Safe Yakima Prevention Connection

In this episode, host Safe Yakima is joined by Denys Lopez, Senior Account Executive and multicultural specialist at DH, a social impact marketing and communications agency, to discuss the statewide Friends for Life campaign and what everyday community members can do to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Denyse breaks down why the campaign centers on empowering people to protect those they love rathe...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Valley Prevention Connection podcast, Jessica and Talisa share how parents, educators, and trusted adults can help young people build healthy relationships through communication, boundaries, and emotional support. Drawing from their work with youth across Yakima County, they discuss the pressures teens face today, including social media, peer expectations, fear o...

Prevention works, and the data shows it. In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, host Derek Johnson sits down with prevention specialist Katie Goodale to explore how youth substance use has changed over time and what is driving that progress. From national trends to local data in Yakima County, the conversation highlights real declines in alcohol and tobacco use and asks...

In this episode, our host Katie Goodale from Safe Yakima Valley and leaders from Astria Toppenish Hospital discuss the strengths and challenges facing the Yakima Valley, including limited access to behavioral health care, substance use, and overdose trends. They highlight the importance of prevention, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration, along with efforts to expand local services an...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, Derek joins Jeremiah, a Community Risk Reduction Captain for the Yakima Fire Department. Together, they explore how first responders and substance use preventionists can work together toward the same goal: reducing risky behavior. By strengthening prevention efforts, we can decrease the number of emergency calls and allow our first...

English Description: In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, host Marisol Esparza speaks with Andres from Grupo 24 Horas Yakima, a local recovery group offering support to individuals and families affected by addiction. They discuss the realities of substance use in our community, the importance of connection and collaboration, and how prevention efforts can be strengthened throu...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, host Katie Goodale sits down with Captain Jordan Vanderhoof of the Toppenish Police Department to explore how law enforcement and prevention work together to support youth and families. They discuss community concerns around alcohol and marijuana use, the power of positive social norms, and why most Toppenish students are choosing t...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, host Katie Goodale sits down with Leslie Preciado, a Toppenish High School senior and youth leader making a real impact through prevention and leadership. Leslie shares how she got involved with the SAFE Club, what substance use prevention looks like in her school, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can change both your community an...

This podcast includes both Spanish and English episodes in it's library. We hope you find this and others helpful!   Este pódcast incluye episodios en español e inglés en su biblioteca. ¡Esperamos que este y otros episodios les sean de ayuda!   En este episodio de Conexión de Prevención de Safe Yakima, Liz del equipo de mentoría de Safe Yakima Valley conversa con Marisol Esparza, Coordinadora Comu...

In recognition of Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast welcomes Molly Johnston, Court Monitoring Specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), serving Yakima County and the broader Pacific Northwest. Marisol Esparza of Safe Yakima Valley sits down with Molly to unpack what happens after an impaired driving arrest and why court outcomes matter jus...

In this episode, we talk with Yajaira Lemus, Public Health Educator with the Benton-Franklin Health District and contractor for the Washington State Department of Health. Yajaira shares what adults are already doing well in youth substance-use prevention, the biggest misconceptions about vaping and high-potency cannabis, and why evolving products bring challenges to prevention.  She offers practic...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Valley Prevention Connection Podcast, Deputy Fire Chief Del Whitmore shares what makes Grandview a uniquely supportive community and why everyday residents play a crucial role in keeping youth safe. We talk about the realities first responders see concerning substance use, the risks teens face, and how prevention efforts through the Grandview Coalition are helpin...

In this episode, Katie Goodale talks with Julie Schillreff about how White Swan has built a youth-driven prevention movement built on trust, culture, and connection. Julie shares how involving young people at every level, honoring Native culture, and building long-term relationships has transformed engagement and shifted local norms around vaping and substance use.

In this bonus episode, Safe Yakima Valley talks with Commissioner LaDon Linde and Executive Director Alicia Tobin about Proposition 1, the upcoming advisory vote on Yakima County’s cannabis ban. They discuss the financial, health, and safety impacts of lifting the ban, the rise of high-THC products, and the importance of prevention education to protect local youth and communities. To avoid the spr...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, hosts Marisol and Derek unpack how parents can use SAMHSA’s Talk. They Hear You. campaign to start meaningful, ongoing conversations about substance use. They remind listeners that most youth don’t use substances and explore why prevention begins long before a problem arises. With empathy and practical tools, they share five key con...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, we sit down with local pastor Mark Grange to talk about the role of faith communities in promoting mental health and preventing youth substance use. Mark shares his personal story of overcoming trauma and mental health struggles, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and safety within the church. Together, we discus...

This episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast dives deep into the opioid epidemic in Yakima County and highlights the life-saving role of Narcan (naloxone). Hosted by Katie Goodale, the episode provides urgent local statistics, explains how opioids affect the body, breaks down how to recognize and respond to overdoses, and offers practical steps for community members to access free...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, we sit down with longtime preventionist Katie Goodale, Program Manager at Safe Yakima Valley, to unpack what truly works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to preventing youth substance use. From the myths of fear-based tactics to the power of evidence-based strategies like social-emotional learning, mentorship, and family engagement,...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, our host Marisol Esparza talks with Annaka, a senior at Eisenhower High School and Vice President of Spark Club. Annaka shares how staying involved in school, sports, and prevention work has helped her build confidence, avoid peer pressure, and grow as a leader. She highlights how Spark Club creates a supportive, substance-free environment...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julian Zuckerman, Director of Addictions at Comprehensive Healthcare. Dr. Zuckerman shares her personal journey and offers a deeply informed look at addiction myths, stigma, and the full continuum of care — from prevention to harm reduction to treatment.

In this episode of Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, we’re joined by Liz Walsh and Haley Adkison, mentoring coordinators at Safe Yakima Valley. We dive into how mentoring at the ground level empowers local youth, prevents substance use, and strengthens our community. Learn what mentoring is (and isn’t), hear success stories from Yakima County schools, and discover how you can get involved in this...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, we explore the vital connection between mental health and community safety. Deputy Chief Jon Schwarder from the Toppenish Police Department shares his unique insights on supporting youth in overcoming challenges related to substance use and untreated mental health issues. With a focus on prevention, education, and reducing stigma, w...

In this episode, we delve into the power of community collaboration in creating a safe and thriving environment for youth. Our guest, Rob Darling, Superintendent of Grandview School District, shares his insights on harnessing empathy interviews to understand the root causes of community challenges and empowering students through student-led initiatives against hate speech. Learn how Grandview is b...

In this episode, we explore the role law enforcement plays in substance use prevention, with a focus on its longstanding involvement in Yakima Valley schools. We're honored to welcome Sheriff Robert Udell of the Yakima County Sheriff's Office — a trusted leader in our community’s efforts to promote safety, prevention, and positive youth development. Sheriff Udell isn't just a law enforcement leade...

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Arianna Rosales, a junior at Eisenhower High School and president of the SPARK Club. Arianna shares her experiences from joining as a freshman to leading the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Club with passion and dedication. Discover how she's breaking out of her shell, engaging peers, and becoming...