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Our Commitment to Stronger, Healthier Communities
At Prevention First, we remain dedicated to supporting communities in their efforts to prevent substance misuse and promote safety, well-being, and connection for all. We recognize that many organizations and individuals we serve face significant challenges during these unprecedented times that impact their ability to access the support they need.
In times of uncertainty and change, our commitment does not waver. We will continue to be a trusted partner—providing thoughtful leadership, training, technical assistance, and credible, evidence-based resources designed to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve. Our work is guided by principles of inclusion, access, and collaboration, ensuring that prevention remains a pathway to opportunity, resilience, and empowerment.
Together, we can build a future where every individual and community has the resources and support to thrive. We see you, stand with you, and are committed to this work today and always.
In partnership,
Karel Homrig
CEO, Prevention First
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Prevention First Welcomes David Peake
David Peake is a dedicated leader passionate about community engagement, education, and program development. As a Project Coordinator at Prevention First for the Chicago Strategic Action Council, he brings years of experience in recruitment, outreach, and relationship-building to drive initiatives that create meaningful impact.
His background in admissions and student support at Genesys Works and Urban Prep Academies has given him a deep understanding of connecting with diverse communities, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing programs that increase access and opportunity. Whether leading recruitment efforts, mentoring students, or collaborating with school leaders, David has consistently focused on fostering growth and engagement.
His experience as a Social Emotional Learning Specialist also shaped his ability to create supportive environments, a skill that translates directly into his current work. At Prevention First, David will apply his expertise in program development, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic planning to promote substance use prevention and public health initiatives. His ability to analyze trends, engage key partners, and implement data-driven solutions ensures that community programs are effective and impactful.
With a sociology degree from Georgetown University, David remains committed to bridging gaps, empowering communities, and leading initiatives that drive lasting change.
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Save the Date for the 2025 Connections in Prevention Conference!
As you make your professional development and networking plans for 2025, don't forget to include the October 16-17 "Connections in Prevention" conference, held in Naperville, IL. Stay tuned for upcoming keynote speaker announcements, workshop topics, a call for proposals, and exhibitor applications. We can't wait for this opportunity to amplify prevention efforts!
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Upcoming Resources from MHTTA
Upcoming Webinar – "Developing Trust in Cross-Cultural Relationships: Applying Trauma and Attachment Theories to Suicide Prevention" on Wednesday, March 26th 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Join Prevention First and AllianceChicago for an interactive webinar as we continue conversations about developing trust in cross-cultural relationships.
Objectives:
- Participants will be able to recognize and respond to attachment needs of young people who have experienced trauma
- Participants will demonstrate an awareness of how their own experiences may shape their responses in therapeutic relationships
Facilitators:
Dr. Brenda Huber, PhD - Experienced leader and systems consultant with a demonstrated history of working in higher education and multiple child-serving sectors. Having served as a school psychologist and an outpatient therapist, she is currently providing systems-consultation to communities engaging in collaborative and innovative solutions to children's mental health needs.
Dr. Rebekah Fenton MD, MPH, FAAP is a general pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist. She is an emerging leader in health equity-focused medicine through her passionate care for marginalized youth, speaking and writing-based advocacy, and innovative leadership.
Upcoming Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Training:
Tuesday, April 1, 11:30 AM-5:00 PM
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You will build the skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You will also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
After this virtual course, you will be able to:
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
- Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
- Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.
- Know how to connect a young person with help.
- Better understand trauma, suicidal ideation, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.
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APRC Impaired-Driving Prevention Webinar
The APRC is excited to host the Navigating the Strategic Prevention Framework to Prevent Alcohol-Impaired Driving Webinar on April 8th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am Central. Twenty years ago, Tazewell County, Illinois, suffered unimaginable roadway losses. Over 15 months, 15 teens died in car crashes, with half of those teens being under the influence of intoxicating substances. The community came together to form a coalition. The coalition overcame significant obstacles using best practices and the Strategic Prevention Framework to reduce youth substance use and impaired driving. This webinar will describe the community conditions before and after implementing the coalition’s efforts. You will learn the importance of adhering to best practices and why collaboration is the key to success.
Along with APRC Administrator Jody Heavilin, this webinar features Tazewell County Sheriff’s Deputy John Shallenberger and Retired Public Health Expert Sara Sparkman. This panel will share their experiences and how they achieved a 64% reduction in the self-reported driving under the influence rate for Tazewell County 12th graders.
The Alcohol Policy Resource Center can assist with analyzing your data, scanning your community, and matching policy/strategy to assessment findings. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Jody Heavilin.
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Online Training Spotlight:
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week takes place in March and is a great time to share the science on substance use and addiction. Check out these two online, self-paced trainings that can help you prepare!
AOD Effects and Trends: This training will help you learn about the effects of substances most widely used by youth, the effects of each drug on the brain and body, signs and symptoms of use, and state and national rates and trends of use. Click here to learn more!
