Our Work

At the OMNI Institute we’re committed to engaging in mutual learning, dialogue, and resource sharing with those we serve and those we serve alongside. We hope you’ll find these resources helpful!

New Release | Inclusive Language Guide

The Inclusive Language Guide emerged out of our own practice of using inclusive language to foster greater reach within communities, facilitate higher quality data, and center respect for individuals from marginalized or underrepresented groups. The guide provides actionable recommendations for using language that promotes equity while improving communication and collaboration with diverse communities. Categories addressed include ableism, body size, gender diversity, mental health, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, and the guide replaces outdated or stigmatizing terms in these categories with neutral and affirming alternatives.

Access the guide here.

New Release | 2024 Virginia Young Adult Survey Report

We are excited to announce the release of the 2024 Young Adult Survey (YAS) Report! The YAS assesses behavioral health risk factors, substance use patterns, and perceptions among young adults aged 18-25. Initially developed in partnership with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the YAS has been implemented statewide in Virginia and modified for implementation in Alabama, as well as locally in Colorado. The 2024 Virginia YAS collected over 5,900 responses, providing critical insights including declines in substance use rates since 2022, alongside increased trends in binge drinking and impaired driving. The survey also underscores disparities faced by marginalized populations, including elevated substance use and mental health challenges among LGBQ+ and trans/gender diverse individuals.

We support our clients throughout the survey process by ensuring multilingual access, providing tailored outreach materials, and offering technical assistance to maximize engagement. The 2024 YAS findings reaffirm the importance of data-driven prevention strategies, revealing key trends such as reduced depression and suicidal ideation but heightened gambling participation, particularly in sports betting. Our analysis also highlights the significant connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and substance use and impaired driving risks.

Access the analysis here.

New Release | River Bridge Child Abuse Prevention Landscape Analysis

In partnership with River Bridge, OMNI produced this Child Abuse Prevention Landscape Analysis, a comprehensive examination of child abuse and prevention education resources in Garfield County, Colorado. The landscape analysis highlights the prevalence and typologies of child abuse, contributing factors such as poverty, and systemic gaps (including limited follow-up data and underrepresentation in schools and law enforcement). To develop this report, OMNI worked closely with River Bridge to identify state and local data sources related to child abuse and maltreatment as well as to local, regional, state, and national prevention education.

Through strong collaboration between OMNI, River Bridge, and their community partners, this report synthesizes epidemiological data, evaluates current prevention education efforts, and offers actionable recommendations to strengthen prevention and response initiatives. Additionally, the analysis identifies opportunities to expand stakeholder collaboration, enhance training for first responders and diverse groups, and promote accessible, evidence-based education.

Access the analysis here.

OMNI Toolkits & Guides

Public Reports

Literature Reviews

  • Best Practices for Treating Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

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  • Measuring Outcomes of Peer Recovery Support Services

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Project Case Studies

  • Developing a Health Equity Toolkit for Rural & Remote Communities

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  • Developing a Common Data Platform

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  • Engaging Individuals with Disabilities in a Needs Assessment

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  • VA SOR Grant Evaluation & Technical Assistance

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  • Evaluating a Grant Program that Supports Community-Led Design

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