What is Prevention?

Prevention is a science that creates long-term environmental change.
The goal of substance use prevention is to prevent the onset of substance use (underage use) and reduce the progression of substance abuse. By strengthening the comprehensive prevention approach, we will begin to see environmental changes throughout our community to help protect and support our residents.

Successful prevention meets community members where they are now. It does not enforce change but instead unites people to start conversations, educate, and grow together.
Prevention fosters collaboration between community partners and school resources to assess issues, develop an action plan, implement evidence-based programs, and monitor progress.
Prevention educates all community members – with specific focus on at-risk youth – about substance abuse and other high risk behaviors while providing the skills needed to make positive choices.
Prevention identifies and reduces risk factors throughout the community and implements protective factors to help prevent early onset substance use.

Building a community coalition with the support of teachers, law enforcement, commerce, commissioners, non-profits, parents, youth, and mental health resources.
Reducing 30-day youth alcohol use (measured by PNA).
Reducing 30-day youth marijuana use (measured by PNA).
Reducing 30-day adult binge drinking (measured by BRFSS).

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION