Communities for Youth is excited to announce the addition of Heather Allan as the new Boise Initiative Community Lead!
What is your role at Communities for Youth and what kinds of things will you be responsible for?
I serve as a Community Lead for the Communities for Youth Boise Initiative. The primary focus of my role will be assisting school and community partners, parents, and others in implementing strategies that help prevent mental health challenges among youth.
What drew you to taking on this role?
My passion for helping people and creating healthy systems and environments where individuals can thrive has always driven my work in prevention. As a prevention specialist and project coordinator for the Central District Health (CDH) Youth Alcohol and Substance Use Prevention (YASUP) program, I have collaborated with community partners, school administrators, teachers, parent groups, youth, and law enforcement to raise awareness, increase protective factors, and reduce risk factors.
The proven effectiveness of the Icelandic Prevention Model has been at the forefront of my thinking since I first learned about it, and I have been thrilled to see Communities for Youth gain traction in implementing this model in Idaho. When the opportunity arose for CDH to partner Communities for Youth, my team and I eagerly accepted. This role will allow me to be more strategic and effective in facilitating connections and building community in the Boise area.
What are you most excited about working on at C4Y?
I am excited to be a change-maker in our community through my partnership with the Communities for Youth team. This dynamic group shares a passion for building healthy communities and families while supporting youth through upstream prevention strategies. I look forward to learning from them. In this role, I will be able to apply my skills to create connections, develop infrastructure, and positively impact the lives of young people.
What's something you like to do for fun outside of work?
I have an adult son who has his own family, and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them. I love learning about brain development and the neurobiology of resilience. Additionally, I coach and participate in competitive archery. The connection between these two interests is fascinating to me! My favorite place to be is in the mountains, where I can hike, camp, fish, hunt, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature and the fresh air.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Heather Allan (hallan@cdh.idaho.gov)
For more information on the C4Y Boise Initiative please visit our main page or sign up for our newsletter.
Comments