Implementation Evaluation of the Strategic Prevention Framework for Substance Abuse Prevention in Los Angeles

Introduction.  As efforts to translate evidence-based programs and practices into community-based settings increase, there is an ongoing need for research to inform and enhance the translation process.  The present paper describes findings from an implementation evaluation of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) promoted by SAMSHA, among 48 community-based substance abuse prevention organizations in Los Angeles County.  The goal of the prevention program initiative is to reduce underage drinking, illicit drug use, and emerging drug use among youth and young adults.  The long-term objectives are to decrease availability and accessibility of alcohol and other drugs and social norms and community conditions that contribute to substance abuse.   This paper focuses on the first three steps of the SPF, which include community needs assessment, building capacity, and developing a strategic plan for prevention program implementation.  The key evaluation questions addressed in the paper are: (1) What are the key factors associated with development of a successful plan for implementation of evidence-based prevention programs? and (2) What are the key challenges of implementing the SPF and evidence-based prevention in an urban environment like Los Angeles?

Methods. Two key staff in each funded service provider organization (n=48) are completing a web-based survey and participating in an interview.  The survey items measure understanding of basic prevention concepts, attitudes toward evidence-based prevention programs and practices, quality of needs assessment activities implemented, organizational capacity to implement evidence-based prevention (several dimensions), utilization of training and technical assistance, and perceived barriers to implementing evidence-based prevention.  Also, each organization’s strategic prevention plan (including logic model for change) will be coded and categorized as potentially effective, ineffective, or neither.

Results.  Analyses will examine relationships between organizational/capacity variables and the prevention plan.  Interview responses will be summarized to address the second evaluation question.

Conclusion.  This study examines important questions related to how evidence-based prevention programs are planned and implemented by community-based organizations in “real world” contexts such as communities within a diverse urban area.