Youth substance use continues to be a key focus of public health efforts in Colorado, and prevention professionals across the state are working to create environments where young people can thrive. Recognizing the power of relationships in shaping youth wellbeing, Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), A Division for Advancing Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) and the Colorado Overdose Response Strategy (ORS) team co-hosted the Youth Prevention Institute—a two-day event focused on helping professionals activate relationships as a fundamental component of prevention and flourishing in youth.

The Colorado Public Health Analyst (PHA) and Drug Intelligence Officer (DIO) worked closely to identify and recruit youth-centered programs across the state, ensuring the event reflected a diverse range of voices and experiences. More than 120 participants attended the two-day event, including representatives from prevention, public health, law enforcement, corrections, education and youth from across the United States. During the event, participants engaged in interactive sessions, panels and trainings that explored how relationships can be leveraged to prevent mental and behavioral health risks and promote well-being. The Institute emphasized evidence-based strategies for building trust and connection—skills that participants could immediately apply within their communities.

Post-event surveys showed that 90 percent of attendees reported an increased understanding of the science behind relationships in prevention and youth wellbeing. 94 percent said they gained new knowledge of evidence-based strategies to foster connection, and 97 percent felt more confident in their ability to build connection with others.

The success of the Rocky Mountain HIDTA Youth Prevention Institute demonstrated what can happen when public health, prevention and public safety come together with a shared goal: to support young people through connection, understanding and community. By equipping professionals with the tools to build strong, protective beliefs through their relationships, the Colorado ORS team and ADAPT helped lay the foundation for healthier, more resilient youth across the state.