Community Living Above

Program Service Accomplishment 2 - Community Assessment & Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) CLA advanced ongoing community assessment and planning using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). In 2024, data collection included local police DUI/wreck reports, OLCC compliance checks, hospital and emergency discharge trends, overdose data from OHA, OHSU/EDDS, data on school dropout/attendance, and results from OHA's Student Health Survey administered to 6th, 8th, and 11th graders. This data is shared with coalition members and community partners to identify risk and protective factors, improve readiness, and guide evidence-based strategies. The coalition completed its two-year SPF review and updated its strategic plan. Staff and coalition members participated in CADCA National Coalition Academy, SPF training, and cultural competency training to enhance capacity. CLA also collaborated with statewide partners, including the Alcohol & Drug Policy Commission and the Clackamas County Prevention Coalition, to ensure alignment with Oregon's new primary prevention framework legislation. Community engagement varied from small focus groups to town halls and city council presentations, each involving 25-250 participants. We continue to receive 2-3 direct calls or emails each week from parents or community members seeking prevention information or resources, which reinforces CLA's role as a trusted prevention resource.

Program Service Accomplishment 3 - Student Prevention Education & Engagement CLA's Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an official school club at West Linn High School and engages ~75+ students in monthly meetings, campaigns, and leadership activities. In 2024, TAB hosted eight monthly prevention lunches, averaging 75-100 students, hosted an Adolescent Brain Science Prevention expert who presented to all 9-12 graders (3,500 students), and launched campaigns such as Why I Choose to Wait posters, Stress Less Week, and a Social Norms Reveal showing most students do not use substances. Students organized and carried out major awareness events such as National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, Substance Use Prevention Month, and Overdose Awareness. These events engaged hundreds of people directly, while also creating a wider impact through social and local media campaigns. TAB also partnered with law enforcement and healthcare sector allies to hold workshops on brain science, local issues, and the importance of overall mental health wellness. TAB students, due to the success of their prevention advocacy, are invited to speak with various local, county, and state leaders throughout the year. This year, they have presented to city councils, school boards, and statewide organizations. Students participated as panel speakers at a statewide youth prevention and recovery event and were invited by the Oregon Health Authority at the University of Oregon to discuss the importance of prevention with state leaders focused on the substance use continuum of care. Students helped secure an official city proclamation for National Drug Alcohol Facts Week. CLA youth were also selected to participate alongside statewide peers through NW SPARC, a newly formed youth prevention statewide group that will contribute to Oregon's prevention policy discussions and advocate for the importance of prevention education for youth and families.