Welcome to Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC)

 

Prevention and Response Columbia County was born from the overwhelming Opioid Epidemic. In February of 2015, group of concerned citizens, from a variety of backgrounds came together to address treatment and prevention efforts within our county.

To this day, PARCC continues to meet to discuss how we can better serve all populations within Columbia County. Learn more about PARCC here.

 
 

MEET OUR STAFF

Bryan Bilse, Director

My name is Bryan Bilse. I am the new Project Director for Prevention And Response Columbia County (PARCC). I’ve worked for 3 years as the Program Coordinator for PARCC and am excited to bring my experience to my new role. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Platteville where I received a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. Before entering the prevention field, I worked for 18 years as a police officer and was the Iowa County Sheriff's Office's Chief Deputy in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. In my free time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family outdoors.

Sara McChesney, Program Coordinator

I am the new Program Coordinator for Prevention and Response Columbia County (PARCC). I earned a Master's Degree in Trauma Informed Clinical Social Work from Winona State University. I have worked with children, youth, and families for over 15 years in different capacities such as case management, mental health treatment, parenting, early childhood education, and youth mentoring. I am thrilled to continue my passion for youth in prevention programming! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, singing, and gardening.

NEW! View a Theater Ad on Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose

It doesn't start with heroin...

In Columbia County, WI:

  • 11% of high school youth took a prescription drug without a doctor's prescription one or more days during the past 30 days;

  • 16% of high school youth have used vaping products in the past 30 days;

  • 26% of high school youth have drank alcohol in the past 30 days; and

  • 14% of high school youth have used marijuana in the past 30 days.

Source: 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS); total usable responses was 1,689