Please take our

VARSA 2026 COMMUNITY SURVEY

(for adult Vashon Island residents or those with children in the Vashon Island School District)

Sharing your insight and understanding of youth substance use on Vashon is a big deal because it helps adults make smarter, more useful decisions for young people—based on real data, not guesses. Here’s why it matters, in plain language:

  • Understand what’s really happening
    It shows which substances youth are actually using (or not using), how often, and at what ages—so the community isn’t reacting to rumors or outdated assumptions.

  • Spot risks early
    Survey results can flag trends like earlier use, increased vaping, or mental-health-related risk factors before they turn into bigger problems.

  • Design better prevention programs
    VARSA can tailor education, supports, and interventions to what youth actually need, instead of one-size-fits-all approaches.

  • Strengthen funding and grants
    Local data is often required to apply for state or federal funding. Survey results help VARSA qualify for—and justify—resources.

  • Track progress over time
    Repeating the survey shows whether prevention efforts are working and where strategies need to change.

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McMurray’s new Mural of Belonging!

What is varsa?

VHS TLC Leadership Club at McMurray lunch activity

Peer-led presentations to students

VHS bulletin board for jobs, camps, classes, volunteer opportunities

Advocacy

Upcoming events

  • Middle School night at the Recess Lab!

    Friday evenings 6:30-8:30 pm your 6th-8th grader can play DnD, climb on the bouldering wall, play group games or just run off some steam! The Recess Lab is next to Island Queen in downtown Vashon.

  • Wait list for next GUIDING GOOD CHOICES

    For parents/caregivers of 9-14 year-olds.

    Five weekly classes offering support and education as your child navigates adolescence.

    6-8 pm weeklyevenings

    Dates TBD —- FREE

    Free childcare available

    Email info@varsanetwork.org for more information.

  • SIGN UP NOW for our next Youth Mental Health First Aid training

    One day - 5-hour in person class

    DATE - TBD

    For adults who care about teens!

    For questions or to register email info@varsanetwork.org

Engage. Educate. Empower.

VARSA’s mission is to reduce underage drug and alcohol use and promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles through education, advocacy, and community support.

We believe that through education, collaboration, and advocacy, we can create a supportive environment where young people can thrive.

Growing up on this beautiful island has many advantages, yet Vashon youth face a significant challenge: high rates of underage drug and alcohol use.

For almost two decades, the statewide Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) has consistently shown that underage substance use on Vashon is much higher than the state average across all grade levels, with some students starting as early as sixth grade.

There’s a common belief on the island that there is a permissive attitude toward underage substance use. Many students downplay the risks, are influenced by peers who drink and use drugs, and feel social norms and recent legislation do nothing to discourage this behavior.