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.
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.
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Monday, March 9 - Tuesday, March 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
Developing Materials for Locally-Designed Campaigns
Tuesday, March 10 - Wednesday, March 11, 2026
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
During this interactive virtual classroom course participants will learn about the steps and best practices involved in planning and implementing a locally designed communication campaign. Participants will become familiar with print ad principles and obtain tips, tools, and resources for designing and pilot testing materials.
All SUPS and CSUPS staff implementing locally-designed communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.
Read More
QPR - Youth Suicide Prevention
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, ages 10-34 (CDC, 2023). 22% of high school students reported having seriously considered suicide and 10% attempted suicide in the past year (CDC, 2023). Join Prevention First’s Mental Health and Youth Prevention Resource Centers during Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week for a virtual QPR training with a focus on preventing suicide among young people.
Read More
Social Determinants of Health
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
The conditions in which we are born, live, learn, play, and age exercise a powerful influence on the health of individuals and communities. By critically examining the role of neighborhood conditions, education, income/wealth, and the socio-political climate, this training will strengthen participants’ understanding of the social determinants of health and their role in shaping the health outcomes of diverse populations.
Training Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define the social determinants of health.
- Explain how inequities in neighborhood conditions, education, income and wealth, and socio-political climate affect health outcomes and health disparities.
- Understand how differential access to wealth-building policies and structures (beyond income) create unequal conditions for good health in communities across the United States
- Identify examples of effective local, regional, and national strategies for improving systems and policies that affect the social determinants of health.
Read More
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Tuesday, March 10 - Wednesday, March 11, 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
Framing and Marketing Your Program's Message: Effective Community Engagement for Every Audience
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Zoom
Description
This longstanding MEE Productions workshop is a valuable learning experience for frontline and supervisory staff working primarily in communities impacted by gun violence and substance misuse. Using an interactive approach, this in-person workshop will deliver skills attendees can use immediately to raise the level and effectiveness of outreach and engagement activities.
Learning Objectives
After this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify and classify key differences between oral-based and literate-based cultures
- Identify and apply a mix of strategies that will result in more effective communication and relationship-building efforts, including a combination of digital outreach (high-tech) and on-the-ground encounters (high-touch)
- Increase their awareness and understanding of the worldview and specific cultural and communication dynamics of communities of color facing the highest health disparities.
- Understand the steps required to develop trauma-informed, culturally relevant, and street-credible messaging and materials
- Develop messages that embed references to stress and trauma, resilience and healing that resonate with youth and families
Read More
Strengthening and Sustaining Intentional Relationships
Thursday, March 12, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
By the end of this webinar, training participants will be able to define and apply principles and practices for building and sustaining strong relationships in families, schools, and communities. They will also learn strategies for effective communication and conflict reconciliation. This training will complement RPSA Providers' efforts to educate and empower youth to promote civic engagement in their respective communities.
*Attendance is required to receive a certificate of completion and CEUs.
Read More
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals
Friday, March 13, 2026
08:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Online
Description
The training aims to provide participants with the background knowledge and practical skills that they need to address suicidal risk and behaviors in clients in care for substance use disorder treatment. Participants will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and apply practical skills in the following areas:
Approaching Your Work: Learn how to manage reactions related to suicide and maintain a collaborative, non-adversarial stance. Acquire the necessary skills to address potential conflicts between a care professional’s goal to prevent suicide and relapse and a client’s goal to eliminate psychological pain via suicidal behavior.
Understanding Suicide: Gain an understanding of the definitions and language used when talking about suicide, as well as the data that are relevant to addressing suicide in substance use disorder treatment, including risk and protective factors, warning signs, and the complicating factors of substance misuse, including opioids.
Gathering Information: Identify key points in treatment where a suicide assessment should occur, what questions to ask to learn more about a client’s suicidal thoughts and behaviors past and present, and how to ask them. Participants will practice asking questions in an interactive learning environment designed to help build confidence. The training presents key scenarios, such as when to seek supervision or consultation and what to do when someone discloses suicidal thoughts during a group treatment session.
Formulating Risk: Practice synthesizing assessment information into a risk formulation that will help inform the next steps in treatment. AMSR emphasizes the importance of using a risk formulation not for prediction but as information to make a collaborative decision regarding recovery-oriented treatment planning.
Planning and Responding: Review suggested actions to take based on a risk formulation using resources from SAMHSA’s TIP 50 and evidence-based interventions. Practice having conversations related to safety planning and addressing the potential for relapse through means counseling interventions.
Read More
Peer Coaching vs. Clinical Treatment in Addiction Recovery
Monday, March 16, 2026
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description
Join us for an immersive and transformative workshop that delves into the dynamic interplay between peer coaching and clinical treatment in the roles of prevention and addiction recovery. Designed for professionals across the spectrum of services, including clinicians, coaches, and peer support specialists, this comprehensive session will provide valuable insights and strategies to promote prevention and support individuals on their recovery journey.
We will explore how both peer coaching and clinical treatment aim to improve lives, each offering unique perspectives and tools. You'll gain a clear understanding of the distinctions between these approaches, including who is considered “the expert in the room” and how they uniquely address the challenges their clients face. Learn how clinicians' and coaches' tools can complement each other to provide a holistic support system to bolter prevention efforts or better support those in recovery. Through real-world examples, we’ll illustrate how peer coaching and clinical treatment can work together to create a comprehensive prevention or recovery plan.
What to expect from the session:
- Explore various intervention strategies, from structured clinical interventions to self-guided peer coaching techniques like the Person-Activity Fit Diagnostic and the elements of The Warrior Reset to foster resilience.
- Understand the importance of building resilience through coaching to prevent relapse and navigate the landscape of certifications and credentials for peer support specialists.
- Participants will leave with a robust toolkit of strategies and insights, enhanced by Garret Biss’s unique perspective as a retired Marine Corps Pilot, addiction recovery coach, and TEDx Speaker.
- Empower yourself to participate in an integrated coaching-clinician team and provide more comprehensive and effective support for individuals in recovery.
Whether you are deepening your understanding or seeking practical tools to enhance your practice, this workshop will provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to make a lasting impact on those you support.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to identify the roles and responsibilities of both clinicians and peer coaches in developing and supporting recovery plans.
- Participants will be able to explain the differences between peer coaching and clinical treatment in the addiction recovery process.
- Participants will be able to discuss the complementary nature of peer coaching and clinical treatment and how they can work together.
- Participants will be able to utilize various coaching tools and interventions in their life and practice.
- Participants will be equipped with practical coaching tools to build resilience in individuals recovering from addiction.
Read More
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 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
Administrative Rule, Part 2060 Training Series Module Ten: Recovery Home Intervention Services
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
09:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Online
Description
Subpart E: Intervention Service Requirements
?
SUPR will begin holding a webinar training series for licensed organizations to support
understanding and implementation of the new Administrative Rule, Part 2060. Each training
session will address specific rule sections and content areas, as outlined below. Attending
these trainings will provide valuable insights into how the changes impact administrative
functions and service delivery, helping organizations ensure compliance and enhance
operational effectiveness. Trainings will be recorded and available on-demand as well as
live.
Webinars will occur on the third Tuesday of each month from 9:00am-10:30am, unless
otherwise specified.
Read More
Foundations of Prevention Ethics
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (New Branch Location) - Chicago, IL
Description
During this course participants will explore the six principles of the Prevention Code of Ethics. Participants will then learn and use an ethical decision-making process to apply the Prevention Code of Ethics to a variety of realistic ethical examples that substance use prevention professionals may encounter.
This course was developed by the SAMHSA Center for Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) and will be facilitated by Prevention First’s Substance Use Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Specialists. A certificate for six (6) training hours is provided upon completion. This ethics training has been endorsed by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and meets the IC&RC’s prevention ethics education requirement for prevention specialist credentialing.
The Foundations of Prevention Ethics Training was originally developed under SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies. Revised version was created through a collaborative efforts of SAMHSA’s regional PTTCs and National Coordinating Office.
Read More
Unconscious Bias Training
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Online
Description
This session starts by diving into the science behind unconscious biases and how they can show up in our workplaces. We will explore several mitigation tactics to prevent biases from influencing our decisions and judgments in the workplace. In a self-reflection activity, participants identify their own blind spots and why those blind spots are specific to them. The session wraps up with a review of several scenarios where biases surface and challenges learners to critically think about how we can mitigate them in the workplace.
By the end of this workshop, participants will leave with an understanding of:
- Why unconscious biases happen and where they come from.
- Everyone holds unconscious biases, which is what makes us human.
- How these biases can show up in the workplace.
- Mitigation tactics for personal biases.
- Tactics on how to identify biases.
To receive a certificate of completion and CEUs, training participants must attend and adhere to the attendance policy.
Read More
QPR: Question, Persuade, and Refer. An Emergency Response to Someone in Crisis*
Thursday, March 19, 2026
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington - Bloomington, IL
Description
QPR Training + OEND Training
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
According to the CDC, youth suicide attempts soared during the pandemic. Rates of suicide among youth in Black and Brown communities have risen faster than in any other racial/ethnic group in the past two decades. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how, in a short timeframe, to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
In the OEND bonus/add-on training, we will offer a 30-minute training session on “How to Use Naloxone aka “Narcan” which is the medicine that reverses an opioid overdose.
During training, you will learn how to use the Naloxone Nasal Spray in a crisis and receive a kit for your organization. Please see the flyer for additional information. Once you register for the QPR Training, you will receive an email to confirm whether you will attend the bonus training. This training is open to anyone who attends the QPR Training.
Read More
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Thursday, March 19 - Friday, March 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
Preparing for Successful Focus Groups
Monday, March 23 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:00 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
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Monday, March 23 - Tuesday, March 24, 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
Effective Group Facilitation with Adolescents: A Two-Part Series for Counseling/Clinical Staff
Tuesday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 25, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description
Event Description:
The peer group is most important to adolescents. Group counseling allows adolescents to heal and transform their lives with peer support. Topics covered in this presentation include: how to prepare adolescents for group counseling, how to build group cohesion, stages of adolescent group development and the role of the group leader, how to avoid having your ‘buttons pushed’ when facilitating adolescent groups, managing group conflict, intervention strategies with challenging group members, the effective use of activities in adolescent groups.
By the end of this two-part workshop, you will be able to:
- Prepare adolescents for group counseling.
- Build group cohesion.
- Manage group conflict.
- Have effective intervention strategies with challenging group members.
- Utilize groups to help adolescents make positive life changes.
This is a two-day training. To receive a certificate of completion and CEUs, training participants must attend and adhere to the attendance policy both days.
Read More
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Tuesday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 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
Navigating Peer Influence: Practical Strategies for Supporting Youth
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description
Peer pressure remains one of the most influential forces, and in today’s digitally connected world, it extends far beyond in-person interactions. This webinar explores how peer pressure can shape a young person’s behaviors in both social and online environments, including the impacts of social media, technology, and digital communities. Through real-life scenarios, participants will gain practical, actionable strategies to initiate supportive conversations with youth, strengthen their ability to resist unhealthy influence, and promote healthy boundary-setting.
Presented by:
Erin Tegge - Leader of PEER Services' Prevention Program
Natalie Larson - Coalition Coordinator at PEER Services for the Knowledge Empowers Youth (KEY) Coalition
Read More
Youth Mental Health First Aid Classroom Training
Wednesday, March 25 - Thursday, March 26, 2026
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (New Branch Location) - Chicago, IL
Description
During this course, you will learn how to support young people in your life and your work.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
After the course, you will be able to:
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
- Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.
- Know how to connect a young person with help.
- Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.
Read More
Foundations: Core Skills Training for Sex Ed
Thursday, March 26, 2026
09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description
Learn the Foundations model to implement high-quality sex education. Foundations aims to ensure that sex educators have the skills to effectively facilitate student learning, create safe and inclusive environments, and provide opportunities for skill-building and values exploration.
Read More
Individualized Service Planning with the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition
Thursday, March 26, 2026
08:30 AM - 03:30 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
Supervising for Success: Leadership Skills for Youth Program Managers
Monday, March 30, 2026
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description
Effective supervision is the foundation of strong youth development programs. When supervisors lead with clarity, care, and consistency, staff feel supported, motivated, and equipped to succeed. This, in turn, improves retention, boosts performance, and strengthens program outcomes that benefit youth and communities. This webinar will help participants understand the qualities of effective supervisors, recognize the core practices that build strong teams, and apply strategies to communicate expectations, support staff development, and guide program administration.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this training series, participants will be able to:
- Identify the benefits of effective supervision
- Identify qualities of effective supervisors
- Identify core supervisory practices, including strategies for building strong relationships, adapting a flexible management style, fostering connection and self-care, evaluating performance and providing feedback, and balancing workload.
- Identify key functions of supervision
Read More
Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building
Thursday, April 2 - Friday, April 3, 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