Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention
The Division places priority on working with individuals, communities, and other state agencies on prevention activities based in current outcomes research. We support a variety of activities and policy changes with a goal of educating young people and adults and encouraging them to make healthy choices about their use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
All people live within a larger environment that includes the influences of their own genetic and individual characteristics, and the influences of family, co-workers, fellow students, teachers, bosses, neighbors, friends, churches, clubs, agencies, services, stress levels, politicians, cultural traditions, institutions and economic systems, social and environmental policies.
Mental illness, suicide, and substance abuse arise out of single effects or of combinations of these influences and are the subjects of various prevention activities. Some influences are more direct, such as genetics or family, and some influences are more indirect, such as economic systems and social policies.
Recent trends that influence the models and choices we make in prevention are 1) a focus on evidence-based prevention activities, those based on solid theory validated by research, and those interventions supported by a body of knowledge and expert consensus, and 2) the necessity of outcome goals and measurements.
Uinta County exceeds expectations with 61 community members gathered together for the first meeting of their Prevention Pilot Project planning process.
PREVENTION CONTACT LIST
The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division has put together a Prevention Contact List. This list contains contact information for each of the prevention providers for the following grants: Tobacco-Free Wyoming Communities, Prevention Framework, Prevention Block Grant, and Meth Initiative. The list is organized in alphabetical order by county and grant. Click here to view this contact list.
Suicide Prevention The State of Wyoming Suicide Prevention Program provides an array of services in the prevention of suicidal behaviors across the lifespan.
Prevention Framework The overall goals of the Prevention Framework project are to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of alcohol misuse, reduce alcohol-related problems in communities, and build prevention capacity and infrastructure at the county level.
Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant The SAPT Block Grant program goal is to support substance abuse prevention and treatment programs at the State and local levels. While the SAPT Block Grant provides Federal support to addiction prevention and treatment services nationally, it empowers States to design solutions to specific addiction problems that are experienced locally.
The Wyoming statewide Through With Chew Program creates awareness about the economic and health-related impact of smokeless tobacco products. Focusing on policy change and promotion of cessation for spit tobacco users, this program paves the way for a tobacco-free Wyoming. The quarterly newsletter provides information about events and achievements related to spit tobacco issues in Wyoming and other states. Click here for the latest version of the Newsletter.
Data & Reports: Includes information on alcohol, tobacco, & other drugs.
A Comprehensive Review of Alcohol State Statutes
- Findings and Recommendations for Reducing Underage and Binge Drinking in Wyoming
2009 SYNAR Report
- In accordance with 42 U.S.C. 300x-26, Wyoming is required to report information regarding the sale/distribution of tobacco products to individuals under age 18 as part of the Annual Synar Report. The Wyoming Department of Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Division is also required to make public the Annual Synar Report prior to submission to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA)/(CSAP). The Division will be submitting the Synar report to no later than December 31, 2009. For public viewing, the Annual Synar Report can be read by clicking here.
Prevention Needs Assessment (PNA): A survey designed to gather information for the planning and evaluation of substance abuse, violence, and delinquent behavior prevention programs, policies, and procedures
To view the PNA reports please visit the WYSAC website
Synar: The Synar amendment requires States to have laws in place prohibiting the sale and distribution of tobacco products to persons under 18 and to enforce those laws effectively.
Prevention Links
Prevention Staff