Supporting the Work of So Many
Every day, prevention specialists and prevention providers dedicate their lives to supporting communities and individuals striving to be healthy. 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 2500 people annually and deliver 75 training sessions.
We employ various approaches to 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.
Our training and technical assistance services offer professionals and volunteers the necessary resources and guidance to address substance misuse within their communities. This support allows them to focus on community engagement rather than allocating significant time to researching prevention methods.
Prevention First strives to provide relevant, respectful, and meaningful training to all learners. Diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences deepen our learning and are a source of strength. Learning and growth occur best in an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued, and we are committed to respecting and honoring these differences.
We aim to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. We encourage participants to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences to enrich the learning experience for all. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and empathy towards one another, and we ask that you join us in actively contributing to a respectful and equitable learning environment.
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.
Illinois Introduction to Substance Use Prevention (IISUP) III: A Framework for Prevention
Wednesday, July 15 - Thursday, July 16, 2026
01:00 PM - 04:00 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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Establishing and Leading a Youth Advisory Committee
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
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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Foundations of Parent/Caregiver Education
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
Foundations of Parent/Caregiver Education is a webinar that prepares program staff to implement evidence-based parent/caregiver education programs. Participants will obtain a basic understanding of the components and best practices related to implementing any parent/caregiver education program and will increase knowledge and skills related to planning, managing, facilitating, and evaluating a parent/caregiver education program.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify strategies for program planning, including programmatic partnerships, logistics, program promotion, and recruitment
- Recognize strategies to retain and engage parents and other caregivers
- Identify best practices for implementing parent/caregiver education programs with fidelity
- Identify components of process and outcome evaluation to assess program effectiveness
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OLRC Success Labs - Session Five: Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusive Practices
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online
Description
Success Labs are built on the understanding that true success for individuals is holistic, encompassing personal growth, professional development, and overall well-being. Grounded in the principles reflected in SAMHSA’s definition of recovery, the concept recognizes that everyone is in a form of recovery or growth, continuously working toward improved health, purpose, and community.
Success is not limited to one area of life but is strengthened when individuals are supported across multiple dimensions. Through the OLRC, Success Labs provides interactive learning spaces that help participants build on their strengths, develop practical skills, and connect personal and professional success to long-term stability and opportunity.
Session Five:
Creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute strengthens teams and drives performance. This session highlights how effective organizations cultivate inclusive practices that support collaboration, trust, and engagement across diverse teams. Participants will explore practical approaches to recognizing bias, building cultural awareness, and fostering inclusive interactions, both internally and externally. Leave with actionable strategies to foster a respectful, high-performing team environment.
Objectives: Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify everyday actions that support respectful and effective team dynamics across differences
- Apply two strategies to improve cultural awareness and communication
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Supervising for Success: Leadership Skills for Youth Program Managers
Thursday, July 30, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description
Effective supervision is the foundation of strong youth development programs. When supervisors lead with clarity, care, and consistency, staff feel supported, motivated, and equipped to succeed. This, in turn, improves retention, boosts performance, and strengthens program outcomes that benefit youth and communities. This webinar will help participants understand the qualities of effective supervisors, recognize the core practices that build strong teams, and apply strategies to communicate expectations, support staff development, and guide program administration.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this training series, participants will be able to:
- Identify the benefits of effective supervision
- Identify qualities of effective supervisors
- Identify core supervisory practices, including strategies for building strong relationships, adapting a flexible management style, fostering connection and self-care, evaluating performance and providing feedback, and balancing workload.
- Identify key functions of supervision
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Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns
Tuesday, August 4 - Thursday, August 6, 2026
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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Effective Group Facilitation
Tuesday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 19, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Heartland Community College - Normal, IL
Description
The ability to lead groups is essential to a wide variety of positions within the prevention field. This two-day training builds basic facilitation skills of individuals working with youth and/or adult groups. By the end of the training, participants will understand the stages of group development and the major issues associated with them, as well as how to identify and use interventions that will influence group behavior. This is an interactive training that will incorporate theory into discussions, group interaction, role playing and practice, and applied learning.
