Our History

At one time known as the Clackamas County DUII Impact Panel, Oregon Impact became a non-profit in 1998 to expand efforts to increase safe driving by reducing driving under the influence from a primarily intervention focus to an emphasis on prevention.   The Impact Panel started in 1987 following approval by the Oregon Legislature of a law allowing judges to require individuals convicted for driving while intoxicated to attend a presentation by victims of crashes caused by offenders as a condition of probation or diversion.  Over 100 dedicated volunteers contribute to the success of the Clackamas County DUII Impact Panel, which provides 21 presentations each year for court-ordered offenders including sessions geared exclusively for youth and Latinos. These high-impact presentations have provided education to over thousands of violators of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) laws since the program’s inception.

It became our mission to prevent drivers from ever getting to a panel before being more aware of the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication and the impact that has on families, children and the community.  Operation Prom Night and the Every 15 Minute program was designed with teens in mind.  Oregon Impact partners with numerous area agencies and area schools to provide several hard-hitting “Fatal DUII Crash Simulations” around prom or homecoming time at area high schools each year.  In addition customized assemblies and class speakers are offered to schools re-enforcing their curriculum and educational efforts around safe driving, reinforcing the making of good choices, and refusal skills to peer pressure.   Community education at local fairs and car shows reinforces and expands our outreach to children and families through out the Portland Metro area.

Oregon Impact speakers are volunteers whose lives have been impacted by alcohol and DUII crashes. They describe their loss and sorrow as a result of such incidences and share their grief over losses caused by death, injuries, or separation from loved ones. Our work also represents the perspectives of those who work directly with crash or trauma scenes and victims, as well as offenders who personalize the DUII statistics, and put a face on the offense. Our offenders share their feelings of responsibility and grief over their senseless crime.

Awareness contributes to making good decisions. Oregon Impact is in the business of saving lives by building awareness to the risks of DUII.