The Impact Spectrum™
A Color-Coded Continuum of Risk and Response
The Impact Spectrum™ is a structured, color-coded framework designed developed by AVERT Harm, to help individuals, professionals, and communities quickly recognize where they are in the progression of vulnerability, risk, response, and recovery. By translating complex human, social, and health dynamics into a clear visual spectrum, it enables faster understanding, better decision-making, and more effective interventions — without relying on technical jargon.
Rather than focusing only on “harm,” the Impact Spectrum™ emphasizes the continuum of impact: how situations shift from stability to crisis and back toward recovery. This model integrates prevention, recognition, and response into one intuitive tool.
A Brief Summary of Avert Harm’s Reduction Code Card System: -Abbreviated:
The Colors of the Impact Spectrum™
🟢 Green — Baseline / Protective Factors
“Safety, stability, and strengths present.”
Represents balance, resilience, and the presence of protective factors (community supports, coping skills, access to care). This is the stage where prevention and reinforcement are strongest.
🟡 Yellow — Vulnerability
“Warning: exposures, insecurities, precursors building.”
Signals heightened sensitivity to stressors. Early warning signs may be visible — such as insecurities around housing, health, or relationships. This is the stage where proactive support matters most.
🟠 Orange — Escalating Risk / Triggered State
“Stressors, conflicts, crises developing.”
At this level, risks are compounding. Situations may involve unresolved conflicts, acute stress, or unsafe conditions. The orange zone calls for attentive monitoring and strategic response.
🔴 Red — Acute / Critical Impact
“Crisis point, immediate intervention needed.”
The crisis stage where active danger, acute distress, or imminent breakdown is present. Rapid, decisive intervention is essential. The red zone represents the most visible point of impact but also the narrowest window for prevention.
🟣 / ⚫ Purple or Black — Aftermath / Recovery / Systems Response
“Long-term consequences, rebuilding, prevention cycle restarts.”
Represents the lasting effects following crisis — from trauma and systemic strain to opportunities for recovery and rebuilding. This stage underscores the importance of learning, reform, and future prevention.
Why the Impact Spectrum™ Matters
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Universal: Can be applied across mental health, physical health, social risks, or organizational safety.
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Intuitive: Color coding is instantly recognizable and accessible to all audiences.
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Action-Oriented: Each level suggests not only what is happening but also what type of response is needed.
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Preventive & Restorative: Emphasizes protective factors at the start and recovery processes at the end — keeping the cycle focused on growth, not just crisis.
✨ The Impact Spectrum™ bridges awareness and action — transforming risk into readiness, and crisis into opportunity for recovery.
