Supporting the Work of So Many

Every day, prevention specialists and prevention providers across America dedicate their lives to supporting those struggling with substance misuse. Prevention First works directly with those preventionists or providers, supporting their work with the tools, training, and resources needed to change lives and build healthy communities.

Since 1985, Prevention First has been Illinois’ preferred provider of training and technical assistance. We train an average of 1,300 people annually and deliver 55 training sessions.

We employ many different approaches to most effectively disseminate this information, including live events (classroom-based, virtual, and webinars), on-demand options (online self-study and recorded webinar events), one-on-one technical assistance, coaching services, and web-based resources. All of which are rooted in evidence-based prevention approaches. 

The result: Our training and technical assistance services provide professionals and volunteers the training and information they need to effectively impact substance misuse in their communities so they can, in turn, spend their time directly impacting their communities rather than spending valuable time researching appropriate prevention methodology.

To register for a course, please become a member of Prevention First!

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Prevention First Training Policy


Training Options


Classroom-based (instructor-led) training offers a guided, interactive learning experience where participants and facilitators can discuss new information and practice new skills.

Virtual classroom (instructor-led, online) training offers participants a guided, interactive learning experience outside the Prevention First classroom.

Webinar (instructor-led, online) events offer participants a structured learning experience that is less interactive and often has a shorter time frame. 

Self-paced training (online) allows participants to complete the material independently. 

Virtual Classroom

Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Suicide: A Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description

Join us for five 1-hour conversations in July and August as we explore why suicide happens, who is most at risk, and strategies that individuals and organizations can use to prevent it. These sessions will be interactive; they will begin with a presentation, but there will be time dedicated to questions, discussion, applying what is learned, etc. 

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Live Webinar

QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer. An Emergency Response to Someone in Crisis

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Online
Description

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

According to the CDC, youth suicide attempts soared during the pandemic. Rates of suicide among youth in Black and Brown communities have risen faster than in any other racial/ethnic group in the past two decades.

Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how in a short timeframe to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

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Virtual Classroom

QPR: Youth Suicide Prevention

Thursday, July 11, 2024
01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. 
 
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34 (CDC, 2023). 22% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide and 10% attempted suicide in the past year (CDC, 2023). Join Prevention First for a virtual QPR training with a focus on preventing suicide among young people.
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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE ILLINOIS INTRODUCTION TO SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION (IISUP) SERIES

Illinois Introduction to Substance Use Prevention (IISUP) III: A Framework for Prevention

Wednesday, July 17 - Thursday, July 18, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

This virtual classroom training introduces Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP) providers to the prevention specialist’s role in service delivery. Participants will be introduced to strategies for program planning, capacity-building, implementation, and evaluation. Participants will also learn about their role in prevention, including an exploration of ethical issues related to their personal and professional conduct.

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Live Webinar

Selecting Evidence-Based Programs with a Trauma-Informed and Racial Equity Lens

Thursday, July 18, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

This webinar will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to select and modify evidence-based youth development programs through a trauma-informed and racial equity lens. This course will articulate the need for providing youth development programs to increase resilience, assets, and skills among youth at risk of firearm violence, identify evidence-based, prevention-focused youth development programs, and apply a clear process for selecting and modifying evidence-based programs that meet the needs of the community.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training series, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate the need for providing trauma-informed and racially equitable youth development programs to increase resilience, assets, and skills among youth put at risk of firearm violence
  • Relate how selecting and adapting evidence-based out-of-school programs through a trauma-informed and racial equity lens can achieve youth development outcomes
  • Identify and apply a clear process for selecting and adapting evidence-based youth development programs
  • Recognize the parameters of successful program implementation

 

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Virtual Classroom

QPR: Youth Suicide Prevention

Monday, July 22, 2024
01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. 
 
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34 (CDC, 2023). 22% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide and 10% attempted suicide in the past year (CDC, 2023). Join Prevention First for a virtual QPR training with a focus on preventing suicide among young people.
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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS SERIES

Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns

Tuesday, July 23 - Thursday, July 25, 2024
01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Online
Description

During this interactive virtual classroom course, participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in campaign planning and implementation.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.

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Virtual Classroom

Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Suicide: A Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, July 24, 2024
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description

Join us for five 1-hour conversations in July and August as we explore why suicide happens, who is most at risk, and strategies that individuals and organizations can use to prevent it. These sessions will be interactive; they will begin with a presentation, but there will be time dedicated to questions, discussion, applying what is learned, etc. 

