A new wellness initiative in Warm Springs is aiming to give young people stronger bodies, healthier habits, and a deeper connection to their community — and it’s looking for local high school athletes to help lead the way.
Warm Springs Diabetes Prevention has announced the launch of Warm Springs STRONG, a youth wellness program designed to help young community members build habits that strengthen body, mind, and spirit. The program uses team challenges, mentorship, and health education to promote lifelong wellness and diabetes prevention.
Why It Matters
Diabetes affects Native American communities at disproportionately high rates. The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, like many tribal nations across the country, has long prioritized prevention and community health as a core strategy. Warm Springs STRONG represents that commitment translated into a program built specifically for young people in the community.
Rather than a purely clinical approach, the program leans into peer-driven motivation and cultural connection — recognizing that young people are more likely to sustain healthy habits when they see people like themselves modeling those behaviors.
High School Athletes Wanted as Mentors
One of the program’s key features is an opportunity for high school athletes to build their own leadership skills by helping coach sessions for younger participants. Organizers say that mentoring younger kids can be just as valuable for the mentors themselves as for the youth they guide.
Interested students or families can reach out to Austin Rauschenburg at the Warm Springs Diabetes Prevention program by email at austin.rauschenburg@wstribes.org for more information on how to get involved.
A Community-Driven Approach
The Warm Springs Diabetes Prevention program has a track record of community-centered health work, and Warm Springs STRONG builds on that foundation. As summer arrives and young people in the region have more unstructured time, programs like this offer a structured, positive outlet that connects wellness with cultural identity and community pride.
Whether you’re a young person looking to get fit, a parent hoping your child finds a healthy summer community, or a high school athlete ready to step into a leadership role, Warm Springs STRONG is looking for participants and mentors alike.