Operation Phoenix: So fresh, so clean, and so drug free

Data indicate that some neighborhoods in San Bernardino, CA have the highest crime rates in San Bernardino County due mainly to gang and drug violence. Despite this few prevention efforts targeting affected Latino and Black youth who are most affected are underway. One of these is Operation Phoenix (OP) a program initiated by San Bernardino's Mayor. OP offers school-aged children a safe-haven after school, one of the high-peak crime times. In partnership with OP and in an effort to address prevalent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use (ATOD) graduate students conducted a needs assessment. Using available literature to inform best practices, and Fishbein's Theory of Reasoned Action as a theoretical backdrop, students collected data through ethnographies, semi-structured key informant interviews, and a confirmatory focus group which was used to validate emerging themes. Participants were selected using theoretical sampling, and data were coded and themed using Grounded Theory methods. Results indicated the importance of culturally appropriate innovative and youth friendly programs, in light of peer pressure, lack of parental involvement, the influence of pop culture images, as well as a need for more recreational after-school activities and an expressed need for more parental involvement. As a result a flexible pilot program was developed that offers after-school activities such as sports, and youth friendly arts involvement in addition to ATOD content. The program includes activities for parents to become involved and learn about ATOD-related behavior and prevention. Process and impact evaluation results, lessons learned, and plans for sustainability will be presented.