The Recognizing Opportunities Around Resilience (ROAR) Coalition is a local partnership dedicated to preventing youth substance use and promoting healthy behaviors for young people ages 12 to 24 in La Plata County. This community-led coalition consists of partners in public health, local government, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, educators, key leaders, parents, and more.

Established in 2016 by San Juan Basin Public Health and Celebrating Healthy Communities, the ROAR Coalition is united in the goal of supporting young people in La Plata County and curbing substance use in youth. ROAR uses a Communities that Care model to promote healthy youth development, improve outcomes, and reduce problem behaviors. Learn more about the coalition’s evidence-based framework.

ROAR champions youth voices for a healthier future, engaging with young people at youth advisory councils at Bayfield High School and Animas High School. Learn more about how ROAR engages young people.

The ROAR Coalition serves Bayfield, Durango, Ignacio, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the unincorporated communities in La Plata County. The La Plata County Public Health Department serves as the backbone agency for the coalition, providing fiscal, administrative, and stakeholder support for the work of ROAR.