Webinar Description: This webinar will describe the importance of environmental strategies and how they differ from individual-focused prevention programs. Environmental strategies are prevention interventions that address factors related to the context within which individuals make decisions about initiating and continuing substance use. Researchers have identified numerous risk and protective factors for engaging in substance use, which are often categorized by a socio-ecological model. Environmental strategies primarily seek to address factors found at the community and society levels of the model. The webinar will discuss the different types of environmental strategies and provide examples of evidence-based strategies. It will also walk through examples of collaborative partners needed to implement environmental strategies and the pre-implementation work that preventionists will need to complete.

Webinar Learning Objectives:

1. Define environmental strategies and how they differ from individual-focused prevention programs
2. Explain the importance of environmental strategies
3. Walk through examples of environmental strategies
4. Discuss how preventionists can implement environmental strategies

Virtual Learning Lab Description: The purpose of the virtual learning lab is to expand on the information delivered in the presentation, “Applying Prevention Science to Practice: Using Environmental Strategies to Reduce Substance Use”.  The virtual learning lab will provide an opportunity for conversation between prevention professionals, guided by facilitators, to provide a greater level of detail and understanding into the key concepts of the topics addressed. Anticipated goals of virtual learning lab include; increased knowledge transfer, increased network development, opportunities to trouble-shoot real life items. 

This webinar series is a product from the National PTTC Evidenced-Based Interventions (EBI) Work Group which exists to promote the effective selection and implementation of evidence-based interventions for prevention professionals and stakeholders, in order to provide services with fidelity that are culturally intelligent and result in positive outcomes.