Prevention Services
Prevention is defined as a proactive process which empowers individuals and communities to meet the challenges of everyday life events and transitions by creating and reinforcing healthy behaviors and lifestyles, ultimately reducing risks that contribute to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse and their consequences on the individual and the community.
The BDAS Prevention Services Unit develops and supports a comprehensive statewide prevention system consisting of ten regional networks (RNs). Each network services a defined geographical area that allows communities to address local level needs as it relates to alcohol and other drugs. Regional networks 
mobilize and convene community level stakeholders to be proactive in creating communities that support healthy lifestyles amongst their residents.
RNs and Coalitions harness the community's power to address change and to promote wellness. A well-functioning coalition engages residents, law enforcement, members from the medical and faith based communities, schools, non-profits, businesses, local government, parents, families and youth to all work in tandem to address a communities needs.
Some key tasks of the regional networks include:
- Mobilize key community stakeholders to form a coalition
- Work with prevention direct service providers
- Coordinate community resources
- Perform community based risk assessments to identify current substance use/abuse issues
- Determine the environmental risk factors that may contribute to these factors
- Recruit interested individuals, organizations, groups, companies, etc. to work together to address these issues
- Develop comprehensive strategic plans that address community needs
- Implement evidence-based interventions, policies and practices
- Conduct on-going monitoring and evaluation and document the outcomes and communicate the results
How can you help get involved?
Other Resources
- Regional Information
- Process for NH Prevention Providers to Select Evidence-based Interventions
- Selecting Evidence-based Interventions Pictorial
- NH Center for Excellence
Regional Priority Plans
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