Our History

 

In 1993, the Oregon Legislature ordered that each county create a Commission on Children and Families to work on a few main challenges: child abuse and neglect, teen tobacco, alcohol and drug use, and teen pregnancy.

 

Over the next decade, the Commission received state and grant funding that allowed it to address even more issues. Some of these focus areas included empowering parents, building healthy families, and preventing substance misuse. During this time, the Commission also worked on building programs that were supported by research and would reach and serve all the different groups in our community.

 

In 2005, the Commission began its Positive Youth Development initiative which partnered with faith-based and Drug Free Communities coalitions. Eventually, the youth program turned into the Health Media Clubs at Wy’east Middle School, Hood River Middle School, and Hood River Valley High School.

 

In 2015, the Commission was renamed as the Hood River County Prevention Department. Currently, we mainly work on prevention education for youth, promoting smoke-free communities, and facilitating coalitions to build a healthier county. From the start, our department has committed ourselves to keep equity and collaboration at the center of our work to create a healthy, safe and drug-free Hood River County.

Our Funding

The Prevention Department is primarily funded through a variety of state, federal and local grants.

Donations of time and talent from community members are greatly appreciated!

Please contact us if you would like to get involved.