Resource Library

This toolkit is a resource for communicators who want to change the narrative about adolescence and adolescent development.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how a truly comprehensive response to substance use and abuse in our country can be implemented. Specifically, this response includes BOTH environmental/policy efforts and individually-focused prevention efforts in order to reduce substance abuse population-wide. Furthermore, it is critical to recognize the invaluable role local, community-based coalitions play in implementing a comprehensive array of evidence-based strategies to reduce underage drinking, tobacco use and illicit drug use.

This focus group guide, developed for Massachusetts Opioid Abuse Prevention Collaborative, contains an overview of the structure of a focus group; tips for facilitators; and sample questions for various audiences such as active users, families of users, treatment providers, youth/teens, police/first responders, the recovery community, and the emergency department staff.

The School Health Index (SHI) Self-Assessment and Planning Guide is an online self-evaluation and planning tool for schools. The SHI is built on CDC’s research-based guidelines for school health programs that identify the policies and practices most likely to be effective in reducing youth health risk behaviors. The SHI is easy to use and is completely confidential.

This resource outlines six strategies for effectively communicating about adolescent development.

Information on conducting a social marketing effort (promoting awareness, interest, and behavior change), and planning for long-term sustainability.

Developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in partnership with Native American communities in Massachusetts, this booklet provides a series of stories and poems explores the ways family members can help prevent youth drinking and other drug use. The images from Native American communities are interwoven with the best we know about the prevention of substance use. It includes guidance for positive discussion, as well as referral resources for counseling for youth and adults if needed.

This resource provides information on what it means to organize for community change and effective strategies, as well as an overview on starting and maintaining a coalition with accompanying tools and examples.

As part of a strategic planning process, practitioners need to select prevention strategies or interventions that address those risk and protective factors associated with their prioritized substance-related problem(s). This document summarizes evaluations of prevention strategies and interventions associated with binge or heavy episodic drinking, as identified in the prevention research literature. It also provides recommendations for using the prevention research to inform strategy selection.

This guidance document is a resource for municipalities, individuals, organizations, community coalitions, and other groups who are implementing universal prevention efforts aimed at preventing and reducing underage drinking and other drug use in Massachusetts, including those whose efforts are funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) and, more specifically, grantees of the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (SAPC) grant program.

The Central East PTTC has created the Substance Use Prevention Resources for Use During a Pandemic guide to help prevention professionals navigate this challenging time.

The Central East PTTC has created the Substance Use Prevention Resources for Use During a Pandemic guide to help prevention professionals navigate this challenging time.

This primer lays out a framework and describes key considerations and action steps for coalitions to include in their journey to sustainability.

Sustainability in prevention is about figuring out what’s working well and how communities can continue to experience the benefits of prevention efforts over time. This requires the participation, resolve, and dedication of diverse community members—and a lot of careful planning. This online toolkit is designed to help coalitions engage in a thoughtful sustainability planning process.

This toolkit supports planning for using different tactics to sustain your organization or community initiative.