1. Public/Population Health Approach to Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment
Determine the Burden of Substance Abuse and Service Barriers to Develop Plan of Action
Outreach to Inform and Influence the Public
Outreach to Educate and Prepare Providers
Work with Communities for Systems Change
Evaluate and Improve Quality of Care and Evidenced-Based Programs

2. Determine the Burden of Substance Abuse
Identify people who are most at risk for substance use disorders (SUDs)
Identify modifiable risk factors to reduce the incidence of substance abuse/dependency
Identify disparities in the prevalence of abuse among ethnic, racial, gender, age groups and develop interventions for at risk
Identify barriers that prevent people from choosing healthy behaviors/lifestyles
Develop and enhance state substance abuse prevention and treatment action plans

3. Outreach to Inform and Influence the Public
Increase awareness of the relationship between substance abuse and adverse health, social, and environmental factors
Create local communication campaigns to motivate/facilitate people to engage in healthy lifestyles and reduce stigma related to drug use and treatment
Develop and deliver relevant educational materials, media campaigns and other community outreach
Promote partnerships with community groups to educate the public regarding substance use
Conduct specific programs and projects with incentives to reach those most affected and most vulnerable

4. Outreach to Educate and Prepare Providers
Work with health care providers to ensure that they educate their patients about the importance of disease prevention (Harm Reduction) relative to substance abuse
Work with health care professionals to ensure that appropriate treatment services are available and accessible in the most efficient manner possible
Educate providers on evidenced-based best practices and local resources available and necessary to aid Substance Abuse prevention and treatment
Work with counselors, MD/NP/PAs, hospitals, community health centers, schools and other providers to ensure awareness and use of ASAM/SAMHSA standards of care

5. Work with Communities for Systems Changes
Work with community organizations in coalitions/councils to develop and promote healthy lifestyles and resources needed to address substance abuse prevention and treatment
Work with public and private decision-makers to develop policies to engage evidence-based approaches to substance abuse prevention and treatment and maximize their availability and funding
Work with sub-populations of communities (e.g., justice involved individuals, homeless, co-diagnosed) most at risk of SUD, with emphasis on stigma prevention/reduction
Work with government leaders and agencies to coordinate community services and activities around the prevention and treatment of substance abuse

6. Evaluate and Improve Programs
Analyze data such as vital statistics, program discharge data, and surveillance data to measure program impact and use findings for program improvement
Identify/implement strategies that strengthen community resiliency, rehabilitation & recovery for substance abuse
Increase research and evaluation on prevention and interventions for substance abuse and develop and disseminate best practice guidelines
Network with community providers to assess and enhance recovery program access and outcomes and collaborate to ensure continuous performance improvement