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 Program Manager: Charlene Edwards, MSW
Staff Name – Position:
Jacqueline Avent – Prevention Specialist II
Brandi Jancaitis – Prevention Specialist II
Robert Winfree – Prevention Specialist
Jamal Kelly – Prevention Specialist
John Lewis – Prevention Specialist
Our unit views prevention as being interwoven in the fabric of the continuum of care for substance use treatment and addiction services. We aim to proactively reduce substance use and engage in activities to strengthen services provided by our substance use treatment and addiction colleagues. Team members engage in activities to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors in the individual, home, school and community.
Unit Description: ——————————————————————
The Prevention Unit provides alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) programs to youth in Richmond Public Schools. The Prevention Unit also engages the community and utilizes various strategies to increase knowledge and awareness about ATOD.
Mission: ——————————————————————————
To provide exemplary prevention programs to youth, families, schools, and the community that will provide the skills necessary to build protective factors and discourage the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Prevention Corner:
Risk Factors – factors which have been identified to predict an increased likelihood of adolescent alcohol and other drug use.
Protective Factors – factors which have been identified to predict a decreased likelihood of adolescent alcohol and other drug use.
Our work in the schools and the community empowers individuals, families, and communities to readily meet life challenges and transitions by creating and reinforcing conditions that promote protective factors and eliminate or reduce risk factors!
Risk and Protective Factors exist in multiple domains: Community, Family, School, and Individual/Peer
Effective Prevention Involves a Comprehensive Approach!
Prevention Services includes: —————————————————
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For more information about prevention services, please contact Charlene Edwards at
804-819-4068 |
Delivering evidence-based parenting, alcohol/
other drug prevention programs to local schools and community organizations,
- Participating in community events
(health fairs etc.)
- Disseminating prevention information through community forums and
media ads
- Building capacity for prevention services through the Friends of Prevention Coalition
Our Unique Attributes: ———————————————————
- Organize and chair prevention community coalition
- Maintain an active media campaign for prevention efforts (GRTC bus system, radio stations etc.)
- Maintain sustainability for prevention services through partnerships and collaborations
- Host training sessions in the community for science-based prevention programs
Our Accomplishments: ————————————————————
 90% of unit staff have engaged in Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Training- Maintain strong community partnerships and recently awarded a grant to strengthen the community coalition
- Received recognition from VA Tobacco Settlement Foundation for program at Greene Elementary
- All staff members have received annual employee recognition awards from RBHA
Our Goals for the Future: ——————————————————
- To evaluate the effectiveness of our prevention programs
- Advocate for a local youth behavior survey to guide our efforts
- Expand the Friends of Prevention Coalition
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