EVALCORP Joins ProjectSAFER & Ventura Co. for Prevention Conference

Using Local Data to Inform Prevention Strategies:  POLD Findings

This past month we were pleased to attend and present at the Alcohol Tobacco & Other Drugs (ATOD) Educational Conference hosted by California State University, Channel Islands. EVALCORP co-presented with Janet Kaplan the Senior Program Administrator at Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) Alcohol & Drug Programs (ADP), Prevention Services, and Kim O’Neil, the Executive Director at ProjectSAFER located in Ventura County. The presentation shared how data can be used to drive prevention strategies and to address local concerns regarding impaired driving.

Janet provided an insightful summary of the County’s Alcohol and Drug Programs, and described some of the County’s prevention strategies and initiatives that were developed using local data. EVALCORP identified how data can be used for prevention planning. Specifically, we discussed recent college-aged survey findings and how Ventura County’s Place of Last Drink (POLD) Survey is used to inform county strategies/initiatives. Kim wrapped up the presentation by providing an overview of ProjectSAFER’s innovative designated driver campaign, Be the DD & Win! Kim detailed how ProjectSAFER consistently uses POLD data along with law enforcement data to target retail establishments and engage them in the campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving. This was a great collaboration that showcased how local data can be used in various ways to help improve public safety and overall well-being.