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.

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

Set Up Free Membership

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

Serving Those Who Served: An Introduction to Providing Culturally Humble and Evidence-Based Care to the Veteran Population (SUPR)

Thursday, September 24, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Online
Description

Veterans have their own culture and rich life experiences that can present unique challenges and opportunities to civilian community mental health care providers. It is crucial to be informed on culturally humble practices and have a basic understanding of co-occurring disorders that are seen when working with this population, as well as resources available to mental health clinicians. This interactive training will provide an overview of what makes the Veteran population truly unique including the impact of rank, enlistment, branch of service and potential deployments. Special populations will be discussed along with the impact of Military Sexual Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. This training will assist community providers in making an effort to understand key aspects of the Veteran experience which may help to establish a connection, build trust and inform treatment planning.

Objectives:

  1. Identify the factors that contribute to military culture and that lead to the development of Veteran identity and the camaraderie among this population.
  2. Acquire knowledge regarding the potential higher risk of suicide among Veterans.
  3. Increase understanding of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders that are commonly treated among Veterans.
  4. Gain awareness of resources available to civilian mental health clinicians.
  5. Increase knowledge of frequently used interventions, including CBT, MI, and safety planning
Read More
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, September 24 - Friday, September 25, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition

Friday, September 25, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will understand the relationship between the treatment plan and the use of
admission, continued stay, and transition criteria. In addition, participants will learn how to
write measurable, individualized treatment plans based on the Dimensional Drivers and
individualized needs and preferences of the person served. Participants will also have the
opportunity to explore ways in which the patient’s stage of change impacts and drives a
person-centered treatment plan and a cursory review of core motivational interviewing skills
for treatment planning conversations, shared-decision making and to support readiness for
and engagement in treatment.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Seeking Safety: An Evidence-Based Model for Trauma and/or Addiction

Monday, September 28, 2026
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Online
Description

The goal of this presentation is to describe Seeking Safety, an evidence-based model for trauma and/or addiction (clients do not have to have both issues). By the end of the training, participants can implement Seeking Safety in their setting if they choose to. Seeking Safety teaches present-focused coping skills to help clients attain safety in their lives.  It is highly flexible and can be conducted in any setting by a wide range of counselors and also peers. There are 25 treatment topics, each representing a safe coping skill relevant to both trauma and addiction, such as “Asking for Help,” “Creating Meaning,” “Compassion,” and “Healing from Anger.” Topics can be done in any order and the treatment can be done using as few or many of them as time allows. Seeking Safety strives to increase hope through an emphasis on ideals; it offers exercises, emotionally evocative language, and quotations to engage patients and provides concrete strategies to build recovery skills.  In this training, we cover (a) background on trauma and addiction (rates, presentation, models and stages of treatment, clinical challenges); (b) an overview of Seeking Safety, including its evidence-base; and (c) clinical implementation, such as the use of the model with specific populations. Assessment and treatment resources are provided. The training is highly experiential, with role-plays and exercises to “learn by doing”; methods also include PowerPoint, video, and discussion.

Objectives:

  1. To describe current understanding of trauma, addiction, and their combination.
  2. To increase empathy and understanding of trauma and addiction.
  3. To describe Seeking Safety, an evidence-based model for trauma and/or addiction.
  4. To identify how to apply Seeking Safety for specific populations, such as homeless, adolescents, criminal justice, HIV, military/veteran, etc.
  5. To discuss adaptation based on setting, provider, and client factors (e.g., age, socioeconomics, culture, gender).
  6. To provide assessment and treatment resources.
Read More
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, October 1 - Friday, October 2, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

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
Classroom

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
Virtual Classroom

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.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, October 19 - Tuesday, October 20, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

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.

