Why Prevention Presentations Alone Don’t Create Real and Lasting Change

Wait…Z, Aren’t You a Prevention Presenter? I know, I know. “Whaaat Z…aren’t you a prevention and youth & family presenter? How can you discredit the very job you’re doing?” Here’s why: because I understand how prevention actually works when it’s done right. . And rather than showing up, giving a talk, and moving on, my goal […]

The Future of Prevention Is Balanced: Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed

For decades, coalitions, school districts, nonprofits, and youth-serving organizations have relied on evidence-based programs to guide their mental health and substance misuse prevention efforts. These programs carry weight — often backed by studies, certifications, and funding requirements that make them feel like the “safe bet.” And to be clear: evidence-based work is valuable. It has […]

What Was the Goal When We Cut $1 Billion in Mental Health Support?

What Was the Goal? I’m on a plane right now. Just wrapped up a week working with students — laughing with them, listening to their stories, and talking about real things like anxiety, identity, and suicide prevention. But as I sit here, one thought won’t leave my mind: What was the goal? When over $1 billion in school […]

Are We Over-“Therapizing” Our Youth? Maybe They’re Craving Something Else.

Recently, I came across a post by Nicole Runyon that raised a tough but important question: Have we swung the pendulum too far in trying to “therapize” our youth? When I say “therapizing,” here’s what I mean:B Therapizing — (verb): The act of rushing to pathologize or medicalize normal human emotions, growth pains, or struggles — often leading to the belief that […]

Most Suicide Prevention Coalitions Are Missing This One Thing

Let’s keep it real— Suicide prevention coalitions are doing meaningful, important work. But there’s still one critical piece missing from the table: Youth. Only an estimated 30–40% of suicide prevention coalitions have a structured youth group or leadership component. And even fewer consistently bring youth into the planning, messaging, or implementation of the work that directly affects […]

What’s Really at Stake in the Plan to Dismantle the Department of Education

The recent executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education has sparked a ton of heated reactions—and understandably so. But before we jump into opinions, let’s get one thing straight: the Department of Education doesn’t control what your kids learn in school. That’s a common myth. Curriculum decisions—like what’s in your child’s history book or […]