Evolve With Us.
Much like the dynamic and changing needs of our communities, Prevention First is constantly developing and designing new and innovative approaches to better address substance misuse.
Our work falls under three pillars, Advisory, Amplify, and Advocate and our mix of programs, initiatives, and services is constantly evolving.
Our Evidence-Based Programs and Initiatives.
The APRC provides training, education, resources, and tools on evidence-based alcohol policy strategies to municipalities, local officials, law enforcement, and community coalitions focused on reducing underage drinking in communities throughout Illinois.
Our substance use prevention training and technical assistance staff work with local grantees throughout Illinois to give prevention specialists the training and information they need to effectively prevent substance misuse in their communities. In turn, they use their knowledge, skills, and abilities to directly impact their communities through community-based organizations, coalitions, schools, law enforcement, and others also working to prevent drug use in their communities. We are proud to be the training contractor for the Illinois Department of Human Service Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS SUPR).
The YPRC provides training, technical assistance, and support to Jr. Highs, Middle Schools, and High Schools throughout Illinois. Our mission is to provide students with the best prevention tools possible to deal with the issues of underage drinking, drug use, risky and impaired driving, and other destructive decisions.
IDOC provides correctional personnel training opportunities to enhance the substance use disorder counseling services within IDOC facilities, with a goal that IDOC staff enrolled in the program become certified alcohol and other drug counselors (CADC).
This program provides training and coordination for Illinois Department of Human Services Substance Use Prevention and Recovery licensed treatment providers.
The Traffic Safety Resource Center
This program provides traffic safety education to the Illinois Department of Transportation to reduce death and injury rates on Illinois roadways.
Prevention First supports large-scale and local events with participants ranging from 50 to 1,000. We have a 25-year history of organizing statewide conferences, including suggesting topics, speakers, special events, and managing all aspects of the event lifecycle.