This information should include raising awareness of the various prevention programs occurring throughout the community as well as messages that appeal to the youth of the community and work toward a no-use message from all areas of the community. Collaboration is the key to all successful prevention efforts. Col- laboration, partnerships or coalitions allow communities to link the resources they need to provide a comprehensive prevention effort. Coalitions can follow a strategic plan to make sure all the components of prevention are being implemented. Members Can be working together to provide a bigger, more impacting effort.
Collaboration helps communities use various strategies and methods.
The community needs to take an active, organized approach. The key is that everyone needs to iden- tify his or her role in prevention and commit to doing what it takes. Prevention is about saving lives and saving communities. Using these environmental approaches, we can assure that our youth are growing up in a supportive environment that encourages healthy living and discourages substance abuse.