Prevention & Health Providers Success Stories

Check out some of the many success stories of substance use prevention and health professionals and organizations with Prevention Plus Wellness programs and training.

 

How Do Adolescents Attending SPORT PPW Compare to US Adolescents on Perceived Harmfulness of Drug Use? 

We compared pretest and posttest data from 650 (posttest) adolescents receiving the one-session evidence-based SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness in New York City (60% female, 54% 14 years old) to 8th graders responding to the national Monitoring the Future (MTF) Study (2021): http://monitoringthefuture.org/data/21data/table9.pdf 

8th Grade Perceived Serious Harmfulness from Regular Drug Use 

Alcohol 

MTF=52%

SPORT PPW Pretest=68%

SPORT PPW Posttest=76% 

Cigarettes 

MTF=64%

SPORT PPW Pretest=83%

SPORT PPW Posttest=86% 

E-Cigarettes 

MTF=55%

SPORT PPW Pretest=74%

SPORT PPW Posttest=81% 

Marijuana 

MTF=52%

SPORT PPW Pretest=64%

SPORT PPW Posttest=72% 

Illegal Drugs 

MTF=64% (Cocaine)

SPORT PPW Pretest=82%

SPORT PPW Posttest=87% 

Findings 

The single-session SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program increased the number of adolescents who perceived regular use of all five substances as harmful to their health, including alcohol, cigarette, e-cigarette, marijuana and illegal drug use. 

Both the MTF and SPORT PPW data sets showed that fewer young adolescents believe regular alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette use is harmful compared to cigarette and illegal drug consumption. 

The SPORT PPW program was most effective in increasing the number of adolescents who perceived using these three commonly used substances, alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarettes, as harmful to their health.  

The percentage of US adolescents in the MTF study who perceived substance use as harmful was smaller than those in the SPORT PPW sample.  This variation may be due to the slight difference in the wording of the perceived harmfulness measures in the two surveys. 

Conclusion 

SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness can increase youth perceived harmfulness of multiple substances, but particularly alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette use.  Since perceived harmfulness is a risk factor for using these drugs, the SPORT PPW program can be helpful in lowering that risk for adolescents.

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Vaping PPW Program Improves Multiple Health Behavior Protective and Risk Factors Among Middle School Students

Prevention specialists at ALPHA Behavioral Health Center in Camden, SC continue implementing the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program.

This time, to 116 6th grade students in local middle school social studies classes this spring (2022) (59% male, 69% 12 years old). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in daily healthy behaviors in the future, including: 

  • Eating fruits and vegetables (14%),
  • Eating a healthy breakfast (6%), and
  • Setting goals to improve health or fitness (10%). 

There were also fewer intentions to try an e-cigarette (6%) and use any opioids for non-medical reasons (11%) in the future. 

There was an increase in perceived harmfulness of using any of the following for damaging their health or healthy behaviors: 

  • Alcohol (7%),
  • Cigarettes (5%),
  • E-cigarettes (10%), and
  • Non-medical opioids (7%). 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to engage in the following health-promoting behaviors most days in the next year: 

  • 85% physical activity,
  • 55% 8 or more hours sleep,
  • 72% eat fruits and vegetables,
  • 66% eat a healthy breakfast, and
  • 78% set goals to improve their health or fitness. 

At posttest, most youth said they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to try any of the of the following substances in the next year: 

  • 93% alcohol,
  • 93% cigarettes,
  • 93% marijuana,
  • 88% e-cigarettes, and
  • 93% non-medical opioids. 

At posttest, most youth stated the following substances would harm their health or healthy habits “a moderate amount” to “a great deal”:   

  • Alcohol (88%),
  • Cigarettes (90%),
  • Marijuana (90%),
  • E-Cigarettes (90%), and
  • Non-Medical opioids (90%). 

At posttest, most youth also said that “a few” to “none” of people their age currently used the following substances: 

  • Alcohol (83%),
  • Cigarettes (82%),
  • Marijuana (85%),
  • E-Cigarettes (61%), and
  • Non-Medical opioids (86%). 

