Educators, community leaders, and public health advocates recently convened at the Vancouver Water Resource Education Center for the Data Walk & Youth Leadership Panel, an event presented by Prevent Coalition and Clark County Public Health. This gathering focused on addressing youth mental health and substance misuse in Clark County through data-driven insights and youth perspectives.

The Data Walk featured youth-led panels that served as interactive stations. Participants rotated through these stations, each focusing on critical topics such as social media and internet use, mental health challenges, perceptions of harm related to substance use, and broader issues of substance misuse. Moderators guided discussions at each station, capturing attendees’ reactions, insights, and ideas for addressing these concerns within their own families and communities.

Throughout the event, youth leaders shared their experiences, offering a unique perspective on how the presented data reflected their realities. Students emphasized the importance of including youth voices in conversations about mental health and substance use, noting that their insights can help shape effective prevention strategies. They expressed gratitude for being part of the discussions and action planning, underscoring the value of their involvement in driving meaningful change.

“I was very impressed by the event, particularly because we not only shared the data,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Director and Health Officer for Clark County Public Health. “We included the high school students themselves and got an opportunity to hear from them how the data reflected their own lived experiences, and consequently, they were able to provide guidance for our collective prevention efforts. I hope we can replicate this event, with student participation, in the school buildings across the county.”

In addition to Dr. Melnick, distinguished attendees included Washington State Representative Paul Harris, a testament to the importance of focusing on youth voices.

The event left a lasting impact on many attendees, motivating them to bring these insights back to their classrooms and communities, and reinforcing their commitment to youth mental health and substance use prevention.

“I plan on using this data in my direct work with students in a school setting,” shared one participant.

By centering on youth voices, the Data Walk & Youth Leadership Panel fostered an atmosphere of collaboration, understanding, and hope for a healthier future, making every participant feel included and part of a collective effort.

This event was funded through the Washington State Department of Health’s Youth Cannabis and Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program and administered by the Prevent Coalition and Educational Service District 112.