Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collabrative Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Barabra Silverthorne

Abstract

In Santa Cruz County, too many youth have issues with substance use and abuse. These issues extend beyond Santa Cruz County, but the county exhibits trends similar to those observed nationwide. Community members face challenges related to knowledge and the ability to organize effectively. The YEAH unit (Youth Empowerment Action for Health) and CPP (Community Prevention Partners) are working to address youth substance use, but need help from community members in the smaller jurisdictions across the county. This requires building workgroups across the county, composed of community members, parents, and professionals. The project is a roadmap handbook for forming a workgroup of community members to join the CPP coalition with the goal of specifically addressing and preventing youth substance use. The handbook provides resources, including workgroup and project ideas based on specific substances, as well as a history of community organizing. This required extensive research and development to gather evidence-based knowledge and ensure the language was understandable to a member of the general public who may not be as familiar with public health work. The handbook was completed with all sections and resources. It was reviewed and received valuable feedback. The project met its intended outcomes by providing a one-stop resource for information on starting a workgroup for those with little or no experience. The recommended next step is to have it reviewed and approved by senior public health managers. The handbook would be implemented in late 2026, with a workgroup forming in Santa Cruz.

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