Participating adolescent’s commented on what they liked best about the Vaping PPW program, including: 

  • It helped me realize how harmful vaping is.
  • It taught me to tell others not to vape and never to vape.
  • Teaching me to get more sleep.
  • Setting more goals.
  • That breakfast affects your mood.
  • It affected my behavior because now I will encourage myself to go to bed earlier and do more sports.
  • I liked that it encouraged me to set goals for myself.
  • Never do drugs.
  • It motivates you to set goals.
  • Like playing sports, eating fruit and getting 8 hours of sleep.
  • That they recognize that we should talk about addiction in schools.
  • Learning how to live a healthy life and keep away from vaping.
  • This lesson gave me motivation to not do what others do and to not follow the wrong people. 

In conclusion, the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program continues to improve a range of protective and risk factors not only for e-cigarette use, but multiple health behaviors. 

We can’t thank the good folks at the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center enough for their outstanding efforts at improving the mental and physical health of adolescents in their region.

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SPORT PPW Improved Multiple Health Behaviors of Adolescents in Cayuga County, NY

Prevention specialists at C.H.A.D., Inc. in Auburn, NY implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program during the spring semester, 2022 to 114 adolescents in science and social studies classes in county schools (61% male, 69% 12 years old). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in healthy behaviors in the future, including physical activity (7%), eating mostly healthy foods (14%), getting 8 or more hours of sleep (18%), and practicing stress control/relaxation most days a week (11%). 

There were also less intentions to drink any alcohol (12%), try any marijuana (9%), try e-cigarettes (9%), and try non-medical opioids (6%) in the future. 

There was an increase in perceived harmfulness of alcohol (9%), marijuana (5%), and e-cigarettes (9%) damaging their health or healthy behaviors. 

There was also a pretest to posttest increase in the percentage of youth who thought “none” of their peers used alcohol (11%), cigarettes (12%), marijuana (12%), e-cigarettes (13%), and non-medical opioids (11%). 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to engage in the following health-promoting behaviors most days in the next year: 

  • 88% physical activity
  • 63% 8 or more hours sleep
  • 77% eat mostly healthy foods
  • 69% set goals to improve their health or fitness 

At posttest, most youth said they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to try any of the of the following substances in the next year: 

  • 92% alcohol
  • 99% cigarettes
  • 96% marijuana
  • 96% e-cigarettes
  • 95% non-medical opioids 

At posttest, most participants said using the following substances would harm their health or healthy habits “a lot” or “a great deal”: 

  • 76% alcohol
  • 88% cigarettes
  • 69% marijuana
  • 78% e-cigarettes
  • 88% non-medical opioids 

Participating adolescents’ comments after receiving the SPORT PPW program supported the quantitative data results and included: 

  • I liked that it helped me with my physical and mental state, which was my favorite things.
  • I liked how it helped me set a goal. It helped me play volleyball every day.
  • I liked how it got me motivated to play more sports and eat breakfast.
  • What I liked best about this lesson is the goal setting and the stress relieving ideas because I have a lot of anxiety.
  • I liked that this lesson taught us how important healthy habits are.
  • It got me into a better eating habit.
  • The connection between drugs and health, drugs harm your health.
  • It makes people aware of what their health habits do for them and gives them recommendations on how to change it.
  • I liked that it made me think about how much sleep I get.
  •  It made me realize how important it is to stay healthy and be fit.
  • I liked how it gives the negatives of drinking alcohol or using drugs. 

We at Prevention Plus Wellness thank the awesome prevention professionals at C.H.A.D., Inc. for their commitment and successes in protecting and improving the physical and mental health of youth in their region. 

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SPORT PPW Has Positive Effects on Health Behaviors of Elementary School Children in Cayuga County, NY

Prevention specialists at C.H.A.D., Inc. in Auburn, NY implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program during the spring semester, 2022 to 87 children in the 4th grade in county schools (57% female). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in daily healthy behaviors in the next month, including: 

  • Physical activity (13%),
  • Eating fruits and vegetables (12%),
  • Eating a healthy breakfast (11%),
  • Talking to parents about health/health habits (9%), and
  • Setting goals to improve health habits (6%). 