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Live Webinar

Overview of 42 CFR Part 8

Wednesday, July 24, 2024
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Online
Description

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) is conducting a training focused on 42 CFR Part 8.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), published the final revisions to the regulation on February 2, 2024. The regulation became effective on April 2, 2024 and organizations must come into compliance no later than October 2, 2024.

At least one representative and medical director from organizations licensed to provide substance use disorder treatment and provide methadone as an adjunct (opioid treatment programs) are required to participate in the webinar.

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Classroom

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classroom Training

Wednesday, July 24 - Thursday, July 25, 2024
09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

During this course, you will learn how to support young people in your life and your work.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

After the course, you will be able to:

  • Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
  • Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
  • Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.
  • Know how to connect a young person with help.
  • Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.
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Classroom

safeTALK

Tuesday, July 30, 2024
01:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

LivingWorks safeTALK is a four-hour face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice.

At a LivingWorks safeTALK workshop, you'll learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support.

A skilled, supportive trainer will guide you through the course, and a community resource will be on hand to support your safety and comfort.

LivingWorks safeTALK provides in-depth skills to recognize signs of suicide, engage someone, and ensure a connection to safety. The in-person format includes powerful audiovisuals and live practice.

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Virtual Classroom

Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Suicide: A Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description

Join us for five 1-hour conversations in July and August as we explore why suicide happens, who is most at risk, and strategies that individuals and organizations can use to prevent it. These sessions will be interactive; they will begin with a presentation, but there will be time dedicated to questions, discussion, applying what is learned, etc. 

Read More
Classroom

SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST)

Tuesday, August 6 - Friday, August 9, 2024
09:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

Join us for an innovative four-day, in-person training that will equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement effective, data-driven prevention strategies that reduce behavioral health disparities and promote overall wellness. This training is perfect for entry-level prevention specialists, individuals seeking certification, public health professionals, and health educators.

What Does The SAPST Prepare You To Do?

  • Improve Practice: Develop a comprehensive approach to prevention guided by SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework.
  • Reduce Disparities: Identify the needs of vulnerable populations and enhance cultural competency to reduce behavioral health disparities.
  • Sustain Prevention: Collaborate effectively across sectors to address shared risk factors and improve community health and well-being.

Certified Prevention Specialist Hours:

  • IC&RC's Prevention Specialist Credentialing Approved: This training offers 31 hours that can be applied toward meeting the education/training requirement.
  • Continuing education hours (CEUs) are only available to participants who complete the online and in-person training components.

 

Note: Although some of the content is similar, the SAPTS training does not meet the IDHS SUPP New Worker training requirements of IISUP I, IISUP II, and IISUP III.

The SAPST includes a self-paced online component and face-to-face training, totaling 31 training hours. Before registration for the in-person training can be approved, SAPST participants MUST complete the online course Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics.

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Virtual Classroom

Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Suicide: A Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, August 07, 2024
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description

Join us for five 1-hour conversations in July and August as we explore why suicide happens, who is most at risk, and strategies that individuals and organizations can use to prevent it. These sessions will be interactive; they will begin with a presentation, but there will be time dedicated to questions, discussion, applying what is learned, etc. 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

QPR: Youth Suicide Prevention

Friday, August 09, 2024
01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. 
 
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34 (CDC, 2023). 22% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide and 10% attempted suicide in the past year (CDC, 2023). Join Prevention First for a virtual QPR training with a focus on preventing suicide among young people.
Read More
Virtual Classroom

Foundations of Youth Prevention Education

Tuesday, August 13 - Thursday, August 15, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

Foundations of Youth Prevention Education prepares direct service providers to implement evidence-based Youth Prevention Education (YPE) programs. Participants will obtain a basic understanding of the components and best practices related to implementing any YPE model program. This training will increase participants’ knowledge and skills related to planning, managing, facilitating, and evaluating a Youth Prevention Education program.

All SUPP providers reporting hours for youth prevention education are required to complete this course.

Virtual Classroom Training Note: Regular classroom time for this course is 12 hours. Since the classroom time for this modified course is only 9 hours, participants must complete 3 hours of individual work to obtain credit for the course. Prework will be assigned for each session.

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Classroom

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classroom Training

Thursday, August 15 - Friday, August 16, 2024
09:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

During this course, you will learn how to support young people in your life and your work.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

After the course, you will be able to:

  • Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
  • Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
  • Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.
  • Know how to connect a young person with help.
  • Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.
Read More
Classroom

Too Good for Drugs 4th and 5th Grade

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

TGFD is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

The Too Good for Drugs Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program successfully for 4th/5th grade students and with fidelity within a classroom setting.

