The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67158

Anna Caballero, Mayor of Salinas,CA and Executive Director, Partners for Peace, 200 Lincoln Ave, Salinas, CA 93901, 831.751.7762, c4peace@pacbell.net and Ken Feske, Prgram Director Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative Salinas, CA, 546 Lincoln Ave, Salinas, CA 93901.

This presentation will describe how a multifaceted framework, The Spectrum of Prevention, was used to develop a community wide strategy for health and safety. In an effort to improve health outcomes for children, youth and families, the City of Salinas joined together with the Violent Injury Prevention Coalition (VIPC) and their foundation, Partners for Peace, to launch a community collaborative planning process. The resulting framework, Cultivating Peace in Salinas, focuses primarily on reducing youth violence, and also addresses overall community well being.

The Spectrum of Prevention was used to shape and conceptualize a multifaceted approach. The framework development process required a committed Core Group, 20 people representing diverse sectors of Salinas, who worked to identify and analyze the underlying issues, and prioritize the solutions that have the best chance for success in the community. An Extended Network of 100 people provided critical information and insight. In this presentation key examples will include our success to date with an emphasis on policy, organizational practices, and building partnerships.

The recommendations and strategy outlined in the Cultivating Peace in Salinas framework provided the basis for program implementations in Salinas, and have become the criteria by which new city projects are judged. The strategy has received funding from Safe Schools, Healthy Students (SS/HS), U.S. Department of Education, and from The David and Lucille Packard Foundation emphasized resilience as much as risk. Examples of key priorities will be described and included gang prevention, literacy, improved community police relations, and others.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how to use the Spectrum of Prevention as a tool for city wide planning efforts.
• Understand how the Spectrum helps partners think through their specific roles and responsibilities
• Understand policy outcomes that can be achieved by using the Spectrum.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.