Safe Yakima Prevention Connection

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, Derek joins Jeremiah, a Community Risk Reduction Captain for the Yakima Fire Department. Together, they explore how first responders and substance use preventionists can work together toward the same goal: reducing risky behavior. By strengthening prevention efforts, we can decrease the number of emergency calls and allow our first responders to focus more effectively on critical community needs. The conversation also provides practical prevention strategies for both parents and educators. We hope you find this discussion insightful and helpful! Yakima Fire Department Website: https://yakimafire.com/ SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” ® Parent Resource Page: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources

English Description: In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, host Marisol Esparza speaks with Andres from Grupo 24 Horas Yakima, a local recovery group offering support to individuals and families affected by addiction. They discuss the realities of substance use in our community, the importance of connection and collaboration, and how prevention efforts can be strengthened through culturally grounded recovery work. This conversation sheds light on what’s happening locally, what gives us hope, and how community members can take simple steps to make a lasting difference. Spanish Description:  En este episodio del podcast Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, Marisol Esparza conversa con Andrés del Grupo 24 Horas Yakima, un grupo de recuperación local que brinda apoyo a personas y familias afectadas por la adicción. Hablan sobre las realidades del consumo de sustancias en nuestra comunidad, la importancia de la conexión y la colaboración, y cómo los esfuerzos de prevención pueden fortalecerse a través de un enfoque culturalmente arraigado. Esta conversación ofrece una mirada cercana a lo que está ocurriendo a nivel local, lo que nos da esperanza, y cómo los miembros de la comunidad pueden tomar pasos sencillos para marcar una diferencia duradera.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, host Katie Goodale sits down with Captain Jordan Vanderhoof of the Toppenish Police Department to explore how law enforcement and prevention work together to support youth and families. They discuss community concerns around alcohol and marijuana use, the power of positive social norms, and why most Toppenish students are choosing to stay substance-free. Captain Vanderhoof shares what he sees on the ground, how relationship-based policing builds trust with youth, and why early prevention and family engagement matter for long-term community safety. This conversation offers a clear, hopeful look at how collaboration, accurate data, and strong community connections can shape a healthier future for Toppenish.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, host Katie Goodale sits down with Leslie Preciado, a Toppenish High School senior and youth leader making a real impact through prevention and leadership. Leslie shares how she got involved with the SAFE Club, what substance use prevention looks like in her school, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can change both your community and your confidence. This conversation highlights youth voice, positive peer influence, and the power of student leadership in building healthier, safer schools.

This podcast includes both Spanish and English episodes in it's library. We hope you find this and others helpful!   Este pódcast incluye episodios en español e inglés en su biblioteca. ¡Esperamos que este y otros episodios les sean de ayuda!   En este episodio de Conexión de Prevención de Safe Yakima, Liz del equipo de mentoría de Safe Yakima Valley conversa con Marisol Esparza, Coordinadora Comunitaria, sobre la prevención del uso de sustancias entre jóvenes. Hablan sobre la importancia de iniciar conversaciones a tiempo, cómo identificar señales de advertencia y comparten consejos prácticos para que los padres fortalezcan la confianza con sus hijos. Además, explican cómo acceder a recursos locales y a la campaña “Hable. Ellos escuchan.   In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, Liz from the Safe Yakima Valley mentoring team sits down with Community Coordinator Marisol Esparza to talk about youth substance use prevention. They cover why early conversations matter, how to spot warning signs, and practical tips for parents to build trust and protect their children from substance misuse. Learn more about the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign and where to find local prevention resources.

In recognition of Impaired Driving Prevention Month, the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast welcomes Molly Johnston, Court Monitoring Specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), serving Yakima County and the broader Pacific Northwest. Marisol Esparza of Safe Yakima Valley sits down with Molly to unpack what happens after an impaired driving arrest and why court outcomes matter just as much as enforcement. Drawing from firsthand experience and the most recent data, Molly shares sobering trends from over 1,100 DUI arrests, highlights gaps in accountability, and explains how court monitoring can help to inform effective preventive measures.

