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PDES Investigates Methods for Measuring Social Resilience

PDES collaborated with the Climate Change Program at Oregon Public Health Division on a project related to social resilience (e.g., community’s level of social cohesion or social capital). That program recognizes the scientific evidence indicating social resilience is a key protective factor, enabling a community to effectively prepare, respond and adapt to climate stressors in healthy and innovative ways.

Gathering Data on Gender Identity to Support the Health and Well Being of Oregon’s Youth

As part of their role in overseeing the statewide adolescent health survey (Oregon Healthy Teens [OHT] survey), PDES staff led efforts to gather more complete information about the gender identity of Oregon youth. The process began in 2016. Based on input from youth, PDES and the survey’s advisory committee began exploring the feasibility of including more expansive gender questions on the survey. They partnered with universities, community organizations, and members of the LGBTQ communities to select measures about gender identity and expression.

PDES Evaluates Implementation of a Smoke-Free Parks Policy – Lessons Learned

In July 2015, the City of Portland banned smoking of all tobacco, e-cigarettes and marijuana products in its parks and natural areas. Prior to implementation, community groups raised concerns that enforcement of the policy could be used by police to harass historically underserved and marginalized communities such as the homeless, youth and people of color.

End HIV Oregon launches

PDES staff will play a key role in planning and evaluation

On Dec. 1st, World AIDS Day, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) launched the End HIV Oregon initiative during a media event at the Portland State Office Building. End HIV Oregon envisions a state in which new HIV infections are eliminated and where all people living with HIV have access to high-quality care, free from stigma and discrimination.

Assessing the Impact of Legalizing Recreational Marijuana in Washington and Oregon

In September 2015, the National Institutes of Health awarded Program Design and Evaluation Services (PDES) a grant to study the impact of legalizing recreational marijuana in Washington and Oregon, and the influence of local (i.e., city and county) regulatory policies and taxes on marijuana. PDES will receive $1.4 million over 3 years to study this innovative and timely topic.

Assessment of Oregon's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Oregon's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) was set up to collect information from pharmacies about schedule II – IV controlled substances dispensed in Oregon. The system, housed in Oregon’s Injury Prevention Program, became operational in September 2011 when providers started using the system to assess controlled substance use by their patients.

School Bullying Policies in Oregon

Many states have adopted legislation to reduce bullying, harassment, intimidation, and cyber bullying in schools, but the extent to which such legislation translates into effective school-district policies is unknown. PDES and partners will evaluate this knowledge gap.

Trends in Dual Tobacco Use in Alaska

Some smokers are using SLT as a substitution for cigarettes when smoking is not possible. PDES with partners in Alaska evaluated trends in dual cigarette and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use over time among Alaskan males.

LIFE Program with Mercy Corps and Multnomah County Health Department

PDES engaged in two projects that seek to integrate public health, economic development, and the criminal justice system to improve incarcerated women’s employment success, mental and physical health outcomes, and decrease recidivism.

Article Shows Higher-Than-Expected Taxable Sales After Smoking Ban

Myde Boles, Ph.D. and colleagues from PDES published an article on taxable retail sales for bars and taverns in Washington State after the implementation of a smoke-free law in July 2010.