Effective Prevention in New Jersey

Selecting Evidence-based Practices

Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network https://pttcnetwork.org/

https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/global-pttc/product/ quick-guide-adapting-evidence-based-interventions SAMHSA Evidence Based Practice Resource Center https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp Blueprints https://www.blueprintsprograms.org/ Pew Charitable Trust https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/data-visualiza- tions/2015/results-first-clearinghouse-database Washington University https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/BenefitCost

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES E vidence-based public health practice is the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective programs and policies in public health through application of principles of scientific reasoning, including systematic uses of data and information systems and appro- priate use of behavioral science theory and program planning models. Just as evidence-based medicine seeks to combine individual clinical expertise with the best available scientific evidence, evidence-based public health draws on principles of good practice, integrating sound professional judgments with a body of appropriate, systematic research. There is a strong recognition in public health for the need to identify the evidence of effectiveness for different policies and programs, translate that evidence into recommendations, and increase the extent to which that evidence is used in public health practice.

Evidence-based Programs are programs, interventions and strategies that have been based on scientific evaluation results that have proven that the implementation of such strategy helps to reduce either the actual drug use or reduces one or more of the risk factors that create risk for a substance use disorder.

In addition to these nationally recognized resources of programs and practices, please see the following pages for a list of evidence-based individual and family programs, approaches and intervention strategies provided in New Jersey through the Regional Prevention Coalitions, their lead prevention agencies as well as other local coalitions and Municipal Alliances throughout New Jersey. In Section 7, there are links to toolkits and additional resources. Once you have completed your needs assessment and capacity steps of the SPF, you will use this information to start your planning step and utilize the key data points to start creating your logic model to ensure you have a clear picture of the needs of your community, any special populations you will target and the areas of risk that your efforts can focus on. This information, along with the capacity and availability of resources you have, will help your search for the best evidence-based intervention, program or strategy you select. There are local prevention agencies that host the Regional Prevention Coalitions noted above that can be a key resource for providing evidence-based prevention programs such as those listed in the charts on the following pages and many more.

In addition, programs that effectively increase or strengthen protective factors, increase perception of risk, make positive changes to youth’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and create supportive environments that discourage substance use or effectively intervene when use begins are all reflected within the evidence-based programs, strategies and interventions. There are both environmental strategies and individual and family direct prevention programs available that have proven their effectiveness. The resources listed in this toolkit are nationally recognized lists of evidence-based options that can be utilized by coalitions and communities to prevent substance misuse and/or addiction.

EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS & APPROACHES

The following chart includes a few examples of many popular evidence-based programs being offered across New Jersey.

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