This September marked Prevent Rural Network’s 2nd Conference, held in Yakima, Washington and bringing together 100 participants from rural communities across Washington State to address youth substance misuse prevention in rural communities.
The two-day event centered on the theme “Cultivate, Elevate & Celebrate Rural Voices.” Attendees explored strategies for opioid prevention, online youth safety, mentoring programs, and coalition building. The conference featured sessions on social dynamics affecting rural areas and community-led interventions for at-risk populations.
The Rural Network is a group of volunteers across Washington State who work towards building resiliency and preventing youth substance misuse in rural communities. A coalition of parents, educators, business owners, medical professionals, law enforcement, government, faith-based organizations, and more, the network convenes around the common cause of empowering and supporting their communities.
Participants marked their locations on a Washington map, showcasing the reach of the Prevent Rural Network across the state
Abigail Wells, Community Prevention Program Coordinator, noted, “This year’s knowledgeable speakers and tailored strategies for rural communities made a strong impact.” With over 98% of attendees reporting the event met or exceeded expectations, participants especially appreciated the quality sessions and valuable networking opportunities.
The conference featured sessions addressing the social dynamics and criminalization that affect rural communities and community-led interventions aimed at at-risk populations. Attendees valued the networking opportunities, collaborating with regional peers to share challenges, resources, and support. One participant emphasized, “Building connections in your community, especially between parents and children, is an effective way to reduce risk factors and improve health outcomes.”
Participants answered questions throughout the room such as “On a scale of 1-5, 1 being impossible and 5 being they can find it whenever they want without any barriers, how easy is it for youth to access marijuana in rural communities?”
The Rural Network is an initiative of Prevent, funded by the Commercial Cannabis & Tobacco Prevention Program of the Washington State Department of Health, in addition to other state and federal grants. The next Rural Network Conference is slated for 2026. Materials from this year’s conference can be found on the Prevent Coalition’s website.
About Prevent Coalition
The Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration and awareness and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington State through the Rural Network to create a culture that promotes healthy choices. Through support from ESD 112 as well as invaluable community volunteers and organizations across the state, Prevent advocates for policies and regulations that protect, empower, and nurture youth. Prevent is funded by the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Program from the Washington Department of Health, the Health Care Authority State Opioid Response grant, and other state and federal grants. For more information, visit the Prevent website.
