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.

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.

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.

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