Our Approach
We implement evidenced-based models to dismantle systems of oppression and create a just environment for all.
Communities That Care (CTC)
Thirty communities in Colorado are implementing the CTC model. CTC is a prevention science and collective impact model. The goal of CTC in Colorado is to build skills communities need to make lasting change at the local level. The evidence-based CTC model builds the capacity of parents, youth and other community members to identify local problems and promote transformative solutions that prevent unhealthy outcomes. CTC coalitions assess youth risk and protective factors that impact substance use, mental health, and violence using local and regional data available through the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and other local data sources. Coalition members within the Communities that Care process become vocal advocates for local prevention by developing skills to solve local issues. They take ownership of local issues and drive strategic direction for future funding and local decisions, grounded in their community needs and prevention science.
CDC Policy Process
Four communities in Colorado are implementing a specific policy, system or environmental change. The CDC defines “Policy” as a law, regulation, procedure, administrative action, incentive, or voluntary practice of governments and other institutions. The CDC Policy Process is an evidence-based approach to local policy change, where communities organize to identify a community problem, identify potential policy solutions, analyze and prioritize solutions, and then implement and evaluate the best solution to impact risk and protective factors that lead to reduction in substance use.
Systems Change and Deep Equity: A Health Equity Approach
To achieve transformative change, systems change must be pursued with a deep equity approach, or we risk perpetuating systems of oppression and furthering harm. COFP communities share power and collaborate with diverse individuals and agencies to take a comprehensive approach to changing systems that address social problems. This work is done with equity at the center of our efforts.
“Systems Change pursued without Deep Equity is, in our experience, dangerous and can cause harm, and in fact leaves some of the critical elements of systems unchanged. And ‘equity’ pursued without ‘Systems Change’ is not comprehensive at the level of effectiveness currently needed.” Sheryl Petty