North Star Initiative

Washington State Tribal Prevention Systems
based on the icelandic prevention model

changing the environment of youth

A population-wide primary prevention guidance program focused on building healthy community environments for youth

Planet Youth is a research consultancy that runs a guidance program in primary substance use prevention through a collaborative approach based on the Icelandic Prevention Model. This approach is multi-sector, evidence-informed, community-based, and adaptable.

This approach has been proven effective in reducing substance use in Iceland for over 20 years and has since been adapted in hundreds of communities around the world. The focus of this work is holistic community building and long-term progress rather than short-term solutions.

Through collaborative community partnerships, evidence-informed and data-driven actions, and plenty of opportunities to reflect and repeat the 10-step process, Planet Youth partners are able to build long-term permanent change in their communities that support the health and wellbeing of youth and adolescents.

North Star
Pilot Tribes

North Star Systems project will initially serve 5 Washington Tribal communities with a focus on children, youth, and families.​

In the next few months we will work together in the adaptation of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) to align with Tribal values and determined how each Tribe would like to collect and house their data as well as support in building coalition and community engagement.

goals of implementing the north star initiative

  • Decrease substance use

  • Increase life expectancy

  • Create healthier environments to raise our children 

  • Allow kids to experience being kids

  • Break the cycle of children raising themselves

  • Increase mental health resources

  • Overcome silos in governmental operations

  • Remove barriers to social systems

  • Rebuild healthy communities that our ancestors had

Join us for these community workshops and events

north star at a glance

A Community-based approach

The community knows their needs, history, and resources best and are the experts in driving this work forward.

Data-driven decision making

Youth participate in a biennial survey that provides community stakeholders with information on the risk and protective factors they are experiencing in the community.

Localized plans

Local coalitions create action plans with support from Planet Youth based on current data and community feedback that address the risk and protective factors of youth.

Multi-sector partnerships and collaboration

Involvement from a wide variety of stakeholders creates more opportunities to have a greater impact on the community.

Timely data analysis

Communities receive data from biennial surveys back in 6-8 weeks and can immediately address the risk and protective factors youth are experiencing.

Build off what is working well

Planet Youth encourages you to amplify and connect the efforts and initiatives already working well in your community. And to utilize community resources effectively and build off established community efforts.

Support, tools, and resources

Planet Youth provides support every step of the way through project management, advising, data collection and analysis, tools such as a step-by-step guidebook to support implementation, and much more.

North Star Partners

Current Active Partners: Washington State Office of the Governor, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB), The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW)

  • Washington State Governor's Office and State Legislature has committed $1 million annually to support early infrastructure development and implementation for the 5 pilot Tribes and the state government for 10 years.

  • NPAIHB has dedicated CDC Tribal Opioid Prevention Program (TOPP) funds to support Tribes with adaptation and infrastructure support through training and technical assistance.

  • NPAIHB was recently awarded NIH/N CREW funding to support Tribes with infrastructure development of a data collection system within each Tribe to promote and support Tribal data sovereignty.

Contact for more information

Zekkethal “Val” Vargas-Thomas, (509) 634-1390 cell or (509) 634-2549 desk, Zekkethal.vargas-thomas.hhs@colvilletribes.com