Through its work in the community, the Prevention Department focuses on the development of knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to help people live healthier lifestyles. The work addresses, but is not limited to the following:

  • Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, including electronic-devices, over-the-counter and prescription medications, and other drugs
  • Teen pregnancy, HIV/STDs
  • Opioid harm reduction
  • Recovery-oriented systems of care

The Prevention Department’s geographic area includes, Madison, St. Clair and several of the surrounding counties in Illinois. Program services vary based on current grants and partnerships. Programs and strategies include:

  • Community needs assessments, and data summaries that provide a foundation for understanding community strengths and risk factors
  • Youth prevention education in schools that is evidence-based and designed to help participants improve life outcomes
  • Communication campaigns directed to youth and adults to promote healthy behaviors and change community norms
  • Youth advisory committees that promote substance abuse prevention and leadership development
  • Coalition involvement that unites all sectors of the community to identify problems and find solutions
  • Publication development to provide up-to-date information about trends, strategies and related issues
  • Presentations, trainings, and events that provide information about current drug trends, and to engage audiences
  • Grant writing, resource development, and sustainability efforts to meet the changing needs of the communities served

Resources


Local Coalition and Resources

partnershipdrugfree.org

Illinois Youth Survey

iys.cprd.illinois.edu

Drug Resources for Teens

teens.drugabuse.gov

Tips for Raising Drug-Free Children

drugfree.org/landing-page/get-help-support

Parent Toolkit—Child Development

www.parenttoolkit.com

Parent and Educator Resources

www.drugabuse.gov/parents-educators

Reducing Teen Medication Abuse

www.preventmedabuse.org

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration

store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma10-4120.pdf

Sexual Health Related Topics

Advocatesforyouth.org

Amaze.org

Kidshealth.org

Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care

www.govst.edu/ROSC-GSU/ROSCC/MERC/

For more information contact:

Donna M. NahlikDirector of Prevention Services 618-205-8133 dnahlik@chestnut.org.