The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) uses the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (SPF-PFS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The SPF model includes the following steps: assessment, capacity, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Cultural competency and sustainability are addressed throughout each phase of the model.
The purpose of the SPF-PFS program is to decrease underage drinking among 12 to 20 year old persons, and to reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs of persons 12 to 25. The program will also make efforts to strengthen prevention capacity and infrastructure at broader state and community levels and to align funding support for these efforts. This project will aim to review the effectiveness of this program throughout four communities including Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Tarrant as well as the border communities of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Zapata counties.
Researchers at the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health will develop and implement evaluation plans and submit community and state level data into an online reporting system. Researchers will also compile and report baseline data, participate in trainings and technical assistance, and complete a review of literature on cost effectiveness and return on investment of prevention environmental strategies.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the SPF model in the contracted communities will be completed to further research on environmental strategies to reduce underage alcohol use and prescription drug misuse/abuse.