In 2022 we received over 200 Community Surveys from adults who either work or live in West Vancouver. We're seeking insight and opinions about youth mental health and substance use in our community. Survey responses are anonymous and will help inform and improve prevention programs for our youth. Thank you, for supporting local youth and for helping bring more community representation to this annual survey by participating and sharing it widely to achieve our goal of collecting 250 surveys by the November 15th deadline.
You can take the community survey if:
You can take the community survey if:
- You live, work OR play in West Vancouver, Washington (Zip Codes: 98660, 98661, 98663, 98665)
- You are an adult (18+)
We know reaching out can be difficult and we are here!
We know most young people are doing alright, but some aren’t and we want them to know we are here!
We thought it was important to highlight the resources of our community during these challenging times. In Vancouver, we have many resources for young people.
We want them to know we, as a community, are here to support them.
There are many people and agencies prepared to help them! Whether their struggle is in school, with mental health or substance use issues, food insecurities the list continues on… We wanted them to know we are here… We care… And we hope to connect them to folks who can help them get to where they want to go.
Where did this message come from? This data came from you!
Our Community Survey 2018/2019: this survey is conducted annually to look deeper into adult perceptions about community risk factors and youth substance use. The development team consisted of teens and adults from our community! If you would like to be involved in future projects, please reach out, we would love to hear from you!
We know most young people are doing alright, but some aren’t and we want them to know we are here!
We thought it was important to highlight the resources of our community during these challenging times. In Vancouver, we have many resources for young people.
We want them to know we, as a community, are here to support them.
There are many people and agencies prepared to help them! Whether their struggle is in school, with mental health or substance use issues, food insecurities the list continues on… We wanted them to know we are here… We care… And we hope to connect them to folks who can help them get to where they want to go.
Where did this message come from? This data came from you!
Our Community Survey 2018/2019: this survey is conducted annually to look deeper into adult perceptions about community risk factors and youth substance use. The development team consisted of teens and adults from our community! If you would like to be involved in future projects, please reach out, we would love to hear from you!
White House Drug Policy Office Awards $625,000 to West Van for Youth to Prevent Youth Substance Use in West Vancouver
Grants Support Community Partnership to Increase Support and Resilience for Youth
Vancouver, Wash. – On October 30, 2019 the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announced West Van for Youth of Vancouver, Washington is one of 150 new grant recipients for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program in the US. West Van for Youth will receive $625,000 in DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth. Vancouver Housing Authority is the fiscal agent for the Drug Free Communities grant. Vancouver Housing Authority is seeking Community Prevention Projects Coordinator applicants to coordinate the Drug Free Communities grant activities:
The DFC Program provides community coalitions the funding and support necessary to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. “We’re honored to hear this news and excited to show youth in our community that we care for them. The DFC program allows us to put systems and supports in place that will directly influence the outcomes of young people,” said Christopher Belisle, West Van for Youth Steering Committee Member. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and implement comprehensive strategies that address local substance use problems in the unique environments in which substances are used and promoted.
“Staying focused and persevering has paid off! We have applied to this grant two additional times and not being awarded was hard, but perseverance and caring about our West Van Youth, made the third time a charm! Partnerships and community helped show me the importance of applying again and that our community cares about our YOUth! The emotion and excitement was overwhelming on the morning of 10/30/19 when we learned we received the grant, looking back at the journey, it was worth it and is what prevention is all about, it is a journey and never ending!” said Angela Riddle, West Van for Youth Steering Committee Member.
Background on the Drug-Free Communities Support Program
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. “In order to create safe and healthy places for the next generation, we must break through to our children now and educate them about the dangers of substance use,” said Jim Carroll, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to increase community connectedness that will create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug use prevention efforts.
Community Coalitions work to reduce youth substance use. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare and business professionals, law enforcement, and media. By involving all community stakeholders in a solution-oriented approach, DFC also helps those youth at risk for substance use recognize that the majority of our Nation’s youth choose not to use drugs.
Additional recent successes
The West Van for Youth Coalition has been serving the Hudson’s Bay catchment since 2011 with the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative grant, which is funded and administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority. West Van for Youth’s current catchment has an approximate population of 47,355. With this additional Drug Free Communities grant the coalition seeks to serve more of the West Vancouver community, totaling 98,351 people, of whom 20,937 are under age 18.
Receiving the DFC grant comes at the heels of West Van for Youth wrapping up Red Ribbon Week, National Drug Take Back, and Guiding Good Choices parenting classes.
