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 various 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 in their ability to best support their clients, schools, and communities.

In 2019, we trained nearly 1,300 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 being 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. Our current campaign is A Dose of Truth. 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 Youth & Caregiver Resource Center, and the Youth Prevention Resource Center.