Prevention Services

• Print this page

In Kent County, our substance abuse prevention services are focused on the intentional development of a “Prevention Prepared Community”.  The activities we undertake are aimed at reducing numerous risk factors that exist within many communities.  Our actions are intended to reduce the prevalence of harmful or inappropriate use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (including prescription drugs) by all of our citizens.  We work in partnership with the following providers to implement their specific programs:

• Arbor Circle – Unity program - Connecting youth and families, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Family Outreach Center – Children of Alcoholic Parents group and mobilization of area neighborhood associations.
• Kent County Health Department – Life Skills development with mental health promotion, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder prevention with women in jail.
• Life Guidance Services – Yo Puedo (life skills, environmental change) and Rites of Passage for African American youth.
• Living Water Ministries – Strengthening Families for children, parents and multi-family groups.
• Native American Family Services – Children of Alcoholic Parents group that is focused on the needs and culture of Native Americans.
• Wedgwood Christian Services – Project Success linking schools and families.

In addition to these “direct” programs, we work with the Kent County Prevention Coalition to plan activities and campaigns that offer the opportunity for broader community impact (e.g., www.talksooner.org).
 
Communicable Disease Prevention: The use of substances increases a person’s risk of exposure to certain communicable diseases (e.g., hepatitis, HIV, etc.).  All who are admitted into treatment are screened for the potential of communicable disease and are referred to the Kent County Health Department for testing and treatment if needed.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention: Some women who are referred for care will also be individuals who are either pregnant or at risk for pregnancy.  Alcohol use is associated with a range of developmental problems for unborn children.  This program offers unique assistance for women who meet the specific criteria for this prevention-oriented high risk intervention program.