The I CARE theme that you see here…Prevention Works! is true! You might ask, what techniques work, how do we know they are working and if it has worked, why do we need to continue prevention efforts? You too are an important part of prevention.
Prevention techniques that work
Keeping a young person alcohol, drug and violence free can be done, but it requires much more than a conversation or two. Young people need:
· Education about the dangers of substances (from families and schools)
· Opportunities to learn how to make good decisions and practice in decision making
· Supervision…not only as toddlers but during the middle and high school years too
· Adult, age appropriate monitoring of their activities for all ages, infants through teen years
· Involvement in healthy activities in and out of school: sports, music, faith-based, scouts, school clubs
· Strong family bonds, developed through effective communication that begins at birth and continues through life
· Role models of adults making safe and healthy choices – parents, teachers and all influential adults
· Coordinated efforts of the home, school and community supporting prevention programs
Proven prevention strategies
Prevention efforts are not a new phenomenon. Work has been done in many areas in an effort to prevent or reduce fires, injuries, suicides, car crashes, child abuse, and diseases. Generations of this century have witnessed many prevention efforts that are working and researchers have had many opportunities to study why specific prevention efforts are successful. The research has shown that some of the many principles that form the foundation for effective prevention include:
· Following Prescribed Steps in Science-Based Prevention
o Readiness, setting goals, resource assessment, implementation, evaluation
· Prevention Strategies in many domains *
o Individual, peer, family, community, school and society/environment
*The more domains in which prevention work is done, the greater the chance of prevention effectiveness.
· Spheres of activity Within each domain, certain principles should be followed, such as:
o Increasing public awareness, education, attitude, behavioral, and policy changes
In other words, we must develop and use integrated comprehensive prevention strategies rather than single events or efforts.
Continuing prevention efforts
If prevention has worked why do we need to continue the efforts? Prevention work will never end. If we stop educating people about the importance of wearing seat belts, or the dangers of tobacco use, future generations will have to relearn the lessons through negative consequences. Whether you are a student, a parent, an educator or a community citizen, your attitudes, behaviors and support of programs makes a huge impact in our efforts to prevention alcohol, other drug use and violence. Thank you for your part in ensuring that Prevention Works!
Rebecca B. Young
Director
