Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) program celebrates 10-year anniversary

Deschutes County Health Services invites the community to celebrate the Early Assessment and Support Alliance (EASA) program's 10-year anniversary. A celebration will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Drop in Center, which is located at 1340 Wall Street in Bend.

Deschutes County EASA opened in 2008 as part of a national effort to offer early intervention support to 12 to 27-year-olds who were experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The EASA program provides services to youth, young adults, and their families for two years using a team approach to care. One of the primary philosophies of the EASA program is offering family groups that provide education, problem-solving and instill hope. 

In the past 10 years, Deschutes County EASA has offered support to 362 clients, helping to reduce stigma surrounding psychosis through a combination of therapy, skill building, medication support, occupational therapy, peer support, vocational and education support.  EASA’s unique transdisciplinary approach explores the needs of the whole person, building on strengths while helping individuals see that recovery is possible.