Read More
Classroom

Foundations of Positive Youth Development Series: Everyone's an Asset Builder and Sharing the Asset Message - TPP

Wednesday, November 4 - Thursday, November 5, 2026
09:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Prevention First's Springfield Office (Headquarters) - Springfield, IL
Description

During this foundational course, you will learn how to engage and support young people in your life and involve the family and community members of the youth connected to your work as a youth development professional. This two-day* workshop will help participants:

  • Identify the characteristics of effective asset builders and their own personal strengths and challenges.
  • Understand "circles of influence" and identify those circles in which there is potential for asset building.
  • Make and share a personal commitment to asset-building action.

Everyone’s an Asset Builder (Part I)

The first day of the training introduces the Developmental Assets framework and the powerful role of individual asset builders in the lives of young people.

Developmental assets are prevention-focused and associated with all Reimagine Youth Development Services. These include improving academic performance, life skills education, recreation, sports, cultural/artistic activities, positive adult role models, service learning, and STEM Learning.

Sharing the Asset Message (Part II)

The second day of the training will prepare community members and groups to deliver various asset-building messages to multiple audiences. This workshop will help participants:

  • Discuss how the assets relate to other positive youth development efforts
  • Develop engaging presentation strategies to meet the unique needs of any audience
  • Download free curriculum materials to use in their program presentations

*Note: This is a two-day training; participants must attend both training days to receive credit. There will be a 30-minute lunch session each day of training.

Read More
Classroom

OLRC Regional Networking Event - Effingham

Wednesday, November 04, 2026
10:30 AM - 04:00 PM
Effingham Public Library - Effingham, IL
Description

The Opioid Learning and Response Collaborative (OLRC) will be hosting a Regional Networking Event on November 4th in Effingham, Illinois. Attendees will connect with other professionals working in prevention, harm reduction, street outreach, and treatment to build relationships and break down silos. Attendees will hear about the impact the OLRC has had over the last year, as well as exciting new events, resources, and training the OLRC is planning.

Take part in World-Café-style networking that highlights community strengths and showcases collaboration (over competition) to address challenges that emerge within the community. Participants will work in teams and collectively to identify the successes in their community and how to expand effective efforts to help bridge gaps that exist. Participants will leave with skills to break down silos within the continuum of care in their communities, guidance on accessing and utilizing OLRC resources, and new connections in their working lives.

This event is open to all interested parties, with a focus on individuals with lived experience, peer workers, those who supervise PLEs, and direct service workers.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

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
Virtual Classroom

Ethics and Legal Considerations for Treatment Professionals

Thursday, November 12, 2026
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

This training increases the treatment professional’s knowledge base about ethical and legal standards, ethical principles, and the application of these principles to clinical practice. Common ethical pitfalls, such as boundary crossings, as well as federal and state laws and regulations surrounding client confidentiality will be examined. The training participants will explore case studies, ethical decision-making models, and other strategies to resolve ethical challenges.

Objectives:

  1. Recognize common ethical dilemmas and identify strategies for treatment professionals to effectively manage and resolve various types of ethical challenges that may arise.
  2. Summarize ethical codes and Illinois-specific ethical and legal standards for treatment professionals.
  3. Examine laws and regulations that protect and safeguard confidentiality for clients seeking mental health and substance use treatment.
  4. Determine how treatment professionals can best maintain personal and professional boundaries as well as competency and integrity.
  5. Review case studies that scrutinize ethical conflicts faced by treatment professionals.
  6. Outline the fundamental steps of decision-making for treatment professionals seeking to resolve ethical dilemmas.
Read More
Virtual Classroom

Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition

Friday, November 13, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will understand the relationship between the treatment plan and the use of
admission, continued stay, and transition criteria. In addition, participants will learn how to
write measurable, individualized treatment plans based on the Dimensional Drivers and
individualized needs and preferences of the person served. Participants will also have the
opportunity to explore ways in which the patient’s stage of change impacts and drives a
person-centered treatment plan and a cursory review of core motivational interviewing skills
for treatment planning conversations, shared-decision making and to support readiness for
and engagement in treatment.

