Led by special guest presenter Officer David Gomez, a seasoned expert in youth prevention, this webinar takes an honest, up-to-date look at how substance use trends are evolving among teenagers — and what communities can do about it. Officer Gomez brings frontline experience and prevention expertise together to help families and professionals understand not just what's happening, but why it's happening — and how to respond effectively.

May 21 | 1PM
Online

Help us recognize the people making a difference in Douglas County! The Engaged in Action Awards honor students, adults, and organizations who are committed to the same mission as Engage Douglas County. You can help shine a light on them by nominating them to be awarded at the ceremony!

June 25 | 12PM
DCCCA Service Center
1739 E 23rd St., Lawrence, KS

A collaborative effort between the Douglas County Sherriff’s Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, and other resource providers in the community unveiled a new initiative during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Physical signs promoting the 988 Crisis Lifeline have been installed in key-areas where suicide has been prevalent around Douglas County. The signs carry a simple and powerful message - you matter, and hope has a number.

If you spot a sign around the community share it to social media and help encourage others to make mental health a focus this May!

Thank you to the resource partners, coalition partners, vendors, and of course the community for showing up to the 2026 Leading Causes of Life 5K! We had the largest turnout so far in year three of this amazing event and it’s all thanks to you.

This year we included a Remembrance Wall for those who wanted to share messages of hope, love, grief, or mourning. See photos of the event below and browse online galleries for even more images!

Engage Douglas County held the Healthy Futures Town Hall on May 4, 2026 at Lawrence Public Library. This event brought out parents and concerned community members to connect with a panel of speakers, centered around a discussion on youth prevention here in Douglas County. The speakers and moderator shared insights on some of the newest challenges and trends occurring in schools today, and what local organizations like our coalition partners are doing to ensure students are enabled to make healthy choices.