Author: Celeste Brooks

  • Vape or Pouch, It’s Still Nicotine

    Vape or Pouch, It’s Still Nicotine

    The addictive nature of nicotine makes it one of the most difficult substances use disorders to overcome. People often transition from one form of nicotine use to another as they attempt to reduce their usage or quite altogether. At the same time, they are constantly bombarded by targeted marketing ads, some of which may lead them to believe that “everyone is doing it” or that a different form of the drug may be “less harmful.” Big Tobacco certainly knows what it’s doing–all of the ads can trigger a craving in someone who is trying to quit nicotine usage, making the goal more difficult to obtain.

    While many resources regarding cessation over the past few years have shifted from being tobacco-focused to being vape-focused, it cannot be ignored that pouches such as Zyn have become exceptionally popular as well, with Tik Tok “Zynfluencers” leading the charge. The fact that there is a newer form of nicotine that is socially acceptable doesn’t make it safe. The chance of addiction is high for daily users of Zyn, simply because it contains nicotine.

    We also know that the pouches contain sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, which can corrode gum tissue, causing inflammation, recession, ulcers, lesions, tissue peeling, and/or raw spots. At this point, it is unclear exactly what health risks pouches pose, because they are so new to the market and there has been so little research completed. That being said, it is important to remember that nicotine itself, in any form, can cause nausea, stomach irritation, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and other health problems. Among teens and young adults, whose brains are still developing, nicotine may alter brain development, impacting attention and learning.

    The Time to Quit is Now

    The healthiest choice is to not use any type of nicotine product, but if you or someone you know is already using a nicotine product, and you’re ready to quit, check this resource from Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY) for a variety of cessation programs:

    In addition to this list of cessation programs, the VFHY guide includes resources for educators, school administrators, prevention professionals, and community partners who want to learn more about tobacco and nicotine prevention and youth cessation. The topics include:

    • Alternatives to Suspension
    • Digital, Self-Paced Programs
    • Educational Materials for Purchase
    • Fact Sheets and Multimedia Resources for Educators

    Warren Coalition is a VFHY grant recipient. The grants help fund the DEALS HOPE drug education programs in local schools as well as Project WAHOO.

    Additional Resources

    https://www.medicalrecords.com/consumers/zyn-side-effects-an-in-depth-exploration-of-risks-management-and-implications

    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-health-effects-of-fda-authorized-zyn-nicotine-pouches

    https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/zyn-nicotine-pouches-tobacco-free-health-harm-rcna157214

  • Free Pool Party August 9th

    Free Pool Party August 9th

    Local students entering grades six through eight this fall are invited to a free Pool Party hosted by Warren Coalition! This free event will be held at the Claude A. Stokes Community Pool in Front Royal on Sunday, August 9th, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

    While admission is free, students are encouraged to bring donations of nonperishable food for those in need. This includes pasta, rice, cereal, meat or fish in pouches, and canned vegetables, meats, and fruits.

    New this year is a trivia contest (with prizes!) in which both students and parents can participate! Since supervision is provided, parents are welcome to stay but are not required to do so. Swimming is for the middle school students only.

    This event is open to all students entering grades six through eight who live in Warren County, whether they attend public or private school, or are homeschooled.

    For more information, email wc@warrencoalition.org.

  • Warren Coalition Honors Video Contest Winners

    Warren Coalition Honors Video Contest Winners

    Each year the Warren Coalition’s Health Video Contest grows a little more, and this year it garnered a record-breaking 11 submissions, making the judging and selection process even more challenging for the judges! Standing out among their peers and earning $125 Amazon gift cards for their efforts were: Kenny Buhl of Warren County Middle School and Ryder Bowen, a student at John Paul the Great Montessori Academy, repeated their wins from the previous year. Amiliyana Holt of Skyline Middle School and Cara Gass of Warren County Middle School also won top prizes. Ryder and Amiliyana produced videos focused “Getting Enough Sleep,” while Kenny and Cara centered theirs around “Exercising Regularly.”

    The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting quality sleep, drinking enough water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County over the next six to eight weeks.

    “It’s wonderful to see this competition grow each year,” said Celeste Brooks, Community Outreach Coordinator. “The students engage with creativity and enthusiasm. My only regret is that we don’t have more prizes to award!”

    This year’s winners, along with past contest winners, can be viewed on the Coalition’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/HealthVideoContest

    Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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  • Get Cheesy with Warren Coalition

    Warren Coalition’s second annual Let’s Get Cheesy is a night of food, laughter, and fun!  The adults-only event returns to the North Warren Celebration Hall (at the North Warren Fire Station, 266 Rockland Road) on Friday, June 5th, at 6:30 pm.

