State- and local-level prevention practitioners are well-positioned to more effectively address the diverse substance use, misuse, and related behavioral health needs of the populations they serve, including traditionally underserved groups such as boys and young men of color.

State- and frontline practitioners ensure that federal Block and discretionary grant funds are spent on effective solutions to prevent substance use and misuse. They do this by implementing SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), a five-step planning process that supports the systematic
selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based, culturally appropriate, sustainable prevention activities.