In this episode, we talk with Yajaira Lemus, Public Health Educator with the Benton-Franklin Health District and contractor for the Washington State Department of Health. Yajaira shares what adults are already doing well in youth substance-use prevention, the biggest misconceptions about vaping and high-potency cannabis, and why evolving products bring challenges to prevention.  She offers practical tips for talking with teens, modeling healthy behavior, and staying informed about emerging trends. Yajaira also highlights real stories from her work with youth and explains how families, schools, and communities can work together to make a meaningful difference. A concise, insightful conversation for anyone invested in helping young people make healthy choices.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Valley Prevention Connection Podcast, Deputy Fire Chief Del Whitmore shares what makes Grandview a uniquely supportive community and why everyday residents play a crucial role in keeping youth safe. We talk about the realities first responders see concerning substance use, the risks teens face, and how prevention efforts through the Grandview Coalition are helping the community stay ahead of substance-use trends. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community partner, this conversation offers clear insight into how collaboration can protect the next generation and strengthen Grandview’s future. Grandview Coalition meets the third Wednesday of every month. Please reach out to us at safeyakimavalley.org 

In this episode, Katie Goodale talks with Julie Schillreff about how White Swan has built a youth-driven prevention movement built on trust, culture, and connection. Julie shares how involving young people at every level, honoring Native culture, and building long-term relationships has transformed engagement and shifted local norms around vaping and substance use.

In this bonus episode, Safe Yakima Valley talks with Commissioner LaDon Linde and Executive Director Alicia Tobin about Proposition 1, the upcoming advisory vote on Yakima County’s cannabis ban. They discuss the financial, health, and safety impacts of lifting the ban, the rise of high-THC products, and the importance of prevention education to protect local youth and communities. To avoid the spread of misinformation, here are some key facts regarding the impacts of marijuana, particularly how it affects our youth: - Due to genetic modification using butane, CO2, and ethanol, some retail cannabis products have THC levels up to 99%; by comparison, without genetic modification, natural THC levels range from .5% to 6% - Nearly one-third of Delta-9 THC-positive drivers in fatal crashes in Washington State were between ages 16-25 (from 2019-2023) - Since 2019, 607 THC-positive drivers have died in Washington State with 23.6% testing positive for THC only and 38.1% testing positive for alcohol and THC - In 2022, 1.3 million youth aged 12 to 17 were diagnosed with cannabis use disorder nationally - 1 in 6 marijuana users who start before age 18 will develop a long-term substance use disorder - Since marijuana legalization, toddler poisonings from edibles have doubled - In 2023, in Colorado, THC was the most common substance found in toxicology reports from completed suicides among youth aged 10 to 24 - Despite promises, legalization hasn’t ended the black market in Washington State – it’s actually grown in recent years due to rising dispensary prices - Marijuana sales in Washington State have been declining for 5 years in a row indicating an already saturated market; meanwhile, the black market is growing - Studies indicate that for every $1 in tax revenue, we incur $4.50 in social costs due to DUI’s, treatment, increased hospitalizations, higher crime, etc. While this isn’t an all-inclusive list of risks, it highlights several ways increased access to high THC marijuana can negatively impact our youth. Safe Yakima coalitions have too many evidence-based prevention projects to list here. Please visit our website for more information about our work or feel free to contact our Executive Director directly. We are proud of the work we do and are happy to share it with community members.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, hosts Marisol and Derek unpack how parents can use SAMHSA’s Talk. They Hear You. campaign to start meaningful, ongoing conversations about substance use. They remind listeners that most youth don’t use substances and explore why prevention begins long before a problem arises. With empathy and practical tools, they share five key conversation goals, ways to handle tough questions like “Did you drink when you were a kid?”, and how to spot early warning signs without shame. This episode empowers parents to connect, listen, and guide their kids toward healthy, resilient choices. Small talks today protect big dreams tomorrow.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, we sit down with local pastor Mark Grange to talk about the role of faith communities in promoting mental health and preventing youth substance use. Mark shares his personal story of overcoming trauma and mental health struggles, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and safety within the church. Together, we discuss breaking stigma, creating authentic connections, and building a community where youth feel seen, supported, and valued. Whether you’re a parent, faith leader, or community member, this conversation offers practical insights and hopeful vision for a healthier Yakima Valley.

This episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast dives deep into the opioid epidemic in Yakima County and highlights the life-saving role of Narcan (naloxone). Hosted by Katie Goodale, the episode provides urgent local statistics, explains how opioids affect the body, breaks down how to recognize and respond to overdoses, and offers practical steps for community members to access free Narcan.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, we sit down with longtime preventionist Katie Goodale, Program Manager at Safe Yakima Valley, to unpack what truly works, and what doesn’t, when it comes to preventing youth substance use. From the myths of fear-based tactics to the power of evidence-based strategies like social-emotional learning, mentorship, and family engagement, this episode offers a candid and hopeful look at how prevention has evolved. You'll also hear how small, consistent conversations and strong community partnerships can create lasting change. Whether you’re a parent, educator, nonprofit leader, or advocate, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tools to help you make an impact.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, our host Marisol Esparza talks with Annaka, a senior at Eisenhower High School and Vice President of Spark Club. Annaka shares how staying involved in school, sports, and prevention work has helped her build confidence, avoid peer pressure, and grow as a leader. She highlights how Spark Club creates a supportive, substance-free environment through outreach, education, and student-led advocacy. The conversation covers what motivates students to get involved, how to make prevention more appealing, and the vital role adults play in supporting youth. Whether you're a student, educator, or community member, this episode offers insight into how youth leadership drives lasting change. Spark Club meets Mondays at 1:45 PM and Tuesdays at 2:45 PM in Room 326 at Eisenhower High School. Learn more at www.safeyakimavalley.org or follow Safe Yakima Valley on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julian Zuckerman, Director of Addictions at Comprehensive Healthcare. Dr. Zuckerman shares her personal journey and offers a deeply informed look at addiction myths, stigma, and the full continuum of care — from prevention to harm reduction to treatment.

In this episode of Safe Yakima Prevention Connection, we’re joined by Liz Walsh and Haley Adkison, mentoring coordinators at Safe Yakima Valley. We dive into how mentoring at the ground level empowers local youth, prevents substance use, and strengthens our community. Learn what mentoring is (and isn’t), hear success stories from Yakima County schools, and discover how you can get involved in this life-changing work. Whether you’re a parent, community member, or just want to make a difference, this episode shows you how to start.

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast, we explore the vital connection between mental health and community safety. Deputy Chief Jon Schwarder from the Toppenish Police Department shares his unique insights on supporting youth in overcoming challenges related to substance use and untreated mental health issues. With a focus on prevention, education, and reducing stigma, we discuss strategies to empower our community and create a safer environment for everyone. Tune in to learn more about effective interventions and how law enforcement and community collaboration play a crucial role in fostering a healthier Yakima Valley.   Intro and Outro Music Credit: Guitar loops 113 05 verison 05 120.8 bpm by josefpres -- https://freesound.org/s/789827/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

In this episode, we delve into the power of community collaboration in creating a safe and thriving environment for youth. Our guest, Rob Darling, Superintendent of Grandview School District, shares his insights on harnessing empathy interviews to understand the root causes of community challenges and empowering students through student-led initiatives against hate speech. Learn how Grandview is building bridges between parents, schools, and local organizations to ensure the well-being of every child. Stay tuned for inspiring stories and practical tips to foster safer, substance-free communities.   Intro and Outro Music Credit: Guitar loops 113 05 verison 05 120.8 bpm by josefpres -- https://freesound.org/s/789827/ -- License: Creative Commons 0

In this episode, we explore the role law enforcement plays in substance use prevention, with a focus on its longstanding involvement in Yakima Valley schools. We're honored to welcome Sheriff Robert Udell of the Yakima County Sheriff's Office — a trusted leader in our community’s efforts to promote safety, prevention, and positive youth development. Sheriff Udell isn't just a law enforcement leader; he's a lifelong Yakima County resident with deep roots, whose family arrived in the 1890s. With an extensive 35-year career spanning nearly every facet of the Sheriff's Office – from patrol and detective work in major crimes to being a D.A.R.E. officer in schools for five years, and now serving his seventh year as Sheriff – he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective. As the current chair of Safe Yakima Valley, Sheriff Udell is deeply invested in collaborative prevention work and making Yakima a safer community to raise our youth.