“One of the foundational keys to preventing behavioral health problems in youth is partnership, and this year’s conference illustrates West Virginia’s success in bringing together federal, state, education and local organizations that care about the future of kids in West Virginia,” said Dr. Tammy Collins, associate director of Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery and a certified prevention specialist.
Partners include Community Connections Inc., the West Virginia First Foundation, Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery, the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network, The Danya Institute, the Hope in Action Alliance, Terzetto Creative LLC and other state and regional organizations.
The conference will focus on exploring the “Past, Present, and Future of Prevention in West Virginia.” Participants will engage in keynote presentations, breakout sessions and panel discussions on topics including trauma-informed care, workforce engagement, youth leadership, evidence-based programming, evaluation and outcomes, and the future of prevention in West Virginia.
Featured sessions will discuss emerging issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) in prevention, resilience, vaping and tobacco policy, community-based data and youth social connectedness. Pending continuing education credits will be available for professionals in addiction, prevention, social work and licensed professional counseling.
The 2026 lineup includes leaders in prevention, public service and community well-being, including Alys Smith, first lady of Marshall University; Gayle Manchin, federal co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission; Ryan Leaf, CEO of RAM Consultant Inc. and former NFL quarterback; Jonathan Board, executive director of the West Virginia First Foundation; and prevention professionals from across the state.
“Prevention works best when communities come together, share what they have learned, and invest in what is possible for the future,” Board said. “Share the Vision creates space for that collaboration while helping strengthen the people and partnerships moving this work forward across West Virginia.”
In honor of the conference’s 30-year milestone, attendees will experience several features:
- Share the Vision History Wall — An exhibit showcasing photos, memorabilia and stories from past conferences. Community members are encouraged to submit photos or memories to jenny@terzettocreative.com.
- Art of Resiliency Reception — 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 14: A celebration of the creative arts as tools for healing, connection and community resilience.
- Annual Prevention Awards Ceremony — Recognizing leaders and innovators advancing prevention in West Virginia. Public voting is available on the conference website.
To support the next generation of prevention leaders, the conference is offering 20 student scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis for high school, undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers and strengthen West Virginia’s prevention workforce. Students may apply through the conference website by visiting the Student Scholarship tab.
In addition, all West Virginia First Foundation Initial Opportunity Grant and Momentum Initiative Grant awardees will receive complimentary conference admission, courtesy of the foundation. Details will be provided directly to awardees.
Organizations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting may register at https://www.sharethevisionwv.org/.