Partners in Prevention of La Porte Indiana

Challenge

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that youth nationwide are risking their health through the use of harmful substances. Risk factors leading young people to engage in substance misuse include mental health issues, lack of school connectedness, and lack of meaningful relationships with trusted adults. Although schools have the potential to address these risk factors through comprehensive and proactive social and emotional learning (SEL) and substance misuse prevention programs, many need support to do so.

To respond to this need, EDC partnered with the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte to provide technical assistance to K–12 schools across La Porte, Indiana, to implement evidence- based programs focused on SEL and substance misuse prevention.

Key Activities

EDC carried out the following activities:

Delivered an academy to guide program coordinators in selecting, implementing, and sustaining an evidence-based program
Provided technical assistance to ensure the effective implementation of evidence-based programs
Conducted webinars on data collection, program fidelity, coaching, and sustainability planning
Supported program coordinators in effectively engaging school and community stakeholders to sustain the program

Impact

Partners in Prevention served 13,000 students, across 11 school systems, and 37 individual school buildings in La Porte County.
The project equipped students with skills that not only help them avoid drugs and alcohol, but also help improve their academic achievement, attendance, classroom behavior, and social and emotional well-being.