Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success for State - The Illinois Strategic Prevention Framework - Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) Project aims to reduce youth substance use in the South and West Sides of Chicago by implementing evidence-based and evidence-informed prevention strategies that are responsive to community needs. This project will focus on youth aged 8 to 24, subgrouped into 8–15-year-olds and 16-24-year-olds, who are at significantly higher risk of substance use due to underserved community environments and higher exposure to adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health. The Illinois SPF-PFS Project will work with community-based organizations to deliver prevention programs outside school settings, addressing service gaps in areas that currently lack substance use prevention services. Through capacity building, technical assistance, and data-driven evaluation, the project seeks to enhance protective factors and decrease substance use risk factors. With a cross-sector collaboration that includes state government, an academic institution, a small training and technical assistance business specializing in substance use prevention in underserved communities, and local direct service providers, the Illinois SPF-PFS Project intends to create sustainable, community-centered solutions that align with national public health priorities.
