Evolve With Us.

Much like our communities’ dynamic and changing needs, Prevention First is constantly developing new and innovative approaches to address substance misuse.

Our work falls under three pillars: Advise, Amplify, and Advocate, and our mix of programs, initiatives, and services are constantly evolving.

Our Training and Technical Assistance Programs.

Illinois Department of Corrections CADC Training

IDOC provides correctional personnel training opportunities to enhance the substance use disorder counseling services within IDOC facilities, with the goal that IDOC staff enrolled in the program become certified alcohol and other drug counselors (CADC).

Go to IDOC CADC Training

Reimagine Youth Development Training and Technical Assistance

Reimagine Youth Development Training, Technical Assistance, and Support (RYD-TTAS) offers various positive youth development training opportunities to RPSA Youth Development Organizations and High-Risk Youth Intervention Organizations that provide out-of-school programming for youth residing in communities at increased risk of violence. Training opportunities are also available to the Reimagine Conveners and other RPSA Grantees.

Substance Use Prevention Training and Technical Assistance

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 prevent substance misuse in their communities effectively. 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).

Go to Substance Use Prevention Professional Development

Substance Use Treatment & Recovery Training and Technical Assistance

This program provides training and coordination for licensed treatment providers from the Illinois Department of Human Services Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.

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Our Resource Centers.

Alcohol Policy Resource Center (APRC)

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.

Go to APRC

Cannabis Policy Resource Center (CPRC)

The CPRC provides education, training, expert-led webinars, resources, and tools on data-supported policies and strategies to prevent youth cannabis use, reduce youth access to cannabis, and promote healthy behaviors in communities.

Go to CPRC

Leadership Center

Prevention First’s Leadership Center provides online and web-based training, education, resources, and tools to assist IDHS-SUPR Illinois Leadership Centers, coalitions, ROSCs, and those interested in reducing opioid use disorder and preventing overdose deaths.

Go to Leadership Center

Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC)

The MHRC works with human service professionals, law enforcement, first responders, and school personnel to build knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote mental health and intervene effectively with people experiencing mental health challenges.

Youth Prevention Resource Center (YPRC)

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.

Go to YPRC

And So Much More!

Special Initiatives

COVID Mitigation Program
With funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts, IDHS launched this project to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in community mental health centers (CMHC) and various substance use treatment and recovery settings. Contact us at covidmitigation@prevention.org for more information.

Substance Use Disorder Crisis Training

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program
The Teen Pregnancy Prevention Education Program provides training services with resources and technical assistance to help TPP Grantees deliver evidence-based curricula with fidelity.

Tobacco Enforcement Training Program
The Tobacco Enforcement Training Program provides training, resources, and technical assistance to assist Tobacco Enforcement Grantees in delivering high-quality services. Contact us at ILTEP@prevention.org for more information. 

Training & Event Coordination 

We offer internal and external customers full-service conference, event, and meeting planning. With Certified Meeting Professionals (CMP) on staff, we provide turnkey planning services from the beginning of planning to implementation on the day of the event. Contact us at conference@prevention.org for more information.