At Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, we believe that the most powerful solutions come from within the community, especially from our youth. That’s why we’re proud to be co-leading Escape the Escape, a youth-created opioid prevention campaign aimed at raising awareness, sparking conversation, and inspiring action across the Yakima Valley.
This initiative was designed by youth, for youth. From naming the campaign Escape the Escape to shaping the logo, website, and messaging, young people have played a central role every step of the way. Their creative vision and lived experiences are helping to build a campaign that is authentic, relevant, and impactful.
The campaign’s reach continues to grow, with youth-designed posters and stickers being distributed throughout schools and community spaces. These visuals are part of a larger strategy that includes social media ads, billboards, and a digital hub at EscapeTheEscape.org, where youth can access prevention resources and share their stories and art.
Youth are currently participating in focus groups to help shape the future of the campaign, and we are actively encouraging submissions of original art, poetry, stories, and videos. Selected pieces will be shared on Yakima Neighborhood Health and Yakima Health District social media platforms—and may even appear in future campaign materials.
To support young artists, stipends for art supplies are available through May 31. We’re honored to support youth as they lead this vital movement—one rooted in art, advocacy, and the power of peer connection.