RFP - Healthy Community Events

DESCHUTES COUNTY, OREGON
HEALTH SERVICES
RFP - Healthy Community Events

In Deschutes County, public community events are contributing to the development and reinforcement of unhealthy norms surrounding alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use among youth. These events often create environments where excessive alcohol consumption and public cannabis and tobacco use are visible and socially accepted, increasing the likelihood that young people will observe and model problematic substance use behaviors. This exposure raises the risk of early initiation and misuse, particularly as the behavior is reinforced in a celebratory and normalized context.

Additionally, community events frequently feature substance-related advertising, especially through sponsorships, which further heightens youth exposure. Research shows that such exposure is linked to earlier initiation of substance use and more frequent or heavy use over time. The combined effect of visible substance use and marketing at community events undermines local prevention efforts and weakens protective community norms. As a result, Deschutes County continues to experience higher rates of youth substance use and misuse compared to statewide averages, posing a significant public health concern.

Project Needs:
The Prevention and Health Promotion Program at Deschutes County Health Services seeks to hire a coordinator to support facilitation of “Healthy Community Events.” The coordinator will engage with the Shared Future Coalition and community event organizers, event facilities, and/or event sponsors to facilitate implementation of improved practice changes at community events that occur in Deschutes County.

Practice Change List and Deliverables are in the RFP document attached to this page below.

SEE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SECTION BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

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