KBBH Expands Youth Prevention Events
Free substance-free activities will continue throughout 2026 for Klamath County youth in elementary, middle, and high school.
Klamath Basin Behavioral Health will host a free Elementary Roller Skate event May 16 at Bill Collier Ice Arena in Klamath Falls as part of its youth prevention programming. Image courtesy of Klamath Basin Behavioral Health.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is expanding youth prevention efforts in Klamath County through a series of free, age-specific events focused on wellness, connection, and healthy development.
The events are being offered through KBBH’s Alcohol and Drug Prevention Education Program, or ADPEP. The program is funded through one-time Opioid Settlement Funds and is designed around primary prevention by giving children and teens safe, substance-free activities in the community.
The goal is to help youth build positive relationships, develop coping skills, and feel connected to their community while learning healthy ways to have fun without drugs or alcohol.
KBBH said the initiative emphasizes Protective Childhood Experiences, including supportive relationships, safe environments, and a sense of belonging. Those experiences can help reduce long-term risks connected to Adverse Childhood Experiences, including substance use, mental health challenges, and chronic disease.
The prevention events create welcoming spaces for youth and families to spend time together through activities such as swimming, skating, and recreation. KBBH said those opportunities can be more difficult to access in rural communities, making free local events an important part of supporting youth wellness.
As a pilot effort, KBBH is offering prevention events throughout the year for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Activities are grouped by age and based on evidence-informed prevention practices that promote healthy growth and resilience.
Since launching in 2025, the program has reached more than 270 youth and family members through events such as Kickback at the Y, High School Neon Swim, Elementary Waves Swim, and Middle School Spring Break Splashdown. All events were offered at no cost and were safe and substance-free.
Upcoming 2026 prevention events include:
May 16: Elementary Roller Skate, grades K-6, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
June 13: Middle School Roller Skate, grades 6-8, 4 to 6 p.m.
July 24: Ella Redkey High School Neon Swim, grades 9-12, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
August 21: Ella Redkey Middle School Neon Swim, grades 6-8, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
November 7: High School Ice Skating, grades 9-12, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m.
December 5: Elementary Ice Skating, grades K-6, 2:15 to 4:15 p.m.
The next event, Elementary Roller Skate, is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Bill Collier Ice Arena, located at 5075 Fox Sparrow Drive in Klamath Falls. The event is open to youth in grades K-6. There is no cost to attend, and all youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bringing personal roller skates or blades is optional.
All prevention events are free, substance-free, and open to youth living in or near Klamath County. KBBH said the activities are part of its ongoing work to promote healthy development, strengthen community connections, and prevent substance use countywide.
For more information, contact Makenzie Folsom at mfolsom@kbbh.org or visit Klamath Basin Behavioral Health on Facebook for current event flyers.
Klamath Basin Behavioral Health is the largest behavioral health provider for children, adolescents, adults, and families in Southern Oregon. KBBH is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic and serves as the Community Mental Health Program in Klamath County.
Cover image: AI generated image.
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