At posttest, most children said “no” or “maybe no” to trying the following substances when they are an adult: 

  • Alcohol (71%),
  • Cigarettes (99%),
  • Drugs like marijuana (99%), and
  • E-Cigarettes (98%). 

These data highlight the multiple behavior outcomes on children from participating in the SPORT PPW program. 

We are grateful to the dedicated prevention specialists at C.H.A.D., Inc. for their hard work resulting in healthier kids in the communities they serve. 

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Vaping PPW Improves Middle School Youth Health Behaviors in Camden, SC

Prevention specialists at ALPHA Behavioral Health Center in Camden, SC implemented the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program during the spring semester, 2022 to 128 adolescents in local middle school classes (56% male, 52% 14 years old). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in daily healthy behaviors in the future, including: 

  • Physical activity (7%),
  • Eating fruits and vegetables (11%),
  • Eating a healthy breakfast (11%),
  • Getting 8 or more hours of sleep (8%),
  • Practicing stress control/relaxation (7%), and
  • Setting goals to improve health or fitness (6%). 

There were also fewer intentions to drink any alcohol (6%) and try non-medical opioids (10%) in the future. 

There was an increase in perceived harmfulness of using any of the following for damaging their health or healthy behaviors: 

  • Marijuana (6%),
  • E-cigarettes (6%), and
  • Non-medical opioids (8%). 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to engage in the following health-promoting behaviors most days in the next year: 

  • 91% physical activity,
  • 61% 8 or more hours sleep,
  • 79% eat fruits and vegetables,
  • 52% eat a healthy breakfast,
  • 51% practice stress control/relaxation, and
  • 80% set goals to improve their health or fitness. 

At posttest, most youth said they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to try any of the of the following substances in the next year: 

  • 85% alcohol,
  • 91% cigarettes,
  • 85% marijuana,
  • 82% e-cigarettes, and
  • 91% non-medical opioids. 

Participating adolescents’ comments after receiving the Vaping PPW program were supportive and reinforced the quantitative findings, including: 

  • I really liked learning about all the healthy habits that I can pick up in the future.
  • The lesson made me not want to vape by telling reasons why it is harmful outside the obvious.
  • Made me not want to try any drugs/e-cigs.
  • Steered me away from not ever doing e-cigarettes.
  • It motivated me to have my goals set like getting more sleep.
  • It was fun.
  • Self-esteem.
  • Learning about different ways to be healthy.
  • The discussion about the sports and what other ones we should try. 

We are so grateful to the outstanding prevention professionals at the ALPHA Behavioral Health Center for their successful implementation of the Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness program. 

The results above indicate ALPHA’s hard work providing the Vaping PPW program resulted in improving the health and fitness behaviors of middle school youth in the Camden, SC region.   

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SPORT PPW Increases Healthy Behaviors & Reduces Marijuana Use Intentions Among Adolescents in Stone Mountain, Georgia

Prevention specialists in Stone Mountain Georgia implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program during the spring semester, 2022 to 157 adolescents in local schools (53% male, 52% 15 years old). 

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to engage in healthy behaviors in the future, including physical activity, eating mostly healthy foods, getting 8 or more hours of sleep, and practicing stress control most days a week. 

There were also less intentions to use marijuana in the future. 

