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Pima County Health Department to hold first-ever teen conference July 25 to tackle mental
health, substance use and overdose prevention
Free “Let’s Talk About It” event gives teens tools, resources and support before the new school year
PIMA COUNTY, July 13, 2026 — The Pima County Health Department will sponsor its first-ever conference designed to provide local teens with a safe and supportive space to increase awareness of mental health, addiction, stigma, and overdose prevention while connecting them with tools, resources, and support to navigate these topics.
The free Let's Talk About It teen conference will take place on Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Groundworks and is open to teens ages 13–19. The event will feature speakers from VIVE 18, an organization that empowers young people to make healthy choices without feeling left out - and prove that prevention can be positive, engaging, and genuinely fun.
In addition to keynote presentations, attendees will participate in interactive breakout sessions focused on mental health, substance use, and reducing stigma. Teens will gain practical skills for managing their own mental wellness, supporting friends who may be struggling, navigating difficult situations, and using social media to promote positive and healthy messages. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with community organizations and take-home resources to support their own well-being after the conference. Beyond learning, attendees will enjoy free food, live musical performances, and fun activities including gift card giveaways and raffles.
"It's not always easy to talk about mental health, substance use, or overdose deaths,” said Kimberly Wang, program manager for the Health Department's Community Mental Health and Addiction Division. “Those conversations can feel uncomfortable, scary, or deeply personal. But we know that staying silent doesn't help—and we know that because teens have told us. That's why we created Let's Talk About It. We want every teen to know they are not alone, that asking for help is a sign of strength, and that one conversation can change—or even save—a life."
The conference is part of the Health Department's ongoing efforts to reduce overdose deaths and equip teens with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions as they enter adulthood. Overdose deaths have increased dramatically over the past decade, both nationally and locally, driven largely by the rise of illegally manufactured fentanyl. In Pima County's deadliest year on record, 2023, there were 510 unintentional overdose deaths, including 13 deaths among youth ages 13–19, underscoring the importance of early prevention, education, and open conversations.
"We know that as teens grow up, they are going to encounter substances, whether it's alcohol, marijuana, or other illicit drugs," Wang added. "Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions, recognize risky situations, and know where to turn for help. By having these conversations early, we hope to prevent future overdose deaths and empower young people to build healthier futures."
The conference is free and open to teens ages 13–19, and registration is encouraged. Whether you are a teen, parent, caregiver, guardian, or know a young person who could benefit from conversations about mental health, substance use prevention, and community resources, visit pima.gov/letstalkaboutit to learn more and register today.
Funding for this campaign was made possible (in part) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Overdose Data to Action: Limiting Overdose through Collaborative Actions in Localities (OD2A:LOCAL) grant.
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