that everyone involved has the biggest hearts and are so very passionate about making things better for our youth. I feel that factor alone is the beginning of positive change.

Can you tell us about how the coalition fits into the organization you work for?
PREV-NET (Prevention Network for North East Texas) is a coalition that was formed to prevent and reduce the occurrence of underage substance use. We share many of the same goals and visions as PWSAC which allows us to work together for a common cause. PWSAC always has great ideas and creativity when working together so PREV-NET values this partnership.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
I have always been told to treat others as I wish to be treated. It was written on a wall in my childhood school and has been something that has stuck with me throughout my adulthood as well. I also try to remember to treat others as I would wish for my family to be treated. Family is very important to me so this piece has also served me well.

What do you like most about East Texas?
It is so beautiful!!! I grew up about an hour south of Dallas and moved to East Texas for love and school. Little did I know how much scenery I had been missing out on! It can be busy in some areas, but I truly feel it has everything I could need and has very quickly felt like home.

What should other people know about the coalition?
They truly do have a passion for what they do. If there is something to be done and they are able to, it will be done and done well. PWSAC is very well organized and works hard to achieve their goals. They are a huge part of substance use prevention in our youth.