The Statewide Rural Network
“A gathering of rural people who support youth in their journey to whole health.” Rural ConferenceRural ToolkitOur Resources
We look forward to creating research, tools, and campaigns, with your support.
Rural Prevention Toolkit
Access tools made for rural, by rural. Based on a year-long needs assessment of rural conditions, volunteers envisioned and developed an online toolkit for rural prevention providers across the state that will empower them to achieve their goals. The toolkit will support rural preventionists with ideas, tools, creativity, and inspiration. Current toolkit elements include a stock photo library of culturally appropriate images for campaigns, and a gallery of success stories sharing insights on how to adapt prevention strategies for rural conditions.
- Visit the online toolkit.
- Email preventcoalition@esd112.org for the toolkit password. The password is available for all!
- See the long-term toolkit vision board.
Rural Needs Assessment
We conducted a needs assessment of rural communities across Washington, powered by Rural Network volunteers. We contracted with Epidemiologists to analyze the data gathered. We hoped to answer questions including, “What works in rural areas and what doesn’t, what does it mean to be rural, and what do rural communities need to be successful in implementing prevention/education programs?” The answers to these questions shape the future of the Rural Network and the services we offer or create.
- Part 1: Qualitative Data Executive Summary
- Part 1: Qualitative Data Full Report
- Part 2: 2018 Healthy Youth Survey Data (English)
- Part 2: 2018 Healthy Youth Survey Data (Spanish)
- Part 2: 2018 Healthy Youth Survey Data (Russian)
- Part 2: 2018 Healthy Youth Survey Presentation (English)
- Part 3: 2021 Healthy Youth Survey Report (English)
- Part 3: 2021 Healthy Youth Survey Report (Spanish)
- Part 3: 2021 Healthy Youth Survey Report (Russian)
- Part 3: 2021 Healthy Youth Survey Presentation (English)
- Part 3: 2021 Listening Session Notes (English)
These reports describe what is happening in rural Washington as it relates to community needs, public health, and youth substance use prevention. This reports include data from a community survey, listening sessions, key informant interviews, literature reviews, and synthesized public health data from Washington State, OSPI and more. We also created a rural sample of the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey and compared rural versus Washington State as a whole.
Map of Rural Communities
Prevent defines “rural” as areas with a population of less than 10,000 people and at least one hour driving distance from nearest city. Rural areas are indicated in green on the map to the right.
Partner Resources
We look forward to developing a library of valuable rural resources over time.
Grants: Translation, Training, Outreach
Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance (WRASAP) is offering a distribution of funds to partners, collaborators and stakeholders. Requested funds should address causes of and solutions for agricultural stress in the Western region. Grants are offered four times per year in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Funding opportunities are available in three categories: Translation, Outreach, and Professional Development.
Nature Remedies 2021 Calendar
Shelton Substance Abuse Prevention Education Partners created a calendar that emphasizes mindfulness and connecting with nature. Below each month is a list of suggestions for you to see or do out in the community. They are exercises to hep you engage with Nature, and to become more mindful. These suggestions ask you to notice things or explore in ways you will need to find out for yourself. Many ask you to engage the outdoors. Others invite you to look at your world differently, including your own home, place of work, or backyard.
Vaping Window Cling Campaign
Prevent created a window cling campaign for rural areas of Southwest Washington who do not restrict the use of vaping products indoors or have ordinances regarding vaping in public. These window clings appear in the windows of community buildings, businesses, schools, and more. The message “We love clean air” is promoted in addition to, “Thank you for not vaping.” Partners are welcome to use this tool and modify to your community needs. There are multiple background options (above) to select from that represent different geographic areas of state.
Advancing Tobacco Prevention in Rural America by NNPHI
In the United States, rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of health harms related to commercial tobacco use. In response to this persisting public health problem, rural stakeholders have shown energy and creativity in generating and implementing solutions.
NW Hospitality (Partner Spotlight)
The main goal of Northwest Hospitality is to alleviate suffering and show compassion to homeless neighbors through simple, effective programs. They aim to encourage participation in local services that can help bring people out of poverty.
Rural Youth Engagement Toolkit
This tool kit was created by CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) to address substance misuse issues in their communities and achieve positive community change through comprehensive strategies with a focus on policy and advocacy.
Federal Rural Resource Guide 2018
Produced by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2018, the Federal Resources for Rural Communities helps address substance use disorder and opioid misuse.
Teen Link Stickers
Krista Timm from Wall Walla County worked with Teen Link and the Department of Health to create a suite of stickers that promote Teen Link, and mental health resources. This group got them printed at www.stickermule.com.
Click here to access their collection of sticker graphics.
Teen Link
You’re not alone. There is someone that’s willing to listen to you without judgment. Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.
Teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential.
It Starts With One (Rural) Opioid Campaign
This is a folder of hand-selected materials that are most relevant for rural communities out of the complete campaign assets, which you can use in your community to help promote healthy behaviors to prevent opioid misuse. It Starts with One campaign is designed to inform and educate young adults, their parents, and older adults about the dangers of prescription opioid misuse and the importance of safe storage, use, and disposal. As part of this statewide effort, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) provides campaign resources to coalitions and partners across the state. The hard work done at the community level by partners like you is a vital part of making a difference in our state. Materials include posters, rack cards, billboards, print ads, digital ads and more – as well as a guide on how to effectively implement materials.
Rural Community Toolbox by ONDCP
Federal resources by the Office of National Drug Control Policy that can help rural communities become strong, healthy, prosperous, and resilient places to live and work. Find resources to address Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and the Opioid crisis.
Rural Action Guide by ONDCP
The Rural Community Action Guide, produced by Office of National Drug Control Policy, aims to educate the public by providing an overview of the key challenges rural communities face when addressing the consequences of prescription opioid misuse and the use of illicit substances.
- Read pages 42-48, and the Rural Action Guide Factsheet.
- View Guide
List of Prevention Acronyms
Learn more about definitions and acronyms that are commonly used within the prevention community.
Rural Resources Directory 2017
This Rural Resources Directory was produced by Partners for Rural Washington and is intended as a go-to resource for rural communities and residents.
CPP Flash Cards
This was created by a member for their own studying purposes. This Quizlet is based on the 2021 Certified Prevention Professionals Exam. Exams change over time so you’re encouraged to still 1) make your own cards 2) review the practice exam 3) read the study guide, and other related prep.