Preventing Prescription and Opioid Drug Misuse: During this training, you will learn about the most commonly abused prescription drugs, including opioids, use rates and trends among US and Illinois teens, factors that contribute to prescription drug and opioid misuse, and effective prevention strategies and applicable resources.
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Youth Advisory Board Applications Are Open!
The Youth Prevention Resource Center considers youth to be experts on their peers and, as such, an integral part of the work we do. The YPRC facilitates a group of young people known as our Youth Advisory Board (YAB). YAB members are selected through an application process and play an active role in developing resources and identifying solutions to their peers' issues. They undergo training and have opportunities to speak with and to various stakeholders that impact our shared work statewide.
Applications for the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board are available NOW! We are looking for a youth to serve on our YAB that can bring ideas and experiences that represent all youth, from all areas of Illinois. You can access the application here. If you have any questions, please email yprc@prevention.org.
2025 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week: March 17-23
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It provides an opportunity to bring together scientists, students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help advance the science and address youth drug and alcohol use in communities and nationwide.
The YPRC has created a social media toolkit for coalitions, community groups, and youth groups to use during NDAFW. There are graphics and copy that groups can use to post on their social media channels. The graphics can be downloaded and customized with any group's logo and custom hashtags can be added to the copy provided.
Click below to access the toolkit and add these posts to any events you're already planning for National Drug and Alcohol Week!
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Upcoming "Framing and Marketing Your Program's Message" Training
The Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) supports robust community engagement as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence. The Prevention First RYD-TTAS Team is excited to host "Framing and Marketing Your Program's Message: Effective Community Engagement for Every Audience," facilitated by nationally known presenter Ivan Juzang of MEE Productions. The training will be offered in both East Peoria on April 8, 2025 and Chicago on April 10, 2025. Seating is limited, so register soon!
About the presenter:
Over thirty years ago, Ivan Juzang started a unique behavioral communications firm during his final year at the Wharton Graduate School of Business. Since 1991, MEE Productions’ award-winning work has impacted cities across the United States, from North Philadelphia to the South Side of Chicago to South Central Los Angeles. MEE Productions focuses on community-centered approaches that acknowledge the social determinants of health, honor personal assets and resiliency, infuse protective factors, and embrace trauma-informed strategies. The MEE Team specializes in training service providers to prevent violence, substance misuse, suicide, HIV, and teen pregnancy.
Ivan Juzang has been a member of various advisory committees, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Ad Council. In 2020, Ivan was one of the keynote speakers for the National Prevention Network virtual conference.
The Prevention First Reimagine Youth Development TTAS Team provides training and technical assistance for youth development and violence prevention professionals funded by the IDHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. For more information, contact us.
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Looking to increase your cannabis policy knowledge?
The CPRC hosts recordings of all of our past webinars on our website. Here are a few we’d like to spotlight:
Derived Intoxicating Cannabinoids: Public Health Issues and Policy Solutions The webinar explores the rapid proliferation in the availability and use of derived intoxicating cannabis products, including delta-8 THC, HHC, and THC-A. Presented by Dr. Matthew Rossheim.
The Layers of Cannabis Policy and Where Prevention Fits In
This training focuses on cannabis policy and how it impacts and should inform how we plan, implement, and evaluate our cannabis prevention strategies. Presented by Scott Gagnon.
Cannabis Impaired Driving, Prevention, and Policy
The proportion of cannabis impairment involved in traffic crashes and injuries has been on the rise. In this webinar, Dr. Ashley Brooks-Russell examines the association of cannabis impairment with injury prevention policy.
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Harm Reduction ECHO: Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
The next Harm Reduction ECHO is March 11th from 10:00 – 11:00am!
Harm reduction for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders focuses on minimizing harm while addressing both conditions simultaneously. It involves a supportive, non-judgmental approach and includes strategies such as medication-assisted treatment, mental health counseling, needle exchange programs, and naloxone distribution. This integrated approach aims to improve overall health outcomes, reduce substance-related harm, and support comprehensive recovery by addressing the complex needs of individuals with dual diagnoses.
Our Presenter is Chris Massey from the Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD), where she leads the mobile health unit project, manages the Illinois Delta Counties Prescription Monitoring Program and serves as a case manager for the MAR NOW program. If you want to receive the ECHO invite, sign up here!
Leadership Center Newsletter!
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YCRC Collaborates to Create Resource Map
The YCRC and the Illinois Family Resource Center are excited to continue building a comprehensive resource map to support youth and families affected by parental substance use and parental incarceration.
We are still actively recruiting organizations to participate by submitting their program information through our questionnaire. If your organization offers programming focused on supporting young people who have been impacted by parental substance use or incarceration, we encourage you to fill out the questionnaire and be featured on our web pages.
To participate, please complete this questionnaire.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Daniela Aguilar, YCRC Administrator.
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