Building Infrastructure to Implement Programs that Promote Healthy Development and Prevent Behavioral and Mental Health Problems in Our Youth

The scope and magnitude of current challenges facing youth and their families in the United States demand effective preventive solutions. Scientific evidence is a critical tool for revealing what prevention strategies work best within various settings for individuals and communities. The field of prevention science has provided the basis for effective strategies that have been shown to interrupt pathways to negative outcomes and improve behavioral health and wellbeing among our youth. Such evidence helps decision-makers determine the most effective and cost-efficient means to invest public dollars in creating nurturing environments and equitable opportunities for our young people to thrive.
This briefing will feature prevention experts who will present a blueprint to guide decision-makers at all levels with specific actionable steps for building and sustaining an infrastructure that supports the delivery of effective preventive strategies to promote healthy outcomes in our youth. Integral to such an infrastructure is the availability and utility of registries that house prevention programs meeting standards for a designation as “evidence-based.” These databases also provide information vital for states and local governments to make decisions regarding how best to invest precious resources. Funding needs and strategies to support this infrastructure will also be outlined, demonstrating cost-benefit analyses of prevention programming that establish their return on investment. Finally, in recognition of the fact that introducing innovation is a process, the briefing will include discussion of the barriers to widespread program implementation and recommend state level policies to support the financing and infrastructure (including workforce development and data interoperability) needed to overcome these barriers and for promoting behavioral health.

This virtual briefing will be of interest to legislators/staffers, state and local agencies, healthcare providers, prevention practitioners, educators, medical boards, foundations, funders, community, state and national organizations, and researchers. Please join us for this important conversation and share this announcement with your colleagues and networks.