What is OYAA?
The Oregon Youth Addiction Alliance (OYAA) was collaboratively founded by youth leaders from the System of Care Advisory Council (SOCAC) and commissioners from the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC). OYAA utilizes relationships with ADPC commissioners, SOCAC members, youth and family members with lived expertise, and other community partners to address youth substance use and substance use disorder.
Grant for Planning and Implementation of School-Based Early Intervention, Treatment and Recovery
Due Date: November 4, 2025, 5pm PST
Please contact Wesley Rivers (wesley.r.rivers@oha.oregon.gov) with any questions related to this applications.
The Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission (ADPC) and the Oregon Health Authority’s Adolescent and School Health Unit are pleased to announce a funding opportunity for planning and start-up of school-based screening, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services for substance use and co-occurring mental health issues. The agencies are looking to support up to 2 schools, schools districts or education service districts to improve ability and capacity to provide resources and respond to students’ co-occurring behavioral health concerns. This grant will be part of the ADPC’s provisional 2026-2030 Comprehensive Plan strategy to develop a comprehensive school treatment and recovery program in public schools that do not have access to community services for substance use disorder and/or co-occurring behavioral health needs.
Meet OYAA
We are a youth-led collective of Oregonians using our lived experience and knowledge to support substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. We aim to create an interdisciplinary and values-based state plan for future success in support services including community, family, housing, justice, education, and foster care systems. Together through dedication, inclusivity and consistency we will build a foundation for a better Oregon.
Members
I am a second generation immigrant pursuing higher education in the hopes of finding a career in public health. I joined OYAA to be the voice for those in my life who are no longer here and for those individuals who don’t have the chance to share their voice. My passion for meaningful change has been influenced by involvement on the Oregon Health Authority Youth Advisory Council, OHA Youth Data Council, OYAA, and my involvement in my local community through the Roseburg BIPOC community and UC-VEG have all shaped my dedication to the work I do. I am grateful for all the opportunities that have been presented and I look forward to what my future holds.
I am a recent graduate from Harmony Academy Recovery High School and a lifelong recovery advocate. I am passionate about helping young adults and youth create better homes and communities through OYAA. I have served on other committees with the Oregon Department of Education, 4D Recovery and other youth leader positions, always excited to see others grow. I've shared my story on the news and spoke at the Oregon Health Authority Youth & Young Adult Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Symposium 2023. I testified to legislators for
“House Bill 2502 (2025)” and in Eugene for my testimony with 4D. In the future I want to become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor or a nurse and look forward to contributing to the field of recovery.
I am a vocal advocate of the Oregon Youth Addiction Alliance and a former Youth Recovery Activities and Outreach Coordinator at 4D Recovery center. I carry the sole purpose of using my lived expertise to impede future generations from living in the cycle of addictions, whether that’s throughout the skyscrapers, mountains, valleys, or the breezy coasts of our Oregon. I am a prospective Neuroscientist with a scoped focus in public policy attending the Honors College at Oregon State University. I carry the philosophy that with the power of education and lived experience with SUD, we can create structural policy and dismantle the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. During my free time I travel throughout our state and run long-distance throughout my city's streets to see the realities of what we face.
I am starting my third year at Portland Community College studying Business Administration. I believe in this world we must be the change we want to see while finding the beauty in life.Through my work as OYAA co-chair, I’m learning more about myself and how to move in professional spaces, and I’m thinking about shifting my degree toward health policy. I am committed to my second year as a multicultural student equity event coordinator PCC Cascade campus . I am an advocate for social justice and use my voice within the System of Care Advisory Council for youth mental health services and fair market housing to support completion of the 2026-2030 strategic plan. I’m very passionate about health equity, artistic expression and audio engineering. I spend my free time running my small clothing company I established last year, LunarTostars.
I am a native Oregonian with a bachelor's degree in Psychobiology and Global Health from UCLA. I have a master's degree in public health from Columbia University in Health Policy & Management with a certificate in Sexuality, Sexual and Reproductive Health. I am passionate about healthcare equity and accessibility for all, and have a special interest in informing, influencing, and creating policy. I am a member of the SOCAC Legislation, Data, and Youth committees, and one of the OYAA chairs in collaboration with the ADPC. As OYAA chair, I have had the privilege to lead youth advocates to implement change in our community. I love to cook, travel, and spend time outdoors in my free time.
I am an upcoming 2027 high school graduate and I was introduced to OYAA through 4D Recovery. I am deeply committed to supporting others. I have shared my hope and recovery at the Oregon Health Authority Youth & Young Adult Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Symposium 2023. I aspire to join the Air Force and continue my journey of service to others.
I am currently an upcoming 2026 high school graduate. I want to go to college next year and become a nurse. I’m passionate about working in recovery and helping people in recovery. I would also like to become a mentor so I can help other youth how I was able to get help. I joined OYAA to help struggling youth because I was fortunate enough to have a space and people to help me. I want youth to have these supports and it is important to make it as easy and fun as possible for them to recover and become who they want to be. In my past advocacy work I was on the 4D Leadership team, I spoke at the Oregon Health Authority Youth & Young Adult Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Symposium 2023, and shared my story on the news representing 4D Recovery.