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

Donde Comienza la Recuperación: Una Conversación con Grupo 24 Horas Yakima/Where Recovery Begins: A Conversation with Grupo 24 Horas Yakima

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.

Where Prevention and Policing Meet with Captain Jordan Vanderhoof of the Toppenish Police Department

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.

Youth Voices in Prevention: Making an impact in your school with Leslie

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.

Spanish Episode: “Hable. Ellos Escuchan.” - Consejos de prevención para padres/“Talk. They Hear You.” - Prevention Tips for Parents

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.

DUI by the Numbers: Arrests, Outcomes, and Accountability with Molly Johnston

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.