Page 24 - Focus on Prevention: Strategies and Programs to Prevent Substance Use

It’s important to establish a broad base of support,
Look Around or buy-in, to address prevention issues. The more a
prevention strategy represents the whole community
and shares a common goal, the more powerful and
An organization or community advocate concerned respected it will be.
about substance use, public health and safety, or the
well-being of a population could be a partner, including: Reaching Diverse Groups

 Educational institutions Your best bet is to reach diverse groups of adults and
youth with prevention messages by engaging as many
 Parent and volunteer groups
kinds of organizations as possible. For example, if
 Youth organizations your primary goal is to prevent youth marijuana use,
 After-school programs you may team up with your local police force, school
counselors, clergy, and even the local chapter of
 Faith-based community organizations
Narcotics Anonymous.
 Health care and mental health providers
As your substance use prevention strategy gets
 The justice system, including law enforcement underway, roles and responsibilities will likely fall
personnel into place naturally, with everyone contributing what
 State, county, and local governments they can. People may help by making a financial
contribution, providing services without charging
 Prevention and treatment organizations
for them, making facilities available for prevention
 Legal, social services, and other organizations activities, recruiting volunteers, volunteering, or
serving low-income families participating in boards of directors or committees.

 Businesses
 Labor unions
 Neighborhood-based social clubs
 Service organizations

 Media

20 Focus On Prevention