The Central Valley Project

IPS’ Central Valley project strengthens youth and family wellbeing across Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Muscoy, Rialto, and San Bernardino by reducing underage drinking and other drug-related harms through community-driven prevention strategies. Working alongside the long-standing Community Coalitions for CHANGE, IPS engages residents, parents, schools, and local leaders to improve the conditions that shape health for young people.

Over the past year, IPS has expanded partnerships, revitalized coalition efforts, and deepened engagement across the region. Together with community partners, IPS supported multiple National DEA Take Back Day events, collecting more than 330 pounds of unwanted medications across two cycles – a critical step in preventing prescription drug misuse. IPS also established new collaborations with the CSUSB Police Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department, and California Highway Patrol, leading to campus-based prevention events, sharps disposal resources, media outreach, and educational PSA videos.

Schools have become a major focus of prevention efforts. IPS secured MOUs with Real Journey Academy and the San Bernardino City Unified School District, delivering culturally relevant presentations on substance use, wellness, coping skills, and youth decision-making. World Café sessions with students and parents revealed a need for more cannabis and alcohol prevention education – needs IPS is now helping meet through workshops, Narcan training, spring break campaigns, and youth engagement activities reaching more than 2,000 students.

IPS also partnered with local recovery networks to support family-focused prevention through storytelling, healing activities, and methamphetamine awareness workshops.

Across the Central Valley, IPS is building strong community partnerships, elevating resident priorities, and providing evidence-based prevention strategies that support safer, healthier environments for youth and families.