Fourteen dedicated community leaders from across rural Washington have received vital support from ESD 112’s Prevent Coalition, thanks to a new scholarship program designed to strengthen youth mental health and substance use prevention efforts.

Launched in partnership with and made possible by funding from the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) and the Washington State Department of Health (WADOH), the Prevention Training Scholarships provide up to $1,000 to help recipients attend prevention-focused trainings or earn professional certifications.

The goal of the new program is to provide rural changemakers with the tools they need to build healthier, more resilient communities.

“Our rural leaders are often doing this work with limited resources,” said Joy Lyons, Director of Prevention at ESD 112. “These scholarships provide a tangible boost, connecting them to the knowledge and networks that support real community change.”

The 9 scholarship awardees and 5 additional certification recipients were selected based on criteria including community need, equity impact, clarity of training goals, and potential for long-term benefit. Priority was given to residents of rural areas, local coalition members, and applicants committed to addressing health disparities.

Awardees represent a wide range of organizations and coalitions, such as:

  • Safe Yakima Valley
  • WAGAP
  • Educational Service District 123
  • Sedro Woolley Rise Coalition/MAD HOPE Youth Suicide Prevention
  • Whatcom Family & Community Network
  • Skamania Acupuncture Clinic
  • La Center United

“We were deeply inspired by the passion and dedication of our applicants,” Lyons shared. “The enthusiasm for prevention work in rural communities is clear, and these leaders are already making a difference.”

Scholarship recipients will attend training sessions throughout 2026, with support from Prevent staff to manage registration and travel arrangements. Afterwards, they will provide feedback to help improve and refine the program for future years.

Prevent Coalition aims to continue the scholarship program, depending on funding availability, and will use this pilot round as a model for future growth.

For more information and updates, visit Prevent’s website.

About Prevent Coalition

The Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration and awareness and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington State through the Rural Network to create a culture that promotes healthy choices. Through support from ESD 112, as well as invaluable community volunteers and organizations across the state, Prevent advocates for policies and regulations that protect, empower, and nurture youth. Prevent is funded by the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Program from the Washington Department of Health,  and other state and federal grants. For more information, visit www.preventcoalition.org.