News & Events
Much of our work involves measuring the difference others make. Getting involved and making our own difference is also an important part of who we are as individuals and as an organization.
To our partners, community members, and friends,
As we mark our 15th year, it is with great joy and appreciation for all of you!
Reflecting on our journey since 2009, all of us at the Center for Community Research (CCR) are humbled by the incredible people we work with.
Our Journey
CCR was founded to bridge the gap between community needs and evidence-based solutions. From a small but ambitious start, we have grown substantially, not just in numbers but also within the breadth and depth of our reach.
Our work began and continues throughout San Diego County, and our impact spans nationally now as well. Our incredible and talented team utilizes informed strategy, useful data, and lived experiences to save lives and prevent impacts associated with substance use, impaired driving, and community health issues.
Our staff have been recognized at the local, state, and national levels – not as a testament to our own achievements, but as evidence of the change that can occur when committed professionals and passionate communities unite.
Honoring Our Partners
Our success is not a solo endeavor. It has been built on the trust, collaboration, and vision we share with our partners. More than just funders or stakeholders, you have been collaborators in the truest sense. Your unwavering dedication to fostering safe and healthy communities has consistently inspired us. The partnerships we have nurtured over the years have been instrumental in achieving our shared goals, and for that, we are tremendously grateful.
Looking Ahead
As we commemorate this milestone, it’s also an opportunity to look ahead. While celebrating our collective achievements, our eyes are firmly set on the future, ensuring that we continue to be at the forefront of facilitating positive change. Committed to excellence and progress, we aim to continually refine our offerings to meet the dynamic needs of our communities and partners.
Together, we will continue our collective journey towards building even more vibrant, inclusive, healthy, and safe communities.
With profound gratitude,
Kristen Donovan, Ph.D.
Founder & Executive Director
For the past 15 years, it has been an honor to serve San Diego County and work with such committed and incredible partners. We thank the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency and all of our partners in prevention, behavioral health, public health, education, treatment, child welfare, and public safety for the opportunity to have made a difference in the lives of so many of our community members.
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The CCR Team
October is National Substance Use Prevention month. CCR is proud to be a co-host of San Diego's Red Ribbon Luncheon along with the DEA and HIDTA. October 9th we will celebrate the life of DEA Special Agent "Kiki" Camarena. This is an opportunity to honor prevention, law enforcement and community members with awards highlighting their impactful work educating and informing our youth about the dangers of substance use. October 23 - 31 is National Red Ribbon week, CCR staff will be out in the community advocating for our youth.
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The Department proposes to include additional cannabinoids in the definition of “THC” or “THC or comparable cannabinoid” defined at Health and Safety Code section 111920(l). The proposed additional cannabinoids cause intoxication at various levels, as supported by scientific and clinical research data. These cannabinoids have similar chemical structures to cannabinoids known to cause intoxication. Additionally, the proposed cannabinoids can cause serious side effects including seizures, organ damage, hallucinations, paranoia, vomiting, agitation, and in extreme cases even death, all of which are signs of intoxication that has led to an increase in hospitalization, poisoning, and increased emergency department visits across California and nationwide, highlighting the urgent need for regulation.
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Yesterday CCR, San Diego County officials, Prevention, Harm reduction groups, Law Enforcment and Families placed 1203 flags on the County building lawn to commemorate the lives lost to overdose. Multiple agencies were on hand to distribute resources to the community. On Saturday, the County building will be lit up purple to commemorate the offficial International Ovedose Awareness Day on August 31.
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The Center for Community Research, the County of San Diego, and other substance use and overdose prevention groups launched a new digital map to help individuals find resources, including medication assisted treatment facilities, naloxone vending machines and prescription drug drop off locations! Check out the map at: bit.ly/4frkv3r
#LiveWellPartnerStories San Diego Countywide Media Advocacy
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