Healthy Youth Survey Planning Committee shares 2027 survey revision process
The Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) Planning Committee typically solicits revisions from partners and communities for upcoming implementations. However, the 2027 process is modified:
Read the full announcement on the Athena Forum to see all details of this announcement.
We did not make this decision lightly. Our state is experiencing a budget shortfall co-occurring with federal fund reductions and eliminations. This requires us to reduce scope, focus on improving systems and maintain the survey as a treasured resource for our state.
Upcoming:
-
Mid-April, data will be available through the EDS Portal and AskHYS.net.
-
Late April, we’ll host recorded webinars highlighting 2025 results.
SPF Application for Prevention Success Training March 9-11
The Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) will be hosted in-person March 9-11, 2026 in Pasco, Washington. This training is grounded in current research and the SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework, led by trainers Jennifer Dorsett, Kristi Sharpe, and Scott Waller.
Participants will gain foundational knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that improve outcomes. This training is foundational to all substance use prevention work in WA State and around the Nation.
Learn more and sign up for the training today!
Project Motivating Campus Change recruiting college students
Project Motivating Campus Change is looking for college students in Central/Eastern Washington to participate in a paid research study on health behaviors.
To participate:
- Fill out a contact form
- Pick a time to meet virtually with research staff to confirm eligibility
- Fill out a 20-30 minute online survey. Respondents receive a $20 Amazon gift card
- A small number of students will be invited for 60-90 minute follow-up interviews. Students who complete these interviews will receive an additional $40 gift card.
Eligibility requirements:
- Undergraduate student at a 2- or 4-year school in Central or Eastern Washington
- Between the ages of 18 and 29
Learn more reading the full Athena Forum announcement.
Save the date: Mental Health America conference October 8-9
The 2026 Mental Health America Conference takes place October 8-9 in Washington, DC and will focus on the theme More Good Days, Together. Through this theme, the conference will explore how to make more good days possible for all by connecting people to the right support at the right time and recognizing that “good” is defined by unique mental health experiences and goals.
Learn more by visiting the event website.
Recording of PSCBW's "Obtaining and Maintaining Prevention Certification" now available
The Prevention Specialist Certification Board of Washington (PSCBW) has posted a recording of the January 21, 2026 training titled, "Obtaining and Maintaining Prevention Certification." Access the video on the PSCBW website.
This webinar is for anyone pursuing certification, currently collecting hours to maintain their credentials, or looking to reinstate an expired certification. PSCBW discusses recent updates to the application process and shares new ideas for the coming year.
Alerts highlight emerging synthetic opioid risks
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) shares two emergency alerts that signify emerging opioid risks.
A new global health alert warns of synthetic opioids known as benzimidazol-2-ones, or “orphines,” now appearing in U.S. and international drug markets. The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education and Colombo Plan stress that public health officials worldwide should be aware of this emerging threat. Read the alert for more information.
The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education also issued a public alert to notify public health and safety agencies, law enforcement, first responders, clinicians, medical examiners, and related communities about new information surrounding the emergent novel synthetic opioid N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, also known as “Cychlorphine.” Read the full public alert for more details.
Core Competencies for Prevention Researchers
The Society for Prevention Research (SPR) is pleased to release a new report entitled Core Competencies for Prevention Researchers. The goal of this report is to define prevention science; identify assumptions, principles, and key domains that fall within this definition; and describe competencies characterizing each domain.
The report highlights the fundamental roles of epidemiology and etiology of risk, promotive, and protective factors for health, behavior, and societal problems; it highlights advancements in basic and applied research, including the evaluation of preventive interventions; it addresses the development and adaptation of these interventions; and it recognizes the importance of their dissemination and implementation.
View the report on PreventionResearch.org.
7th Annual Cannabis and Other Drugs Awareness and Prevention Conference
Stanford Medicine is hosting the 7th annual conference on a virtual platform from April 22-23, 2026.
Learn how to educate youth regarding substances including health effects, how to work with and intervene with current youth users, successful prevention strategies and curriculums (including harm-reduction), and the latest research on cannabis and other drugs.
