Safe Yakima Prevention Connection

Supporting Healthy Choices: Insights from Yajaira Lemus

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.

How Community Partnerships Strengthen Prevention with Del Whitmore of the Grandview Coalition

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 

Building Prevention From the Ground Up in White Swan with Julie Schillreff

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.

Proposition 1 with Commissioner Linde and Alicia Tobin

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.

Using "Talk. They Hear You."® to Talk to Your Kids About Substance Use

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.

You Can’t Fix What You Fake: Vulnerability, Faith, and Mental Health with Mark Grange

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.

All About Narcan with Katie Goodale

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.

What Actually Works in Prevention? A Conversation with Katie Goodale

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.

Annaka’s Story: Confidence, Connection, and the Power of Youth Voice in Prevention

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.

Treating the Whole Spectrum: Addiction, Harm Reduction, and Hope with Dr. Gillian Zuckerman

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.