Read More
Live Webinar

SUPP Expansion of the 4/5th Grade YPE Informational Webinar

Monday, November 16, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online
Description

IDHS has announced an expansion of the statewide Youth Prevention Education (YPE) program for SUPP Grantees to include 4th and 5th-grade students, beginning Spring 2027. This expansion will be available to all SUPS and CSUPS, as well as select SRSUPS that are currently implementing YPE.

To support this expansion, IDHS, Prevention First, and CPRD will host an informational session and Q&A, which will provide an overview of the expansion, including:

• Implementation expectations and guidance
• Training requirements
• Reporting requirements
• How 4th/5th grade implementation will apply toward current YPE deliverables
• An opportunity to ask questions and prepare for Spring 2027 implementation

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Monday, November 16 - Tuesday, November 17, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

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
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Wednesday, November 18 - Thursday, November 19, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Virtual Classroom

Addressing Stigma and Bias in the Treatment and Prevention of Substance Use Disorders for Clinical Staff

Thursday, November 19, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:30 PM
Online
Description

Stigmatization of substance use disorders has widespread consequences for those struggling with substance use disorders and remains the largest barrier to the initiation and maintenance of treatment and recovery services and access to other forms of healthcare. This course focuses on understanding the stigma of substance use disorder, its impact on patients, and strategies we can follow to help reduce the stigmatization of substance use disorder treatment.

It is designed for people excited to adopt a high standard of treatment practiced at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. This evidence-based program draws from experts who are dedicated to providing clinical care, education, and research in the field of substance use disorder treatment, prevention, and recovery.

We will cover the underpinnings of stigma and examine how we as professionals can help reduce stigma, which is considered to be the primary barrier preventing someone from seeking treatment.

Objectives

  • Review what stigma is related to substance use disorders.
  • Identify different types of stigma, including intervention stigma and stigma related to medications for substance use disorders.
  • Discuss the impact stigma can have on people and our practices.
  • Identify ways we can work to reduce stigma related to substance use and/or disorders through the language we ALL use.
Read More
Virtual Classroom

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.

Participants must complete 3 hours of individual work to receive course credit. Prework will be assigned for each session.

Read More
Virtual Classroom

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
Virtual Classroom

Self-Care for Providers

Wednesday, December 09, 2026
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Online
Description

Self-care for Providers is a dynamic, interactive workshop that addresses the healing and self-care needs of providers, supervisors, and others who are of vital assistance to individuals, children, and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges. Topics include secondary traumatic stress, burnout, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and building resilience on the individual and organizational level.

Objectives:

  1. Understand and define the elements of compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, and stress
  2. Understand and define burnout and how it relates to organizational characteristics
  3. Describe and prepare strategies to build emotional resilience at an individual and organizational level
  4. Define the process by which individuals and organizations can move from reactivity to resilience through the use of assessment, prevention, and intervention
Read More
Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Wednesday, December 9 - Thursday, December 10, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This training is recommended to have a copy of the ASAM 4th Edition Criteria textbook available. If one is not available, an excerpt link will be provided for use in the training. The excerpt cannot be printed or saved. 

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the Fourth Edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

 

 

Read More
Live Webinar

Medications in Treatment

Monday, December 14, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Medications to support recovery from opioid use disorders are critical tools in effective evidence-based addiction treatment, yet their outcomes are less than optimal because of the lack of psychosocial support typically offered to patients. Medication initiation, adherence, and persistence benefit from behavioral interventions to help patients build motivation, set goals, manage expectations, effectively communicate with their support team, overcome obstacles to staying on track, and celebrate successes along the way. This training offers an overview of the role that approved medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) play in the “whole-person” approach to treatment and recovery with a strong emphasis on specific science-based behavioral skills that are useful as part of comprehensive medication-assisted recovery.

All participants receive an electronic copy of an in-depth training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application as part of the training.

 

Read More
1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9