Registration for this conference will include access to workshops and materials for one year. Registration costs $125.
Learn more by visiting the conference website.
Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) publishes Topics and Trends quarterly newsletter
The LCB's quarterly newsletter, Topics and Trends, is now live with the Winter 2026 Cannabis Edition on Medium.
This issue of Topics and Trends features the following stories:
- New Active Rules Tracker Dashboard
- Virtual Responsible Cannabis Sales Classes
- New Resources for Cannabis Applicants
- Looking to Separate Your Producer/Processor License? Here's How!
- Rulemaking GovDelivery Updates
- FY 2025 Annual Report Now Available on LCB Website
- Quick Actions in the LCB Portal
- New LCB Tax and Fee System Project will Replace Outdated Systems in 2027
- U.S. Postal Service Rule Changes: Postmarks and Processing
Visit the Medium website to read the newsletter.
One Prevention Alliance (OPA) empowers youth through art
Over 40 vibrant yard signs now decorate the lawns of local homes in Skamania County. They are works of art created by youth in a recent community-wide contest organized by One Prevention Alliance (OPA), and they carry a meaningful message: drug and alcohol prevention begins with conversation.
Students from Skamania Elementary, Carson Elementary, Wind River Middle School, and Stevenson High School were invited to participate in the “Decorate a Yard Sign, Win a Prize” contest. Participants received blank yard signs to take home and decorate with any weatherproof materials of their choice, from markers and paint to yarn and collage. Along with the signs, they received informational resources to help parents discuss the risks of substance use with their children.
"We know that one of the most effective tools in prevention is simple: open, ongoing communication between parents and their kids,” said Karen Douglass, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for OPA. “But starting those conversations isn’t always easy. This contest gave families a reason to sit down together, create something, and talk."
Visit the ESD 112 website for the full story.
SE Seattle PEACE Coalition leads annual key leader event
The SE Seattle PEACE Coalition hosted its 15th Annual Key Leader Event on February 3 at the New Holly Gathering Hall, bringing together 140 community members, youth, and local leaders. The coalition used this event to share the CPWI process, promote prevention science, and strengthen local partnerships. See the event recording on YouTube.
The event featured nine panelists, including Seattle’s newly elected Mayor, City Attorney, Public Schools Superintendent, City Council members, law enforcement leadership, and Franklin High School students. Their participation reflected strong relationships and support for prevention and youth well-being.
Key leaders emphasized their commitment to prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and treatment for youth struggling with substance use. A multicultural dinner reinforced the coalition’s focus on inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.
This successful event demonstrated the impact of collaborative leadership and community engagement through CPWI. It highlights the coalition’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and advancing effective, evidence-based prevention efforts.
Visit the coalition website to learn more.
CPAKC receives funding for prevention activities and safe storage promotion
The Coalition for Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) worked their fiscal agent, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to secure funding from South West Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) that will amplify their prevention efforts and capacity.
Funding will support numerous activities the coalition is excited to implement, including planning trainings with partner coalition Our Klickitat for senior meal sites on Medication Management and Safe Medication Storage, Narcan training in both English and Spanish, as well as coordinating Grief Circles in Goldendale.
Finally, funding will supplement the youth-club who developed a Positive Community Norms campaign and supply t-shirts with the prevention messaging.
Visit the coalition website to learn more.
ESD 112 unites school and community leaders for Principal's Breakfast and resource fair
On October 13, Educational Service District (ESD) 112 hosted the Principals’ Breakfast followed by the annual Resource Fair, connecting school and community leaders from across the region to support student well-being.
At the Principals’ Breakfast, Clark County Public Health presented Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) data and led a discussion about how the information can be used to strengthen student support systems. Student members of the Goldendale High School prevention club participated in the discussion to offer youth perspectives.
Following the breakfast, attendees networked and shared ideas with community leaders at the Prevention and Wellness Resource Fair.
Visit the ESD 112 website for the full story.
|
