Our Multidisciplinary Approach.
From the onset, Prevention First has always believed there is no one-size-fits-all solution to prevention. That is why our approach is based on various evidence-based and collaborative approaches to building healthy communities and supporting better decision-making.
Our work falls primarily into three categories:
Advise
We work with a variety of organizations that actively promote healthy behaviors so they can be effective in their missions. This includes working directly with state-funded substance use providers, using the Strategic Prevention Framework and other scientifically proven prevention strategies. The Prevention First team educates and empowers leaders of all levels through classroom-based training, webinars, and online and virtual training.
Amplify
Through training and ongoing education, we work with individuals who deliver prevention services so they are equipped and confident to best support their clients, schools, and communities.
In 2019, we trained nearly 1300 individuals in the Illinois Department of Corrections, local law enforcement agencies, and other community-based organizations that work directly with individuals in need. Over 90% of attendees reported they were highly satisfied with our training.
Advocate
We actively address areas of need through public awareness campaigns, resource centers, special initiatives, conferences, and networking events.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Each year, Prevention First creates public awareness campaigns to support healthy decision-making. The campaigns generate millions of positive impressions. Current campaigns include A Dose of Truth, Naloxone Now, Guard and Discard and Let’s Talk Cannabis Illinois. In addition to the public-facing component, we actively provide campaign materials for substance use prevention program providers throughout Illinois.
Resource Centers
Prevention First designs, develops, and maintains several resource centers, including the Alcohol Policy Resource Center, the Cannabis Policy Resource Center, the Leadership Center, the Mental Health Resource Center, and the Youth Prevention Resource Center.