Too Good for Drugs Program manuals/materials are NOT included with this training program. Participants may bring all Teachers Manuals for the Too Good for Drugs Program for grades they facilitate or at the least, participants should bring a minimum of one Teacher’s Manual as well as one Student Workbook.

Participants who do not have the most up-to-date materials may obtain them from the Mendez Foundation at https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/too-good-for-drugs

Prevention First will have training materials on hand for viewing only.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Everyone Plays a Role in Preventing Suicide: A Learning Collaborative

Wednesday, August 21, 2024
09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description

Join us for five 1-hour conversations in July and August as we explore why suicide happens, who is most at risk, and strategies that individuals and organizations can use to prevent it. These sessions will be interactive; they will begin with a presentation, but there will be time dedicated to questions, discussion, applying what is learned, etc. 

Read More
Classroom

Too Good For Drugs Middle School/High School Combined

Wednesday, August 21, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

TGFD is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

The Too Good for Drugs Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program for either MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting. It is most applicable to those that facilitate TGFD in both the MS and the HS settings. However, it will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD in either middle school or high school.  

Too Good for Drugs Program manuals/materials are NOT included with this training program. Participants may bring all Teachers Manuals for the Too Good for Drugs Program for grades they facilitate or at the least participants should bring a minimum of one Teacher’s Manual as well as one Student Workbook.

Participants who do not have the most up-to-date materials may obtain them from the Mendez Foundation at https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/too-good-for-drugs 

Prevention First will have training materials on hand for viewing only.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

QPR: Youth Suicide Prevention

Thursday, August 22, 2024
01:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. 
 
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34 (CDC, 2023). 22% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide and 10% attempted suicide in the past year (CDC, 2023). Join Prevention First for a virtual QPR training with a focus on preventing suicide among young people.
Read More
Classroom

Too Good for Drugs 4th and 5th Grade

Tuesday, August 27, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

TGFD is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

The Too Good for Drugs Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program successfully for 4th/5th grade students and with fidelity within a classroom setting.

Too Good for Drugs Program manuals/materials are NOT included with this training program. Participants may bring all Teachers Manuals for the Too Good for Drugs Program for grades they facilitate or at the least, participants should bring a minimum of one Teacher’s Manual as well as one Student Workbook.

Participants who do not have the most up-to-date materials may obtain them from the Mendez Foundation at https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/too-good-for-drugs

Prevention First will have training materials on hand for viewing only.

Read More
Classroom

Too Good For Drugs Middle School/High School Combined

Wednesday, August 28, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

TGFD is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

The Too Good for Drugs Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program for either MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting. It is most applicable to those that facilitate TGFD in both the MS and the HS settings. However, it will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD in either middle school or high school.  

Too Good for Drugs Program manuals/materials are NOT included with this training program. Participants may bring all Teachers Manuals for the Too Good for Drugs Program for grades they facilitate or at the least participants should bring a minimum of one Teacher’s Manual as well as one Student Workbook.

Participants who do not have the most up-to-date materials may obtain them from the Mendez Foundation at https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/too-good-for-drugs 

Prevention First will have training materials on hand for viewing only.

Read More
Classroom

Too Good For Drugs Middle School/High School Combined

Thursday, August 29, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

TGFD is a school-based prevention program designed to reduce the risk factors and enhance the protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among students. Participants will gain hands-on experience with the core curriculum while acquiring essential prevention education teaching strategies. The trainer will familiarize participants with the research, theory, and concepts behind the program and provide an opportunity for facilitation practice.

The Too Good for Drugs Program has a developmentally appropriate and separate curriculum for grades K-12. This training is designed to prepare facilitators to implement the Too Good for Drugs (TGFD) Program for either MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting. It is most applicable to those that facilitate TGFD in both the MS and the HS settings. However, it will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD in either middle school or high school.  

Too Good for Drugs Program manuals/materials are NOT included with this training program. Participants may bring all Teachers Manuals for the Too Good for Drugs Program for grades they facilitate or at the least participants should bring a minimum of one Teacher’s Manual as well as one Student Workbook.

Participants who do not have the most up-to-date materials may obtain them from the Mendez Foundation at https://toogoodprograms.org/collections/too-good-for-drugs 

Prevention First will have training materials on hand for viewing only.

Read More
Classroom

Establishing and Leading a Youth Advisory Committee

Thursday, September 05, 2024
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

In this training, participants will learn to establish and lead a youth advisory committee to support local substance use prevention efforts. Participants will learn best practices for engaging youth in advisory roles, establishing an advisory committee structure and strategies for recruitment and retention of youth advisors. Participants will also learn appropriate roles for youth committee members in substance use prevention activities.

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