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 community members.

Successful prevention is to meet the needs of the community and its members where they are now. It is not to enforce change but rather bring everyone together to start conversations, educate, and grow as one.
Fostering collaboration between community partners and school resources to assess issues, develop an action plan/logic model, implement evidenced-based programs and monitor progress.
Educating all community members with specific focus on at-risk youth about substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors, while also providing them the skills to make positive choices.
Identifying and decreasing risk factors throughout the community while also implementing protective factors to help prevent early onset of 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 use of alcohol by youth (measured by PNA).
Reducing 30-day use of marijuana by youth (measured by PNA).
Reducing 30-day adult binge drinking (measured by BRFSS).

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION