Our Vision
All Ray County youth will reach their full potential in safe, healthy and drug-free communities.
Our Mission
Through capacity building and collaboration, the Ray County Coalition will develop unified strategies that reduce substance use among youth.
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Upcoming Events
LEAP into Prevention! Everyone has a role in keeping our kids safe and healthy. Join us at our next coalition meeting to learn yours!
Everyone who works with or cares about kids is invited. Our September meeting will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 12:00pm at the Ray County Library. For questions or more information, contact Deborah Neel at info@raycountycoalition.com.
FREE Fall Workshop Series for Parents & Caregivers
Sessions hosted by Beacon Mental Health and Parent Up. See all sessions at: https://ParentUpKC.com/FallWorkshops2026/
Making Meaningful Connections
How can you create a space for care and conversation as a trusted adult? Learn about current social media trends in youth and what mental health experiences are beginning to emerge at pivotal times of a child’s life. This will be a FREE session about creating intentional relationships!
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/MakingConnections2026
Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training!
In Youth Mental Health First Aid training, participants learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder in youth. This free training is offered throughout the year, or private training for schools of 15 or more are available by request. Preregistration required and a certificate is provided upon completion.
For questions or to register, contact Jeanene at jeanene@beaconmh.org.
Parent Up: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention!
As parents, we invest a lot of energy into safeguarding our children— baby gates, seat belts, sunscreen, and more. But as our kids grow from age 8 to age 18, and their risks evolve, so too must our strategies and boundaries. Parents, we’ll equip you with the latest knowledge, effective communication strategies, and supportive resources to help kids avoid substance use and other risky behaviors.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/ParentUpRegistration
Grow Strong Game Plan: Supporting Our Student Athletes
This free session explores local youth mental health data and substance use trends, the connection between mental health and substance use, and the powerful role caring adults play in prevention. Learn how to support your student athlete’s mental and physical well-being, build resilience, and encourage healthy decision-making.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/GrowStrongGamePlan
Preventing a Generation of Addiction
Amid misinformation and the rise of vaping, high-potency THC, and fentanyl, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This free session breaks down the facts, helps you recognize warning signs, and offers guidance for having meaningful conversations with your child.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/NewGenAddiction
Roots of Resilience
Resilience is the ability to prepare for, cope with, and grow through hardships. Building the resilience and strength of our families is one of the most impactful investments we can make in our community. This free workshop explores the science of stress and adversity – both the positive and the toxic – and equips attendees with actions so we can build resilient children, families and communities.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/RootsResilience2026
The Brain Explained!
Using fun analogies and simple models, learn more about what’s going on in a child’s brain as they develop. This free presentation empowers and equips adults with tangible tools and language to protect and promote healthy lifestyles for their youth.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/TheBrainExplained
Gather Around: Coming to the Table to Support Youth Wellbeing
Life gets busy, but supporting your child’s wellbeing doesn’t require big changes. Learn how simple, consistent moments like sharing meals can strengthen connection and improve overall wellbeing.
Register at: https://tinyurl.com/GatherAround2026
What We Do
Ray County Coalition is committed to preventing and reducing substance use among our youth. We want to come alongside the youth in our community and help them thrive. We develop programs and campaigns that send a unified message: youth can reach their full potential in safe, healthy and drug-free communities.
Who We Are
Ray County Coalition is a member of CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America). We are one of the hundreds of coalitions across the country working to prevent youth substance use in our communities. Ray County Coalition is made up of people from all areas of our community: from educators to parents, from law enforcement to government, officials, pastors, business owners and more.. our volunteers work together to help Ray County youth thrive.
How You Can Help
If you would like to get involved, please contact Deborah Neel, Community Prevention Specialist for the Ray County Coalition. Email Deborah at info@raycountycoalition.com.