What is Prevention?

What is Prevention?

Prevention Theories, Models, and Strategies

Prevention theories, models, and strategies support the practice of prevention and are used for program planning to help understand and explain health related behaviors while working with individuals, groups and communities. When considering how to implement a prevention theory or model, more than one theory or model can be used simultaneously with another to address a specific health concern.

Training and Coaching

Training

To view previously recorded prevention webinars or virtual trainings through the Iowa Department of Public Health,
visit Prevention Training | Your Life Iowa.

Coaching

Starting the Coaching Process
Iowa’s Capacity Coaching System
Coaching Application

2025 Virtual Training Series

1

Foundation of Prevention Science

Friday, July 11, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

This training introduces attendees to an overview of prevention, exploring the history and core competencies of behavioral health prevention. Attendees will learn about risk and protective factors, as well as review basic strategies to implement prevention practices, which highlight the importance of adopting prevention practices in their community.

Register Here
2

Foundation of Prevention Theory

Friday, July 18, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Prevention theories and models support the practice of prevention which are a range of activities that are aimed at reducing the risk or threat to health. The theories and models reviewed during this training are used for program planning to help understand and explain health related behaviors while working with individuals, groups and communities. In addition to reviewing commonly used prevention theories and models, attendees will exercise application of the learned theories and models.

Register Here
3

Overview of Strategic Prevention Framework

Friday, July 25, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

The Strategic Prevention Framework is a model adopted by SAMHSA over 20 years ago that has been widely used as a key strategy to ensure the success of prevention efforts. This data-driven and evidence-based model helps communities to assess needs, understand their population, and select, implement and evaluate prevention programs, polices, and practices for optimal success. This training walks you through the five key steps to the SPF as well as the two overarching principles that guide the work.

Register Here
4

Building Collaboration for Behavioral Health Prevention

Friday, August 1, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

This training is designed to help prevention professionals, coalition leaders, and behavioral health stakeholders develop and strengthen meaningful community partnerships. Participants will explore the key principles of collaboration, strategies for partner engagement, and techniques for sustaining long-term relationships that support behavioral health prevention goals. The session emphasizes equity, trust-building, and shared power, ensuring that prevention efforts are rooted in the voices and strengths of the community.

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5

Understanding and Identifying Your Population

Friday, August 8, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

This training provides prevention professionals, behavioral health staff, and community stakeholders with a foundational understanding of how to define, identify, and engage the in behavioral health prevention initiatives. Participants will explore the significance of focusing resources on specific populations most at risk or disproportionately impacted by behavioral health challenges. The training includes tools for data analysis, strategies for cultural competence, and best practices for equitable engagement and tailored prevention planning.

Register Here
6

Implementing Evidence-based Programs, Policies, and Practices

Friday, August 15, 2025 – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Assessment, capacity building, and planning are all essential to good prevention, however the work of prevention lies in the well planned and executed implementation of evidenced-based prevention programs, policies, and practices. It is key to understand the process of selecting the best EBPPP for your community (SPF Step 3) and to the development of an implementation plan to guide the work toward success (Step 4).  This webinar will explore the definition of EBPPs, the selection of and planning for the best EBPPP for your community, and the key components to ensuring success.

Register Here

Prevention Resource Link Library

1/ Iowa Supports

2/ Culturally Responsive Services

3/ National Prevention Resources