Vancouver coalitions invite community to help build healthier futures for youth

Preventing youth substance use is not the responsibility of schools or families alone. It takes an entire community. As the 2026-27 school year approaches, Vancouver residents are encouraged to be part of the solution. Two Vancouver coalitions, the Central Vancouver Coalition and West Van for Youth, invite community members, organizations, and local leaders to join a growing movement to help young people thrive.

The Central Vancouver Coalition and West Van for Youth are launching the 2026-27 school and grant year with a renewed commitment to preventing youth substance use through education, partnership, and community engagement. Although each coalition serves a different geographic area of Vancouver, both share a common belief: preventing youth substance use is most effective when the entire community works together.

Together, the coalitions bring parents, youth, schools, health professionals, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith communities and local government partners to the table to identify community needs, implement evidence-based prevention strategies and create opportunities for young people to build healthy, connected lives.

For West Van for Youth Coordinator Caitlin Ramirez, that collaborative approach is the foundation of effective prevention.

“Prevention starts with relationships. When parents, schools, neighbors, businesses and community organizations come together around a shared goal, we create the kind of environment where young people feel supported, connected and empowered to make healthy choices,” Ramirez said.

That shared commitment is reflected in the work of both coalitions, which offer evidence-based programs, community education and opportunities for residents to get involved throughout the year.

“Healthy youth don’t happen by chance; they happen when communities come together,” said Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, Central Vancouver Coalition coordinator. “Whether you can attend a meeting, volunteer at an event, share your expertise, or simply complete a community survey, everyone has a role in supporting Vancouver’s youth.”

Building stronger communities together

Founded in 2011, West Van for Youth serves West Vancouver by promoting healthy choices and reducing youth substance use through evidence-based prevention programs, family education and community partnerships. The coalition’s vision is simple: Engaged community. Healthy youth. Bright futures.

Since 2018, the Central Vancouver Coalition has worked to reduce and prevent youth substance use by building an inclusive, resilient and connected community through awareness, education and collaboration. The coalition serves the central Vancouver area, bringing together diverse community voices to strengthen prevention efforts and improve youth well-being. Both coalitions are supported by Washington state’s Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative.

While each coalition serves a different part of Vancouver, they share the same goal: ensuring every young person has the support, opportunities, and connections needed to make healthy choices.

Throughout the year, the coalitions collaborate on initiatives that reduce youth access to substances and increase protective factors that help young people succeed. Their work includes:

  • Community coalition meetings open to anyone interested in prevention.
  • Family education programs, such as Strengthening Families and Guiding Good Choices.
  • School-based prevention services through Student Assistance Professionals.
  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events each spring and fall.
  • Red Ribbon Week activities that promote healthy choices.
  • Community education, policy initiatives and partnerships that strengthen youth mental health and substance use prevention efforts.

Get involved

Whether you have an hour to volunteer, professional expertise to share or simply a willingness to learn, there is a place for you in prevention. Community involvement is central to both coalitions’ success.

There are many ways to participate throughout the year, such as:

  • Attend a monthly coalition meeting.
  • Become a coalition member or serve on a committee.
  • Volunteer at community events, including National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
  • Partner as a business, nonprofit, school or community organization.
  • Share prevention resources and help raise awareness.
  • Participate in community listening sessions and future surveys.
  • Sign up for coalition newsletters and follow the coalitions on social media.

The Central Vancouver Coalition meets on the third Thursday of each month from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in a hybrid format, with sessions held at Bridgeview Resource Center and via Zoom. West Van for Youth meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in a hybrid format. Community members are welcome to attend, and formal membership is not required.

Every conversation, partnership, and volunteer effort helps build a stronger support network for Vancouver’s youth.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare provider, youth-serving professional, business owner or community member, your voice and experience can help create safer, healthier environments where Vancouver’s youth can grow, connect and succeed.

Preventing youth substance use isn’t the work of just two coalitions; it’s the work of the entire community.

Learn more about the Central Vancouver Coalition at centralvancoalition.org and about West Van for Youth at westvanforyouth.org.

About Community-Based Prevention

ESD 112 is the fiscal agent and convener for eleven different substance abuse prevention coalitions, including Central Vancouver Coalition and West Van for Youth, serving unique communities within the ESD 112 Region. The coalitions are comprised of community members and organizations working together towards a common goal of building a safe, healthy and drug free community. Most coalitions in our region partner with a Student Assistance Professional assigned to the middle or high school.