What is prevention?

It means different things to different people. To us, it means preventing substance misuse and abuse before it starts. Prevention initiatives seek to create environments which support healthy behaviors and build healthy community norms by using evidence-based, comprehensive strategies.

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These strategies are often implemented by coalitions which have formed to address substance abuse problems within a community. Coalitions serve all kinds of communities including cities, counties, school districts, college campuses and tribal communities. In Minnesota alone, there are over 80 coalitions currently active in this work. Coalitions are sometimes funded by federal and state grants, as well as community grants, foundations, and in-kind donations.