2026 Youth Prevention Institute

The Science of Relationships

Cultivating Connection with Youth to

Prevent, Protect, and Flourish

10 FREE continuing education hours available

PURPOSE

To equip professionals with knowledge and skills to build health-promoting relationships with youth to prevent mental and behavioral health risks and promote flourishing

DESCRIBE • EXAMINE • DEMONSTRATE • CONNECT • Create

No
Registration Fee
April 28-29, 2026
San Diego, CA

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Prevention professionals, coalitions, law enforcement, educators, caregivers, and other trusted adults in the community committed to youth well-being from across HHS Region 9, including American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • DESCRIBE a way of being comprised of four intentional strategies that trusted adults can engage in with youth.
  • EXAMINE the science of connection and relationships as an important part of prevention strategies.
  • DEMONSTRATE the ability to form and nurture health-promoting relationships.
  • CONNECT in meaningful ways with other prevention professionals.
  • CREATE individual and organizational action items that incorporate key principles of health-promoting relationships.
  • UNDERSTAND local, state, and regional drug threats and priorities.
ADAPT logo
R9 PTTC Logo.
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PACIFIC SOUTHWEST PTTC AND SAN DIEGO-IMPERIAL VALLEY HIDTA 2026 YOUTH PREVENTION INSTITUTE

Join us April 28 and 29, 2026 for an inspiring and impactful gathering of professionals dedicated to building protective factors in their communities through connection and health-promoting relationships with youth.

This event is co-hosted by the Pacific Southwest PTTC and the San Diego-Imperial Valley HIDTA in partnership with ADAPT, the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, and the Center for Behavioral Health Integration.

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley
8757 Rio San Diego Dr, San Diego, CA 92108

April 28, 2026, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm PDT
April 29, 2026, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm PDT

The registration deadline for this event is: March 31, 2026. Priority registration is given to those who work in HHS Region IX. This includes American Samoa, Arizona, California, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

If you are outside of this region, you will be added to our waitlist and notified on March 16, 2026 if we have an opening for you to attend.​

Please select the state or jurisdiction that you primarily work in to be taken to the registration form.

No registration fee for this event.

Certificates of Attendance

Certificates of attendance for 10 contact hours will be provided for those who complete the whole event. No partial credit will be given.

Questions?

For any questions regarding registration or other inquiries, please contact Audeaneh Saberi at asaberi@casat.org.

Plan for your Visit

The Youth Prevention Institute at San Diego Marriott Mission Valley will convene in the Rio Vista Ballroom. On-site parking is available ($25 daily parking per vehicle). During the event, a list of nearby food options will be provided to facilitate your lunch plans. On-site dining options are also available.

Hotel Information:

*The hotel room block is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please make your room reservations as soon as you can. To receive the special discounted group rate, reservations must be made by April 5, 2026. 

**All reservations must be accompanied by a first-night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card and may be canceled up to 48 hours prior to arrival with no penalty. Late cancellations are subject to a penalty equal to one night’s rate.

Featured Presenters

ADAPT logo

The Adapt Team

Dr. Lora Peppard
Director

Dr. Patty Ferssizidis
Associate Director

Dr. Brian Bumbarger
Associate Director for Implementation Science & Strategy

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Pacific Southwest PTTC

Alyssa O’Hair, MPH, MA, CPS
Project Director, Pacific Southwest PTTC (HHS Region 9)

The Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative

Dr. Christina Bethell
Director of the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative at Johns Hopkins University

Center for Behavioral Health Integration

Dr. Jody Kamon
Founder & Evaluation Director

Full Agenda Coming Soon!