At the Small Towns, Big Impact: 2026 Rural Prevention Conference in Wenatchee, Washington, more than 100 participants from rural communities across the state gathered to learn how to engage youth in substance misuse prevention, strengthen community partnerships and use local data to guide prevention efforts.
The conference brought together students, prevention professionals and others interested in rural prevention. Students in the Prevention Club at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School shared their experiences engaging youth in drug and alcohol prevention, while Wenatchee High School’s Mariachi Huenachi band performed for attendees.
Students in the Prevention Club at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School presented about their experiences engaging youth in drug and alcohol prevention.
“Rural communities have unique strengths and challenges. This conference gave us space to learn from one another and turn prevention research into practical ideas for our communities,” said Sarah Hancock, community prevention project coordinator at Educational Service District (ESD) 112.
The two-day event included presentations, discussions and networking focused on effective prevention work across Washington. Sessions covered ways to engage youth in prevention, information about prevention science and data, and make substance misuse prevention efforts more equitable. Participants could also attend an optional sound bath led by Alpine Hot Yoga Studio.
Participants attended presentations, discussions and networking focused on effective prevention work across Washington.
“Being in Prevention Club isn’t just about being in a club. For me, it’s about speaking out about what you believe in and making a difference,” said Aiden Kaiser, a 10th-grade student at Cle Elum-Roslyn High School.
The Rural Network hosted the conference. The group includes prevention specialists, volunteers and community leaders from across Washington state who work to build resilience and prevent youth substance misuse in rural communities.
Participants left the conference with new connections and strategies they could adapt for prevention work in rural communities across Washington.
About The Rural Network
The Rural Network is a group of volunteers, prevention professionals, community leaders, and partners across Washington working together to build resilience and safeguard youth in rural communities. Members include school staff, parents, youth, business owners, medical professionals, law enforcement, government workers, faith-based organizations, coalition coordinators, and more committed to preventing youth substance misuse.
The Rural Network is an initiative of Prevent Coalition, funded by the Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program (YCCTPP) of the Washington State Department of Health and supported by ESD 112.
ESD 112 equalizes educational opportunities for learning communities through innovative partnerships, responsive leadership, and exceptional programs.