Mission Statement The Herkimer County Prevention Council is dedicated to preventing alcohol and substance abuse as well as problem gambling by working in partnership with individuals, families and communities. We believe that all people are entitled to a positive protected environment, and that prevention services can make a difference in their lives. |
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| Prevention Overview |
New York State's Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) defines prevention as a proactive,
evidence-based process that utilizes effective programs and strategies to prevent or reduce substance use in individuals,
families and communities. Services are planned based on knowledge of a community's unique risk and protective factors
profile. Higher numbers of risk factors can indicate higher levels of substance use in a community. OASAS does support
prevention efforts across the life cycle if a documented need exists.
The overarching goals of OASAS supported prevention programs are to: *
1. To reduce the prevalence of substance use and abuse in the New York population.
2. To delay the initiation of substance use behaviors among youth as long as possible.
3. To decrease the negative health, social and economic consequences and costs associated with substance abuse.
4. To prevent the escalation of substance use to levels requiring treatment through early identification, brief intervention
and referral.
* Note: Taken from 2009 Prevention Guidelines
OASAS's approach to alcohol and substance abuse prevention, and the conceptual framework that supports it, has
continously evolved over time, and is based on emerging national research findings and the state's experience in program
development, implementation and evaluation. OASAS will evaluate its guidelines every two years and revise as necessary.
| PREVENTION COUNCIL STAFF |
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