The East Valley Project

The San Bernardino East Valley Project works to prevent substance use and strengthen community well-being across the East Valley region, including Redlands, Highland, Yucaipa, Mentone, Loma Linda, and Oak Glen. Funded by the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, the project focuses on education, youth leadership, and systems change to reduce alcohol and other drug harms.

At the center of the effort is the East Valley Collaborative, a coalition of residents, youth, and professionals committed to advancing health equity and public safety. Together, they identify community priorities, inform policy, and foster environments that support healthy, substance-free lifestyles. Current efforts include environmental scans of alcohol and tobacco retailers to guide prevention strategies and promote compliance.

IPS staff also collect and analyze data through surveys, focus groups, and GIS mapping to support local decision-making. The team has established partnerships with Real Journey Academies and the University of Redlands, distributed hundreds of doses of naloxone, and supported DEA Take Back Days to prevent medication misuse.

Youth leadership remains central to the work. Most recently, East Valley youth presented “Coping Without Dope” at the Friday Night Live Conference, promoting positive coping and resilience among their peers.

Through coalition-building, education, and community-driven data, the San Bernardino East Valley Project continues to strengthen the region’s capacity to prevent substance use, improve public health, and empower residents to create lasting change.