Safe Yakima Prevention Connection

Anyone Can Save a Life: Overdose Prevention with Friends for Life

In this episode, host Safe Yakima is joined by Denys Lopez, Senior Account Executive and multicultural specialist at DH, a social impact marketing and communications agency, to discuss the statewide Friends for Life campaign and what everyday community members can do to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Denyse breaks down why the campaign centers on empowering people to protect those they love rather than focusing solely on changing individual drug use behaviors, and explains how naloxone can be a life-saving tool for anyone to carry. The conversation also covers risk and protective factors for youth, practical tips for building strong relationships with the young people in your life, and how to start honest, ongoing conversations about substance use without fear. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community member, this episode will leave you with clear, actionable steps to be a friend for life. Find free naloxone resources and more at wafriendsforlife.com/get-naloxone.

Helping Teens Set Boundaries and Build Healthy Relationships

In this episode of the Safe Yakima Valley Prevention Connection podcast, Jessica and Talisa share how parents, educators, and trusted adults can help young people build healthy relationships through communication, boundaries, and emotional support. Drawing from their work with youth across Yakima County, they discuss the pressures teens face today, including social media, peer expectations, fear of missing out, and difficulty expressing emotions. The conversation explores how adults can create safe spaces for honest conversations, recognize warning signs in relationships, and give teens the tools to make healthy choices that strengthen their confidence, safety, and future well-being.

What Works in Prevention with Katie Goodale

Prevention works, and the data shows it. In this episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection podcast, host Derek Johnson sits down with prevention specialist Katie Goodale to explore how youth substance use has changed over time and what is driving that progress. From national trends to local data in Yakima County, the conversation highlights real declines in alcohol and tobacco use and asks an important question: what made the difference? Katie shares insights from over a decade in the field, tracing the shift from well-meaning but unproven efforts to strategies grounded in research. The episode breaks down how effective prevention happens at the community level through coalition work, skill building, and supportive environments. It also takes an honest look at common approaches that fall short, including fear-based messaging and one-time events, and explains why they do not create lasting change. Whether you are a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers a clear look at how prevention has evolved and how communities can keep moving forward.

Building Healthier Communities with Astria Health

In this episode, our host Katie Goodale from Safe Yakima Valley and leaders from Astria Toppenish Hospital discuss the strengths and challenges facing the Yakima Valley, including limited access to behavioral health care, substance use, and overdose trends. They highlight the importance of prevention, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration, along with efforts to expand local services and improve access to care. The conversation emphasizes that early support and strong partnerships are key to healthier outcomes for youth and families.

Reducing Community Risk with Yakima Fire Captain Jeremiah Stilley

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/ [https://yakimafire.com/] SAMHSA “Talk. They Hear You.” ® Parent Resource Page: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources [https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources]