Prevent Coalition

10/02/2026

🌲 Small towns, big impact!

The 2026 Rural Prevention Conference is underway in Wenatchee, bringing students, community members and prevention professionals from across rural Washington together to learn, connect and share ideas for supporting youth.

Yesterday, Wenatchee High School’s Mariachi Huenachi brought music and energy to the conference. 🎶 Today, students from the Cle Elum-Roslyn High School Prevention Club are sharing their perspectives on youth engagement in prevention.

“Being in Prevention Club isn't just about being in a club. For me, it's about speaking out about what you believe in and making a difference,” said Aiden Kaiser, a 10th-grade student at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School.

Throughout the conference, attendees are exchanging prevention strategies and ideas they can bring back to their own communities. 💚

Learn more about the Rural Prevention Conference: www.preventcoalition.org/ruralconference2026

10/02/2026

📚 Did you know that we have a new Safety Study Hall toolkit?

Developed in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health, the toolkit includes 8 ready-to-share graphics and pre-written messaging for social media and newsletters, covering topics such as overdose prevention and response and secure storage of medications, fi****ms and am******on.

Explore the full toolkit: www.esd112.org/safety-study-hall/

10/01/2026

💊 Drug Take Back events on October 24!

Safely dispose of unused or expired medications at participating drop-off locations in Clark and Klickitat counties.

What you can bring:
💊 Prescription medications
🧴 Over-the-counter medications
💧 Pills, liquids and inhalers
🚫 Please do not bring sharps.

Drop-off locations:
📍 Battle Ground Police Department
📍 La Center Police Department
📍 Ridgefield Police Department
📍 Washougal Police Department
📍 Walgreens — 2939 Ocean Beach Highway, Longview
📍 Klickitat County Courthouse — 205 S. Columbia St., Goldendale

Proper disposal helps prevent misuse, overdose, and accidental poisoning. It also keeps medications out of landfills and waterways. Find year-round and mail-back disposal options at: medtakebackwashington.org

09/23/2026

Families can be an important source of strength throughout recovery. 💜

Listening without judgment, offering encouragement and helping someone connect with support can make a meaningful difference. During National Recovery Month, we recognize the families who walk alongside their loved ones with compassion and hope.

Recovery is possible, and support matters.

09/22/2026

It’s more than a conference!

Along with two days of learning and connection, attendees can look forward to:

🔎 The Rural Tiny Treasure Hunt, with hidden rural-themed items and prizes.
🎶 A lunchtime performance from Wenatchee High School’s Mariachi Huenachi.
🎨 Chalk the Change, a collaborative mural celebrating rural communities, connection and hope.

Plus, enjoy more than 20 sessions, youth voices, practical prevention strategies and opportunities to connect with rural partners from across Washington.

📅 October 1–2, 2026
📍 Wenatchee, Washington
🎟️ FREE registration is available!

Learn more and register: www.preventcoalition.org/ruralconference2026/

09/22/2026

Read about featured speakers, activities, and free registration to the 2026 Rural Prevention Conference, October 1 & 2!

2026 Rural Prevention Conference

09/21/2026

Opioid prevention begins with awareness, honest conversations and safer homes. 💚

Talk with young people about the risks of taking medication that was not prescribed to them. Keep prescriptions secure and safely dispose of anything you no longer need.

These steps may feel small, but they can help save lives.

09/17/2026

Back-to-school conversations don't need to feel like an interview. 💬

Ask an open-ended question. Listen without rushing to offer advice. Let your teen know they can talk with you about school, friendships or anything else on their mind.

Small conversations can build trust and help young people know they can come to you when something is wrong.

09/16/2026

No one should have to navigate recovery alone. 🤝

Supportive families, trusted friends, peers and community resources can help people feel connected and encouraged throughout their recovery journey.

This National Recovery Month, let’s continue building communities where people feel safe asking for help and supported as they move forward.

09/15/2026

🌎💛 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!

September 15 through October 15, we’re celebrating the cultures, traditions, stories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities here in Southwest Washington and beyond. Strong communities are built through connection, belonging and supporting one another.