Benton-Franklin coordinator seeks partners for 'State of Our Youth' symposium; tentative Sept. 29 date announced

Miranda Sahagun Baraza, child adolescent health coordinator at the Benton-Franklin Health District, presented plans for a second annual "State of Our Youth" Symposium and asked committee members to contribute expertise to shape the agenda and outcomes. The event uses local data sources — including the Healthy Youth Survey, OSPI data and local court and census research — to map gaps in prevention, early intervention and crisis response for children and adolescents in Benton and Franklin counties.

"Our vision is to really create a community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive," Miranda said, describing a structure that begins with a one-hour data walk followed by a facilitated panel and interactive table work intended to develop community action plans. She said the event aims to make the ending interactive so attendees will leave with concrete next steps.

Miranda asked partners to complete an interest survey via a QR code and said the date and venue were being finalized; she named Sept. 29, 2026 as the target. Committee members suggested inviting stakeholders including pediatricians, law enforcement, DSHS and youth-serving providers, and emphasized the need to surface workforce-development strategies to address provider shortages.

Committee members asked Miranda to circulate slides and the 2024 Healthy Youth Survey results to the subcommittee; Miranda agreed to share the materials and the updated venue and registration information when available.