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Effective Group Facilitation (RYD-TTAS)
Tuesday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 19, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Heartland Community College - Normal, IL
Description
The ability to lead groups is essential to a wide variety of positions within the prevention field. This two-day training builds basic facilitation skills of individuals working with youth and/or adult groups.
By the end of the training, participants will understand the stages of group development and the major issues associated with them, as well as how to identify and use interventions that will influence group behavior. This is an interactive training that will incorporate theory into discussions, group interaction, role-playing, and practice, and applied learning.
*Note: This is a two-day and all-day in-person training; to receive credit, participants must attend both days of training.
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Too Good For Drugs/Maximizing Life 4th -12th Grade
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description
TGFD/Maximizing Life 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/Maximizing Life 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 4/5th, MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting.
This training will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD/Maximizing Life in either 4th/5th grade, middle school, or high school.
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Developing Materials for Locally-Designed Campaigns
Wednesday, September 2 - Thursday, September 3, 2026
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description
During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in planning and implementing a locally designed communication campaign. Participants will become familiar with print ad principles and obtain tips, tools, and resources for designing and pilot testing materials.
All SUPS and CSUPS staff implementing locally-designed communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.
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Certification Chat
Wednesday, September 09, 2026
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description
Join us for a conversation for those interested in networking with other prevention professionals about the Certified Prevention Specialist Certification process. We will share resources, and help prepare for the certification test.
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FY27 Annual Meeting Q&A Webinar
Thursday, September 10, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
This webinar offers SUPP grantees the opportunity to participate in a Q&A to address questions and receive additional clarification on FY27 grant updates, reporting and training requirements, and additional information presented at the annual meeting. Representatives from IDHS, CPRD and Prevention First will be present on the webinar. This webinar will be recorded and available for viewing within 2 weeks after the event.
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Foundations of Youth Prevention Education
Tuesday, September 15 - Thursday, September 17, 2026
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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Illinois Introduction to Substance Use Prevention (IISUP) III: A Framework for Prevention
Tuesday, October 6 - Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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.
Read More
Too Good For Drugs/Maximizing Life 4th -12th Grade
Thursday, October 08, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description
TGFD/Maximizing Life 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/Maximizing Life 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 4/5th, MS or HS grades successfully and with fidelity within a classroom setting.
This training will meet the IDHS training requirements for those implementing TGFD/Maximizing Life in either 4th/5th grade, middle school, or high school.
Read More
Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data
Wednesday, October 14 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description
During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.
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Preparing for Successful Focus Groups
Tuesday, October 20 - Thursday, October 22, 2026
01:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Online
Description
During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn how to screen and recruit participants, develop effective questions to gain useful insights, moderate focus groups successfully and confidently, and analyze the results of focus groups to bolster programming. Introduction to Focus Groups must be completed prior to registering for this course.
All SUPS and CSUPS staff reporting hours for communication campaigns who have not previously completed Conducting Focus Groups are required to complete this course.
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Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data
Monday, November 9 - Tuesday, November 10, 2026
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description
During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.
Read More
Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns
Tuesday, November 17 - Thursday, November 19, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:00 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.
Read More
Foundations of Youth Prevention Education
Tuesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 3, 2026
01:00 PM - 04:00 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.
Read More
Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data
Wednesday, December 9 - Thursday, December 10, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description
During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.
Read More
Establishing and Leading a Youth Advisory Committee
Wednesday, December 16, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, 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.
Read More
Illinois Introduction to Substance Use Prevention (IISUP) III: A Framework for Prevention
Tuesday, January 12 - Wednesday, January 13, 2027
01:00 PM - 04:00 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.
Read More
Analyzing and Sharing the Illinois Youth Survey Data
Wednesday, January 27 - Thursday, January 28, 2027
01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description
During this virtual classroom training, participants will organize, examine, and summarize local IYS data to identify concerns, priorities and outcomes. Participants will identify methods for displaying and packaging data and strategies for sharing and analyzing data with schools and stakeholders. Additionally, participants will identify ways to incorporate data into local prevention strategies.
Read More
Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns
Tuesday, February 9 - Thursday, February 11, 2027
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.
Read More