Prevention is a proactive process of advocacy, education and guidance that promotes the well-being of individuals and society. Through prevention, individuals are encouraged to make healthy choices for themselves. Prevention is a conscious choice to meet the challenges and transitions of life by creating an environment that promotes healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Drug prevention is about preventing children and teenagers from ever trying or using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. By keeping them drug-free through their teenage years, prevention significantly reduces their risk for developing drug dependencies as adults.

Alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention is an ongoing process with each new generation of parents, children, educators and community leaders. Effective drug prevention helps reduce violence, teen pregnancy, high school drop out rates, HIV/AIDS infection and many other related issues.

Public service campaigns, community and school programs, and continual communication between parents and their children are effective prevention methods that inform, reduce the risk of drug use, strengthen decision-making skills and set the tone for anti-drug environments and attitudes. Drug prevention also requires working within communities to develop and enforce community laws, ordinances and norms that reduce the availability of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs to youth.

By maintaining public awareness on the dangers of drugs and preparing professionals to implement and advocate for anti-drug strategies, prevention has a positive effect on children, teens, families, schools, businesses and communities.

Our Vision
Individuals, families, organizations, communities and policy makers engage in effective prevention practices and support policies that promote healthy lifestyles.

Our Mission
To provide statewide leadership in promoting healthy, drug-free communities