Building Bridges, Relationships, and Research for State Prevention Systems

The National Prevention Network (NPN) is an organization of State alcohol and other drug abuse prevention representatives that provides a national advocacy and communication system for prevention. The National Prevention Network (NPN) is a component group of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD). State prevention representatives work with their respective State Agency Directors to ensure effective alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention services in each state. The mission of the NPN is based on the premise that prevention is a complex process requiring more than a singular strategy or approach. A wide range of risk and protective factors contribute to alcohol and other drug problems, and their prevention is based on the understanding that these factors vary among individuals, geographic regions, age groups, racial/ethnic groups, and gender groups. Effective prevention is a systematic responsibility involving local, state and national agencies, researchers, and other organizations. The NPN provides leadership, coordination and communication to its member states and to the prevention field in general, and organizes a research conference annually for prevention practitioners, agencies and researchers. The NPN uses its leadership role to promote research based, high-quality prevention services through: 1) communication among states to increase awareness and availability of effective and innovative prevention strategies, 2) advocacy at national, state and regional levels for prevention services, 3) development of recommendations and policy guidelines to enhance state use of prevention resources, 4) involvement of prevention professionals nationwide as associate members, and 5) leadership of national campaigns to mobilize cooperation around national efforts.