Toledo Parks and Youth Services Featured in Governor’s Award Video, Finalist for Top State Honor

As part of the final judging process, OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward and videographer Beth Ashbrook visited Toledo to film a Governor's Award competition video featuring One Pill Can Kill. One Voice Can Save a Life.

The Governor's Award is selected from first place winners across Ohio and recognizes the most impactful parks and recreation program in the state. Toledo Parks and Youth Services is one of just three finalists.

"This is the first time in the city's history that our parks system has won first place," Jacqueline Johnson, outreach and special events manager for Toledo Parks and Youth Services, said. "Once you win first place, you are placed among the best programs in Ohio. Being named a finalist for the Governor's Award is an incredible honor."

Johnson said the initiative was deeply personal and driven by a need to elevate conversations around fentanyl and substance misuse, especially among young people.

"One pill can kill," Johnson said. "A pill that is not prescribed to you, even one given by a friend, can be deadly. Our kids are walking through this every day, and we are not talking about it enough."

The program was developed in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and designed to be led by youth for youth, using Toledo parks as a familiar and trusted setting. DEA representatives provided training, educational materials, and resources that helped shape the program's structure and messaging.

Joe Fausnaugh, director of Toledo Parks and Youth Services, said advancing to the Governor's Award finals is a milestone for the department and the city.

"The City of Toledo has never won a first place OPRA award, let alone been nominated for the Governor's Award," Fausnaugh said. "To be named a finalist for the best program in the entire state is incredibly exciting. Even if we did not win, this is something our entire team should be proud of."

Youth Advisory Board members were central to the program's success, helping shape the message and deliver it to their peers.

Daveion Beach, a community response specialist with Toledo Parks and Youth Services, said involving youth from the start was intentional and critical.

"We wanted youth to come up with the presentation after being trained on drug abuse and how it affects their community," Beach said. "They felt encouraged and empowered to address issues they see every day, whether it is drugs or other challenges."

Cora Pearson, president of the Youth Advisory Board and a student at St. Ursula Academy, said being part of the program gave her opportunities she hadn't expected.

"Being on the Youth Advisory Board has allowed me to meet so many people who are passionate about social justice and getting the community involved," Pearson said. "It's everything I could have hoped for, and I'm proud of the impact we've made together."

Angelo, a Youth Advisory Board member and student at Whitmer High School, said being part of the program gave him confidence to speak out on important issues.

"This program taught me that my voice matters," Angelo said. "Sharing what I learned with my friends and community made me realize we can really make a difference."

Toledo Parks and Youth Services staff and youth representatives will attend the OPRA conference on Feb. 3, where the Governor's Award winner will be announced. Regardless of the outcome, Johnson said the program's purpose remains clear.

"If one child's life is saved, then this program is a success," she said. "That is one family spared years of heartbreak."

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