    Attendees will be treated to an extensive charcuterie table (with cheese from Happy Creek Cheeses and Dusty’s Country Store), brie and apple appetizers, and meatball sliders from On Cue Sports Bar and Grill during the first half-hour, followed by lasagna soup from On Cue, Caesar salad, and the main dishes of chicken Florentine and seafood au gratin. Dessert will feature cannolis from Garcia and Gavino and ice cream from C & C Frozen Treats, along with Oreo cheesecake truffles, carrot cake cookies, and brownies. Those who cannot or prefer not to eat cheese may still partake of the non-cheese options on the charcuterie table, meatballs, chicken, salad, and brownies.

    The evening will also feature a photo booth with In the Moment Photo Booth, your favorite cheesy dance tunes (Macarena, anyone?), entertainment and jokes with M.C. Pam Foster, a few fun and completely optional games, a 50/50 raffle, and a “Bountiful Baskets” silent auction.

    Tickets are $75/person or $140/couple. Visit warrencoalition.org/cheesy for more information or to purchase tickets. (If you prefer to pay with cash or check, email celeste@warrencoalition.org.)

    This fundraiser supports several Warren Coalition children’s programs, including: Project COURAGE, which provides hope and support for children who have experienced trauma; DEALS Hope, which encompasses the drug education classes Warren Coalition provides in Warren County; and HALO Read, the affiliate program of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Warren County. Thank you to the sponsors who are making this event possible and supporting these programs, including The Big Cheese sponsor, Sysco Northeast Redistribution Center; Cheddar Sponsors Jen Avery and Warren County Veterinary Clinic; Sweet Sponsor Holly Goode; and Gouda Sponsors Bill Powers (State Farm Insurance), True Value Ramsey Hardware, Apple House, and Kiwanis Club of Front Royal.

    Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug-free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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  • Now Accepting Nominations for Larry M. Funk Memorial Award

    Now Accepting Nominations for Larry M. Funk Memorial Award

    Warren Coalition is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Larry M. Funk Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Children. This award, established by the Warren Coalition in 2022, recognizes an individual who has made an exceptionally positive impact on the children of Warren County through dedicated, selfless service.  

    The award is open to anyone who serves children in any way. However, if serving children is their professional occupation, the nominator will need to demonstrate the ways in which they go above and beyond their normal job requirements.

    Nomination Process

    Nominators are asked to explain the contributions made to the children and youth of Warren County, cite specific examples, and list five outstanding qualities of the nominee. The selection of the award recipient is based solely on the nomination provided, not on outside information that the selection committees may have. The nomination is also used for the award write-up and subsequent media releases.

    Nominate someone for the larry m. Funk memorial award

    Nominations can be made online at https://bit.ly/FunkAward2026. (Note that the link is case-sensitive.) Nominations are due June 15, 2026. After the deadline, a panel of Warren Coalition staff and members will review the nomination packages, and select three to five packages to forward to the Funk family, who will make the final decision of who this year’s recipient will be. The selected person will be presented with a plaque and $500 cash at the Warren Coalition’s Annual Membership Luncheon in late July.

    People who have been nominated before may be submitted again. However, past honorees are ineligible for five years following receipt of the award. Past recipients include Roger Smelzer (2022), Laura Nelson-Haas (2023), Michael S. Williams (2024), and Harmony Hike (2025). Questions may be sent to Celeste Brooks at celeste@warrencoalition.org.

    About Larry

    Larry M. Funk was a member of Warren Coalition for more than 20 years, serving in a number of positions to include Vice President and President during that time.  The Warren County Sheriff Department employed Larry for over 28 years, and 27 of those were as the D.A.R.E. instructor and Community Policing representative.  He received many awards and recognitions from community organizations such as Kiwanis, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, Warren County Sheriff Department, Warren County Board of Supervisors, and American Legion Post 53, just to name a few.

    Larry’s many activities included presentations at events and distribution of educational materials for the youth of Warren County. This included many bike rodeos; Warren County Fair booths; Warren Memorial Hospital annual health fair; drug awareness displays; car shows; and car seat safety checks. He coordinated and organized the annual D.A.R.E. Day, which was the culmination of a year of planning for the fifth graders of Warren County Public Schools as part of the D.A.R.E education during the school year.

    At his church, Larry served as an elder, assistant Sunday school superintendent, and a youth Sunday school teacher. His family recalled that he would practice his presentations for hours until he got them just the way he wanted.  He took great pride working with the children of the community.  Students and former students would frequently greet him with hugs whenever they saw him. Larry’s impact was great and long-lasting.

    Larry was married for 38 years; the proud father of two sons; and grandfather of five grandchildren. He loved spending time with them and especially teaching them. 

    submit a nomination

    Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001.  The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center.  Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug-free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.

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