Dear Editor: The work that Loyd Platson, outgoing prevention director for Sitka Counseling, has done for our community over the past 10 years has been truly invaluable.
We are deeply proud of his hard work, dedication, and lasting impact on prevention efforts in Sitka.
Loyd played a key role in securing the Drug-Free Communities grant from the CDC and helped establish Sitka as a leader in prevention through multiple state-funded initiatives.
During his time with us, he implemented numerous prevention programs, but one of the most impactful is the Sitka Substance Use Survey (SUSY) – a local data-gathering tool designed to collect information from middle and high school students. This innovative approach has provided real-time data to guide prevention strategies and ensure efforts remain responsive to community needs.
Beyond data and programs, Loyd’s legacy shines through the relationships he built with both traditional and non-traditional partners throughout Sitka.
Among the many initiatives he helped champion, he is especially proud of launching the HOPE Coalition and supporting community events such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Native Heritage Month, and PRIDE.
Loyd’s leadership and vision have made a lasting contribution to the health of our organization and the broader community. We are incredibly grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.
You will be missed,
Amy Zanuzoski, Executive Director of Sitka Counseling
