Why People Engage in Ineffective Prevention Strategies and How We Can Advocate for Change!

CEUs: Prevention, CHES
3 Hours
Domains: P6- Professional Growth & Responsibility

Description: Many people intuitively believe in preventing individuals from experiencing the burdens of mental illness and substance use disorders, but they often do not know how to engage in those activities in a meaningful way. To further the confusion, what people tend to believe are effective prevention strategies are quite ineffective, and at times, can have unintended consequences, including harmful effects. Grounded in effective prevention research, this session will define effective prevention strategies as well as describe some common ineffective prevention strategies. Participants will learn the significance of prioritizing prevention strategies that are evidence and research-based, and that utilize best practice models, frameworks, and theories. Further, the reason why well-meaning people engage in ineffective prevention strategies will be presented to tease out the nuances for why this happens. Lastly, case studies will assist attendees in understanding how we – as prevention advocates – can respond to those well-meaning people by educating them about effective prevention strategies without thwarting their desire to meaningfully help individuals and communities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify six ineffective prevention strategies that should never be used.
2. List the reasons why well-meaning people continue to support ineffective prevention strategies.
3. Advocate for the use of effective prevention strategies in multiple community settings.

Presenter(s):
Andrea Hoff MPA, GPC, OCPC, ICPS
Katie Wolf MS, CHES, OCPS