United Way names new prevention coordinator for BP

United Way of Steele County President Annette Duncan on Monday named Aron Welch coordinator of Positive Community Norms, the new drug and alcohol prevention program based at Blooming Prairie High School.
He will begin his new role on Aug. 16.
Welch has a bachelor’s degree in public health education and promotion from the University of Minnesota Duluth. He started his career in Winona Schools as an education and personal care assistant.
For the past five years, he has been planning and managing projects that reduce and delay underage alcohol consumption at United South Central (USC) schools in Wells.
Duncan said Welch comes to Blooming Prairie with a “wealth of knowledge, specifically around coordinating the Positive Community Norms grant requirements.” During his time at USC, Welch quickly learned what it takes to communicate with multiple sectors effectively and to empower students to develop unique tools and opportunities, she said.
“With Aron’s experience and previous successes with this grant, we are confident that he will prove to be an excellent resource in the Blooming Prairie community,” said Duncan.
Welch’s first task will be to assemble the coalition to work alongside him to create positive community norms in Blooming Prairie. Various leaders and individuals representing different sectors within the community have already volunteered to be on the coalition.
“Many community members have already volunteered to help, which is what made this grant possible,” Duncan said. “This is what it means to live united.”
Blooming Prairie has received a $1 million grant over the next five years for the prevention efforts specifically targeted at youth. United Way successfully submitted the grant application earlier this year to curb youth drug and alcohol use within the community.
United Way worked in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services and Blooming Prairie Schools on hiring Welch.