Statewide Prevention Programs

The following are some of DBHR's key statewide initiatives, in addition to culturally-based services, evidence-based practice requirements, and workforce development.

College/University Task Force

The purpose of the task force is to promote substance abuse prevention programming and awareness activities in all Washington State institutions of higher learning. The task force sponsors a statewide college wellness conference each year for students, staff, and faculty. The task force meets bimonthly, and also provides mini-grants and technical support to colleges and universities. Contact: Scott.Waller@dshs.wa.gov.

FASD

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describes the range of effects that can occur when pregnant women drink alcohol.   These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities, which can last a lifetime.  The term FASD is not a clinical diagnosis.  It refers to conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS, and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND).  Each year as many as 40,000 babies are born with FASD, costing the Nation about $4 billion.  View DBHR-supported programs for preventing FASD.    For more information, contact Sue Green at greensr@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-3732.

Health Promotion

DBHR develops and distributes research-based educational materials that raise awareness of the harmful consequences of substance abuse, and promote healthy attitudes and behaviors.  We provide information and education to the public and our stakeholders about substance abuse trends in Washington, how to prevent and reduce substance abuse, and how to access prevention and treatment resources. 

DBHR administers Partnership for a Drug Free Washington – a state alliance program of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, to deliver effective drug prevention advertising messages to media outlets in Washington.  Online social marketing resources: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign, Social Media Campaign Resources - CDC, SAMHSA Social Media Resources, SAMHSA Communications and Education. For more information, contact Deb Schnellman.

Healthy Youth Survey

DBHR administers a statewide Healthy Youth Survey in local school districts in collaboration with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the DSHS Division of Research and Data Analysis, the Department of Health, and the Department of Commerce.  Survey data is collected every two years and used for local and state prevention program planning.  For the latest survey results, visit  www.askhys.net.   For more information about the survey, visit  www.hys.wa.gov.

Reducing Underage Drinking (RUaD)

Underage drinking is our state's biggest drug problem.  Each year, alcohol kills more kids than tobacco and illicit drugs combined. DBHR has secured grants from the federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention since 1998 to fund strategies to reduce underage drinking.  We and our state partners have formed the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking to collaborate on statewide planning and actions. 

School-based Prevention/Intervention Programs

DBHR contracts with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to administer the Washington State Prevention/Early Intervention Program. The program places intervention specialists in local schools to serve those students at risk of using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, as well as those students who have initiated substance use. Students who are chemically dependent are referred to community-based treatment centers.  Contact Steve.Smothers@dshs.wa.gov

OSPI Student Assistance Program Manual

State Prevention Summit

In collaboration with other state agencies and prevention organizations, DBHR supports an annual State Prevention Summit. The Summit is for community-based volunteer prevention task forces, youth, and prevention professionals who are interested in learning new prevention strategies for their communities.  For more information visit www.preventionsummit.org.

Statewide Parenting Initiative Network (SPIN)

SPIN is dedicated to promoting effective parenting to prevent substance abuse and violence among children and youth in our state.   The network – open to parents/caregivers and professionals from the public and private sectors – brings together individuals who envision a society in which diverse families, caregivers and communities help children and youth grow-up healthy, drug-free and safe.

SPIN's goals include providing opportunities for caregivers and professionals to learn more about effective and culturally appropriate parenting strategies that will build protection into every family. SPIN is focused on increasing the visibility and ease of access to parenting resources and training opportunities, while enhancing communication efforts for all parents and professionals. 

In 2010 SPIN conducted a statewide survey on parenting needs and resources.  To learn more about SPIN and becoming a member, contact Julie Bartlett.