Since 1991 PVPSA has been providing comprehensive health education, mental health services, substance abuse and intervention and prevention services, and direct counseling to the students and families of the Pajaro Valley including the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD), the largest school district in Santa Cruz County which also includes North Monterey County. PVPSA created the dedicated nonprofit-agency model, in reference to the unique and special relationship it has with the local school district.

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In addition to its longstanding involvement with the school district, PVPSA has cultivated partnerships with other cities, counties, and state organizations, both private and public, to collaborate on community issues such as alcohol and drug use, gang prevention, mental health, and especially reducing expulsions and improving educational outcomes.

 

From its inception, PVPSA has maintained a leadership role in prevention and intervention. With a deep commitment to addressing the social determinants of health, the agency utilizes an upstream public health approach to achieving community health and wellness. This includes health related public policy advocacy efforts. PVPSA staff plays a key role in promoting prevention services and intervention activities for local youth and families in our schools and throughout the community.