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Community Organizing for Prevention (COFP) takes an upstream, primary prevention approach to reducing substance misuse among youth. We do this by focusing on the root causes of substance misuse: shared risk and protective factors that create the conditions in which people live, work, and play. With prevention science and health equity at the center of these efforts, COFP promotes healthy youth development so all young people can thrive. We believe shared power with diverse groups will catalyze community-driven change, as prevention efforts are most effective when communities own and sustain prevention efforts, use data and evidence-based best practices, and focus on upstream prevention of risk and protective factors.
Inequities and health disparities exist in every community. Intentionally changing systems that hold those problems in place can create environments that are supportive of all people. Dismantling racism and other intersecting systems of oppression is central to our prevention work and has the power to create transformative, lasting change in communities. Community members are the leaders for sustainable change, addressing the root causes of unhealthy behaviors and dismantling systems that perpetuate racism and other forms of oppression. These efforts lead to reduced youth substance use & violence and improved youth mental well-being.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recognizes that racism is a public health crisis. Our work will continue until all Coloradans have the opportunity to live healthy lives that celebrate intersectional identities including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, age, language, religion, ability, and geographic location. Collectively we can work to achieve this goal by advancing racial justice and other forms of equity through all of our programs and practices.
Broaden the Power Base
Those in formal and informal positions of power actively work together to build authentic relationships, embrace diverse perspectives, take account for historical harms, and work toward repair, leading to shared power in decision-making and community ownership of local prevention efforts.
Organized Community
A highly collaborative coalition that incorporates diverse community members and agencies and prioritizes community-centered prevention science approaches.
Activated Community
A committed and representative group of people who can be called upon to focus their skills toward a specific community change effort.
Systems Change
The emergence of new community structures, social forces, and mindsets that shift the conditions holding a problem in place.
Collective Impact
Diverse and committed individuals and agencies in a community who take a comprehensive and systematic approach to address the root causes of complex local challenges.
Implementation Support
Tailored and consistent coaching and technical assistance for communities can support the implementation of equitable prevention efforts.
Healthy Youth Development
We organize with young people to advance health equity and create positive change using evidence-based approaches. Positive Youth Development and the Social Development Strategy help youth gain opportunities, knowledge, skills, and the recognition they need to thrive.
Suggestion Box
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