Prevention First is committed to supporting substance use prevention efforts during this global pandemic. Discover how to best adapt substance use prevention efforts with regularly updated resources and guidance to support your work, family, and community.


For Prevention Professionals

Resources for Prevention Professionals

The document provides substance use prevention professionals with resources to aid in program delivery during a pandemic response. Additionally, links to organizations and programs are provided that offer more resources to aid in substance use prevention planning and delivery.


This document will be updated regularly.

For Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members

Parents, caregivers, and communities are struggling to keep their families safe and also engaged. Learn how to effectively respond to this pandemic to best support the youth and members in your family or community.


Help is Here The Illinois Department of Human Services has several programs to help Illinois residents. Click and follow the links to learn more about the programs IDHS offers.


How Right Now Initiative is an initiative that aims to address people’s feelings of grief, loss, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers information and support to help people cope and be resilient during this time. This initiative is made possible with funding through the CDC Foundation. NLBHA and many other national, regional, and local organizations are working together to help improve individual and community resilience.

La iniciativa Qué Hacer Ahora: una iniciativa que tiene como objetivo enfrentarlos sentimientos de duelo, pérdida y preocupación de las personasdurante la pandemia del COVID-19. Ésta ofrece información y apoyopara ayudarles a las personas a sobrellevar la situación y a serresilientes durante este tiempo. Esta iniciativa es posible gracias a lafinanciación de la Fundación de los CDC. NLBHA y muchas otras organizacionesnacionales, regionales y locales trabajan conjuntamente para ayudara aumentar la resiliencia individual y comunitaria.

NIMH Coping with Coronavirus Latest research information from the National Institutes of Health, including resources and news releases.


World Health Organization – Parenting in the time of COVID-19


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Talking With Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks


Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak This fact sheet explains social distancing, quarantine, and isolation in the event of an infectious disease outbreak. It discusses feelings and thoughts that may arise during this time and suggests ways to cope and support oneself during such an experience.


Community Toolbox Coronavirus Response Toolkit These resources are organized by Tools for Public Health Action, Tools for Community Action and include useful tools drawn from authoritative sources - WHO, CDC, and Community Tool Box. 


Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Partnership for Drug-Free Kids collected COVID-19 resources, including parent resources and live/text-based support lines.


Food and Drug Administration's "Remove the Risk" Campaign and Drug Disposal Website Toolkits of information containing public service announcements, social media images and posts, and fact sheets that can be used freely to promote proper storage and disposal of medication.


Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program Across the country, ONDCP's DFC-funded community coalitions are looking at innovative ways to remain engaged with youth and their communities and continue their efforts to prevention you substance use. Examples of prevention resources by DFC coalitions are:


The Upriver Youth Leadership Council in Idaho will present a free webinar series, starting April 9 and ending on May 28. The series, "Dialogue for Health: A Community Prevention Webinar Series," addresses a variety of youth substance use issues.


The Low Country Alliance for Health Youth in South Carolina posted world, national, state, family, and community resources on the coalition's website to help individuals find resources to cope during COVID-19 crisis in healthy ways.


The Communities for Alcohol-and Drug-free Youth's (CADY) Coalition in New Hampshire shares webinars to help families cope with the stress associated with COVID-19.


Courage to Speak is currently providing free and new online training for parents to keep their children safe during a crisis and beyond.


Connecticut Governor's Drug Prevention Partnership is providing resources for parents, guardians, and mentors to talk to youth about the ongoing pandemic. This includes tip sheets, live Zoom trainings, virtual field trips, family fun activities, educational courses, and activities for young people.


National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) has put together a list of resources and helpful tips to follow during this pandemic. These resources include information on stress, finances, health insurance, and housing, along with additional resources for further assistance.

State and Federal Resources