Learn about our nationally-recognized development partners and their quality programs.


Deschutes Research, Inc.

Deschutes Research, Inc. (DRI) was established in 1996 with a focus on tobacco prevention and cessation. DRI has created interactive multimedia programs to assist tobacco users in quitting habitual use of snuff, chew or cigarettes, as well as training materials for health educators and health care professionals.

Recently, DRI has branched out to other areas of health-related research and development. DRI collaborates with scientists throughout the country to develop a wide range of programs and products that can be used to promote health and well being. Consistent throughout the development of DRI programs has been the use of media with most of programs containing interactive media that is delivered via the Web and mobile devices.

DRI receives most of its funding from the National Institute of Health's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

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Influents Innovations

Established in December 2013, Influents Innovations (formerly known as Oregon Research Behavioral Intervention Strategies, Inc.) is a C corporation specializing in the invention, development and commercialization of evidence-based products and services for the health care, social services, and education markets.

Influents Innovations features a team of nationally recognized research scientists, clinicians, methodologists, data analysts, graphic designers, consultants, certified project managers, software architects and developers. Influents Innovations products and services are developed through collaboration with in-house researchers and partnerships with scientists at universities and other research centers throughout the country.

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IRIS Educational Media

IRIS Educational Media is a behavioral research and development firm whose mission is to provide engaging, interactive educational resources that inspire confidence and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Founded in 1999, IRIS Educational Media creates evidence-based training and professional development for parents, parenting educators, K-12 school staff, including teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and direct support employees.

With funding support from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institutes of Health, IRIS collaborates with educators and researchers on significant topics of social need to create video-based curricula for online and DVD distribution.

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Kansas Head Start Association

Kansas Head Start Association (KHSA) serves and represents all 29 Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Kansas and works to strengthen early learning programs through advocacy, education and leadership. KHSA was founded in 1997 and brings a strong history and background of providing high quality professional development opportunities to its member programs as well as to members of other early learning partnerships in Kansas. KHSA supports many special projects and initiatives including health literacy, oral health, financial literacy, and advocacy. 

Saavsus represents curricula and educational materials developed by KHSA which promote maternal and childhood oral health. Designed for home visitors, parent educators, health care professionals and others who serve pregnant women, families and caregivers of children birth to three, these curricula and materials were develop by a dental hygienist and a communications specialist.

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KDH Research & Communication

KDHRC translates vetted scientific evidence and best practices to create powerful programs and design rigorous research that improve the health and well-being of youth, families, and communities. Their research staff explores complex social problems, constructs and evaluates novel solutions, and disseminates validated programs that prompt change in their focus areas: drug abuse education and prevention, Latino health, vulnerable populations, and organizational studies.
The KDHRC research approach weaves together best practices, scientific literature, audience insights gained through market research, and methodological expertise to create an evidence base for the materials they develop. This comprehensive approach ensures a strong evidence-based foundation for program development. It also creates a feedback loop for ongoing corrections and iterative improvements.

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Parenting Now!

Since 1978, more than 95,000 parents and their children have benefited from Parenting Now! programs and services. Through sound research and hands-on experience, Parenting Now! has developed curricula and training for parenting educators that is used in many settings throughout the United States and in many international settings. It is flexible, adaptable and very user-friendly.

All curricula are straightforward and comprehensive, enabling facilitators to provide groups with ease and assurance. While training is not required, Parenting Now! offers regularly scheduled training sessions that will benefit even the most experienced parenting educators; on-site trainings are also available.

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UO School of Education

The Secondary Special Education and Transition (SSET) at the University of Oregon School of Education is a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to developing further scientific understanding of adolescents and young adults with disabilities and other high risk behaviors. Faculty within SSET conduct research, model development, and outreach activities to develop and implement research-based transition service that assist transition-age youth in developing knowledge and skills to succeed in fulfilling their desired adult roles, including meaningful employment, completion of post-secondary education or training programs, and living independently in the community.

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