October 31 concluded National Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign that raises awareness, educates, and encourages youth to participate in drug prevention activities. To celebrate, 59 community members hung more than 400 red ribbons and planted 950 red tulips around downtown Vancouver. When these red tulips bloom each spring they remind the community of a promise to continue working together to keep youth healthy and take time to talk to children about what youth substance prevention means to the community. These tulips serve as a reminder to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break from daily stress and see the rewards of something beautiful the community nurtured together.
On October 26, 483 community members participated in National Drug Take Back by safely disposing of 1,420 lbs. of unused and/or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication and 540 lbs. of sharps/epi pens at PeaceHealth Urgent Care. Countywide, 1,691 community members safely disposed of 5,154 lbs. of medication and 1,539 lbs. of sharps/epi pens.
On October 24, 12 west Vancouver adults graduated from Guiding Good Choices, an evidence-based parenting classes for parents and other caregivers of children ages 9-14. These parents learned specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors, and develop into healthy adults. These parents also learned to set clear family guidelines on drugs, as well as learn and practice skills to strengthen family bonds, help their children develop healthy behaviors, and increase children’s involvement in the family. The Guiding Good Choices program, from Channing Bete Company, was developed by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington. Their research has shown that when children are bonded to their parents, school and non-drug-using peers, they are less likely to get involved in drug use or other behavior problems.
Since the inception of WVY, the Coalition has seen success. The 2018 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey shows the following trends from 2010-2018 (within our current boundary):
• 10th grade 30-day Alcohol Use decreased 11% and marijuana use decreased by 6%
• 10th grade Heavy/Binge Drinking has decreased since 2010 by 6%
• 10th grade 30-day cigarette use decreased by 9%
• Reported ease of access has decrease for alcohol (22%) and marijuana (10%)
• 10th grade low perception of risk for alcohol decreased 13%
• Since 2016, 10th grade perception of community approval of alcohol use fell by 25%
The Coalition members share their mission with pride: “West Van for Youth builds community in order to promote healthy choices and reduce youth substance use so our young people can grow into resilient and healthy adults.”
Community members are invited to get involved and build community with West Van for Youth.
For more information about West Van for Youth, please contact one of the West Van for Youth coordinators.
Grants Support Community Partnership to Increase Support and Resilience for Youth
Vancouver, Wash. – On October 30, 2019 the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) announced West Van for Youth of Vancouver, Washington is one of 150 new grant recipients for the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program in the US. West Van for Youth will receive $625,000 in DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth. Vancouver Housing Authority is the fiscal agent for the Drug Free Communities grant. Vancouver Housing Authority is seeking Community Prevention Projects Coordinator applicants to coordinate the Drug Free Communities grant activities:
The DFC Program provides community coalitions the funding and support necessary to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. “We’re honored to hear this news and excited to show youth in our community that we care for them. The DFC program allows us to put systems and supports in place that will directly influence the outcomes of young people,” said Christopher Belisle, West Van for Youth Steering Committee Member. Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, DFC-funded coalitions engage multiple sectors of the community and implement comprehensive strategies that address local substance use problems in the unique environments in which substances are used and promoted.
“Staying focused and persevering has paid off! We have applied to this grant two additional times and not being awarded was hard, but perseverance and caring about our West Van Youth, made the third time a charm! Partnerships and community helped show me the importance of applying again and that our community cares about our YOUth! The emotion and excitement was overwhelming on the morning of 10/30/19 when we learned we received the grant, looking back at the journey, it was worth it and is what prevention is all about, it is a journey and never ending!” said Angela Riddle, West Van for Youth Steering Committee Member.
Background on the Drug-Free Communities Support Program
The Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. “In order to create safe and healthy places for the next generation, we must break through to our children now and educate them about the dangers of substance use,” said Jim Carroll, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to increase community connectedness that will create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use.
The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug use prevention efforts.
Community Coalitions work to reduce youth substance use. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, healthcare and business professionals, law enforcement, and media. By involving all community stakeholders in a solution-oriented approach, DFC also helps those youth at risk for substance use recognize that the majority of our Nation’s youth choose not to use drugs.
Additional recent successes
The West Van for Youth Coalition has been serving the Hudson’s Bay catchment since 2011 with the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative grant, which is funded and administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority. West Van for Youth’s current catchment has an approximate population of 47,355. With this additional Drug Free Communities grant the coalition seeks to serve more of the West Vancouver community, totaling 98,351 people, of whom 20,937 are under age 18.
