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What is Prevention?

Prevention efforts—whether individual or community-based—aim to:

  •  Intervene early before the onset of risky behaviors, disease, or behavioral disorders.
  • Promote protective factors and healthy behaviors.
  • Reduce risk factors and deter harmful actions.
  • Provide screening and referrals to treatment services to slow or stop the progression of risky behaviors and disorders.

Note: Definitions of risky behavior or behavior disorders may vary by topic or age group.

Our Prevention Approach

ORCPP prevention efforts are grounded in the Six CSAP (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention) Strategies:

Information Dissemination

Sharing accurate, timely prevention information with the public.

Prevention Education

Delivering education programs that build knowledge and skills.

Alternative Activities

Offering healthy, positive alternatives to risky behavior.

Problem Identification & Referral

Screening and referring individuals for necessary services.

Community-Based Processes

Enhancing the ability of communities to plan and implement prevention efforts.

Environmental Approaches

Creating supportive environments that foster healthy decision-making.

Why Prevention Matters

Prevention is a proactive investment in Oregon’s future. By addressing risk factors and strengthening protective factors before issues arise, we reduce the need for costly interventions later. Our collective work protects youth, empowers families, and creates environments where healthy choices are the norm—not the exception.

The 12 Sectors of Community Collaboration

Coalition leaders work together with representatives from 12 sectors to ensure that a broad range of community expertise is included. The 12 sectors (identified in picture) work together, and these community coalitions empower local leaders to build communities that foster a safe environment for young folks to learn, grow, and thrive.

Business

Local companies and employers that influence community norms and offer resources, sponsorships, and workplace wellness initiatives.

Civic/Volunteer Groups

Community service organizations and individual volunteers who contribute time, effort, and skills to strengthen local prevention activities and civic involvement.

Healthcare Professionals

Medical and behavioral health providers who promote wellness, identify risk factors, and connect individuals with prevention and treatment services.

Law Enforcement

Public safety professionals who uphold laws, enhance community safety, and partner in prevention strategies to reduce harm and risk behaviors.

Media

Journalists, broadcasters, and digital content creators who spread prevention messages, shape public opinion, and inform the community through various platforms.

Parents

Caregivers who guide and influence youth behavior, acting as essential partners in fostering healthy, supportive home environments.

Religious/Fraternal Organizations

Faith-based groups and fraternal societies that offer moral guidance, community support, and opportunities for healthy social engagement.

Schools

Educational institutions that create safe, supportive learning environments and engage youth in programs promoting health, safety, and development.

State/Local Government Agencies

Government bodies that set policies, fund programs, and provide resources to enhance public health, safety, and community well-being.

Substance Abuse Organizations

Specialized agencies and nonprofits that focus on education, prevention, treatment, and recovery to address substance misuse and related challenges.

Youth

Young community members whose voices, ideas, and leadership help shape prevention efforts to meet the needs of their generation.

Youth-Serving Organizations

Clubs, nonprofits, and service groups that provide mentorship, activities, and support to help youth make positive life choices.

Let's Talk Cannabis

Missed the webinar: Supporting Conversations with Parents and Youth?

The recording is now available by request.

The webinar covers how to use Let’s Talk Cannabis Oregon materials to support prevention conversations with parents, caregivers, and youth. A companion toolkit with practical tips, sample language, and strategies for strengthening parent–teen conversations about cannabis and other substance use risks is also available. We are encouraging all organizations that work with families to use Let’s Talk Cannabis materials as a resource to prevent youth substance use.

For

This webinar is designed for youth- and family-serving providers, including educators, school counselors, nurses, prevention specialists, community-based organizations, coalitions, and other partners who work with families.

Learn

Participants will learn how to use Let's Talk materials strategically, adapt messages for local communities, and support parent-teen conversations about cannabis, opioid misuse, and other substance use risks.

Apply

The training will also introduce practical behavior-change strategies that providers can use to strengthen prevention messaging, increase resource visibility, and activate trusted messengers across school and community

Learn strategies to engage partners and strengthen community-driven prevention efforts. Topics include: community readiness, coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, inclusive collaboration, and sustainability.

December 9-11, 2026

Newport, OR

Nigel Wranagham

Meet Your Trainer

Nigel Wrangham has been a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2000. He’s been a preschool teacher, counselor for federal prisoners on parole, and a freelance illustrator. When he worked in Uganda studying wild chimpanzees, he taught forest conservation to young people in local villages. He has served as the National Youth Coordinator for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and is a certified Master Level Trainer for CADCA, where he develops curriculum and mentors young trainers in prevention and public health. His passion is supporting young people to build the equitable, just, and healthy society they deserve. He works with groups across the United States, sharing skills in prevention, social justice, brain development, and youth leadership.

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