New Youth Substance Prevention Coalition Launches in Fresno
The coalition aims to coordinate addiction prevention services for immigrant and refugee families across the Central Valley.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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The United Services and Equity Foundation has launched the Fresno Youth Substance-use Prevention Coalition to address gaps in local addiction prevention. The initiative focuses on outreach to immigrant and refugee families across Fresno and the Central Valley to combat the use of substances like vaping, nicotine, and fentanyl.
Why it matters
Coordinated substance abuse prevention efforts have historically been limited in the Central Valley, leaving vulnerable youth populations without adequate support. This coalition aims to bridge that gap by connecting schools, healthcare providers, and community members under a unified framework.
The coalition is formalizing a six-month formation period to recruit stakeholders, moving beyond prior ad-hoc local efforts. It remains unclear how specific preventative milestones will be measured following the initial recruitment phase.
The players
United Services and Equity Foundation
A non-profit organization established in 2021 that coordinates substance-use prevention programs throughout the Central Valley.
Lisa Henriksen
A researcher specializing in tobacco and nicotine use whose work informs the coalition's prevention strategies.
Bonnie Halpern-Felsher
A researcher and expert in youth tobacco and nicotine consumption who is collaborating with the foundation.
The details
The coalition operates using a structured prevention framework developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House. To support its focus on tobacco and nicotine, the project incorporates research insights from Stanford University experts. By aggregating data from schools, businesses, and public agencies, the group aims to create a more integrated system for identifying and mitigating substance-use risks among immigrant and refugee youth.
Timeline
The United Services and Equity Foundation was founded in 2021.
The coalition effort was officially launched in October 2026.
The coalition will operate during a six-month formation period beginning in October 2026.
Health Landscape
This initiative aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention framework for youth substance-use prevention, moving away from fragmented local programs. It represents a shift toward data-driven, cross-sector coordination in the Central Valley.
Families in the area who are concerned about youth nicotine, vaping, or opioid use may see new community-based outreach programs at their local schools. If you represent a community organization or school, consider contacting the foundation regarding participation in the upcoming monthly online meetings.
The takeaway
The new coalition provides a centralized resource for parents and educators to address substance use risks in Fresno and the Central Valley. Residents interested in public health initiatives are encouraged to speak with their school district or local health office about how to get involved in the formation phase.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and trends in Substance Abuse prevention.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Business Journal.
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