Receiving the DFC grant comes at the heels of West Van for Youth wrapping up Red Ribbon Week, National Drug Take Back, and Guiding Good Choices parenting classes.
October 31 concluded National Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign that raises awareness, educates, and encourages youth to participate in drug prevention activities. To celebrate, 59 community members hung more than 400 red ribbons and planted 950 red tulips around downtown Vancouver. When these red tulips bloom each spring they remind the community of a promise to continue working together to keep youth healthy and take time to talk to children about what youth substance prevention means to the community. These tulips serve as a reminder to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break from daily stress and see the rewards of something beautiful the community nurtured together.
On October 26, 483 community members participated in National Drug Take Back by safely disposing of 1,420 lbs. of unused and/or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication and 540 lbs. of sharps/epi pens at PeaceHealth Urgent Care. Countywide, 1,691 community members safely disposed of 5,154 lbs. of medication and 1,539 lbs. of sharps/epi pens.
On October 24, 12 west Vancouver adults graduated from Guiding Good Choices, an evidence-based parenting classes for parents and other caregivers of children ages 9-14. These parents learned specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors, and develop into healthy adults. These parents also learned to set clear family guidelines on drugs, as well as learn and practice skills to strengthen family bonds, help their children develop healthy behaviors, and increase children’s involvement in the family. The Guiding Good Choices program, from Channing Bete Company, was developed by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington. Their research has shown that when children are bonded to their parents, school and non-drug-using peers, they are less likely to get involved in drug use or other behavior problems.
Since the inception of WVY, the Coalition has seen success. The 2018 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey shows the following trends from 2010-2018 (within our current boundary):
• 10th grade 30-day Alcohol Use decreased 11% and marijuana use decreased by 6%
• 10th grade Heavy/Binge Drinking has decreased since 2010 by 6%
• 10th grade 30-day cigarette use decreased by 9%
• Reported ease of access has decrease for alcohol (22%) and marijuana (10%)
• 10th grade low perception of risk for alcohol decreased 13%
• Since 2016, 10th grade perception of community approval of alcohol use fell by 25%
The Coalition members share their mission with pride: “West Van for Youth builds community in order to promote healthy choices and reduce youth substance use so our young people can grow into resilient and healthy adults.”
Community members are invited to get involved and build community with West Van for Youth.
For more information about West Van for Youth, please contact one of the West Van for Youth coordinators.
West Vancouver Cares About Our Youth!
We want more west Vancouver adults to know and share our community's strength and positive norm: 91% of west Vancouver adults believe we need to talk to our kids about the risks of underage drinking.
Vancouver Pizza has teamed up with West Van For Youth to share Conversation Jars with families. Parents are the best influence on their kids in making healthy choices and communication is the key!
If you have interest in partnering to share this message please contact one of the West Van for Youth Coordinators:
Want a stack of sticker? Contact us!
Positive Community Norms science here! https://www.westvanforyouth.org/our-projects.html
Parents: You have the greatest influence on your child! Learn what you can do at: www.starttalkingnow.org
We want more west Vancouver adults to know and share our community's strength and positive norm: 91% of west Vancouver adults believe we need to talk to our kids about the risks of underage drinking.
Vancouver Pizza has teamed up with West Van For Youth to share Conversation Jars with families. Parents are the best influence on their kids in making healthy choices and communication is the key!
If you have interest in partnering to share this message please contact one of the West Van for Youth Coordinators:
Want a stack of sticker? Contact us!
Positive Community Norms science here! https://www.westvanforyouth.org/our-projects.html
Parents: You have the greatest influence on your child! Learn what you can do at: www.starttalkingnow.org
Join Our Coalition
GET INVOLVEDWe participate in community events, including Red Ribbon Week, Guiding Good Choices, Community Norms Campaigns and more.
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RESOURCESJoin us in our worthy cause. Learn what you can do today to reduce youth drug and alcohol misuse in our community.
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CONTACT USWant to make your community a better place? Have thoughts or feedback? Contact us to get started.
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Parents educated on engaging their children and guiding them towards healthy decisions since November 2017
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Tulips planted since 2017 for prevention awareness |
Pounds of DEA drugs safely disposed of at a Drug Take-Back event in SW Washington as of October 2020 by 16,820 participants
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