In addition, there was an increase in perceived harmfulness of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana harming their health or healthy behaviors. 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to engage in the following health-promoting behaviors most days in the next year: 

  • 93% physical activity
  • 66% 8 or more hours sleep
  • 83% eat mostly healthy foods
  • 76% set goals to improve their health 

At posttest, most youth said they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to try any of the of the following substances in the next year: 

  • 65% alcohol
  • 92% cigarettes
  • 73% marijuana
  • 84% e-cigarettes
  • 95% non-medical opioids 

At posttest, most participants said using the following substances would harm their health or healthy habits “a lot” or “a great deal”: 

  • 76% alcohol
  • 88% cigarettes
  • 69% marijuana
  • 78% e-cigarettes
  • 88% non-medical opioids 

Participating adolescents’ comments after receiving the SPORT PPW program supported the quantitative data results and included: 

  1. It made me really understand why I shouldn't use these things beyond other health classes that are just like "don't do drugs kids"
  2. I liked learning about how important it is to have a good night's sleep.
  3. learning how to set goals and making good health choices
  4. it showed me the risks of drugs and alcohol
  5. I feel more motivated to improve my health habits
  6. I liked how it affected my health
  7. Made me want to try drugs less
  8. My self-esteem is so much better 

Our sincere thanks to these amazing prevention professionals for their dedication to improving the whole-health of youth in their region by partnering with Prevention Plus Wellness.

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Racial Justice Prevention Plus Wellness Program Increases Racial Justice Intentions in Saginaw, Michigan

The Racial Justice Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program was implemented by Women of Colors (WOC) to local school youth in Saginaw, Michigan.

WOC is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting multi-cultural diversity and enhancing community relations in Saginaw County.

A total of 89 adolescents received the Racial Justice PPW program provided to groups of youth.

Pretest to posttest survey results showed there was an increase in intentions to: 

  • Think about prejudices or stereotypes about people of other races (14%),
  • Are likely to observe the racial makeup of the people in your environment (27%),
  • Are likely to read, listen to or watch something to learn more about racial justice (17%), and
  • Help combat racism in your school, community or online (8%) during the next year. 

There were also fewer intentions to engage in any racial discriminatory behavior in the next year (12%). 

At posttest, most youth said they were “likely” or “very likely” to: 

  • Observe the racial makeup of the people in your environment (57%),
  • Read, listen to or watch something to learn more about racial justice (63%), and
  • Combat racism in your school, community or online (51%). 

At posttest, most youth also reported they were “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to engage in racial discriminatory behavior (63%). 

Participating adolescents’ comments after receiving the Racial Justice PPW program supported the quantitative data results and included: 

  • I liked how we learned not to be racist.
  • I feel like I can help stop the racism in (my) life.
  • I love the fact that I’m discussing this with people. It affect(ed) me in a good way that makes me want to help people of different race(s).’
  • This lesson made me realize how wrong racism really is.
  • I like best was talking about races. It makes me see that most people are the same.
  • I learned not to judge anyone about their race.
  • I like how we talked about different races and how there’s diversity.
  • It affected me because I helped people that aren’t my color or race. 

We thank the dedicated and skilled professionals at Women of Colors for implementing the Racial Justice Prevention Plus Wellness program to adolescents in their region and for partnering with Prevention Plus Wellness to track their early successes.

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SPORT PPW Program Promotes Protective Behaviors Among Adolescents in Broome County, NY

The one-session SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness was implemented to 65 high school students in Broome County, NY in 2021.  The program was implemented to youth individually in person. 

Surveys were collected immediately before and after the program was implemented and included the following measures:

  • Behavioral intentions to engage in 4 wellness habits
  • Behavioral intentions to use 5 substances
  • Perceived harmfulness of 5 substances 

Pretest to posttest percentage change scores are presented below.

Wellness Behavioral Intentions

  1. Physical Activity: 17.67% increase to very likely get physical activity most days/week
  2. Sleep: 30.77% increase to very likely or likely to get 8 or more hours sleep most nights
  3. Healthy Eating: 29.23% increase to very likely or likely eat mostly health foods most days
  4. Stress Control: 41.54% increase to likely take action to reduce stress most days

Substance Use Behavioral Intentions

  1. Alcohol: 9.23% increase to very unlikely drink any alcohol and 3.07% decrease in very likely to drink any alcohol. At posttest, 93.85% were very unlikely or unlikely to drink any alcohol
  2. Cigarettes: At posttest, 98.44% were very unlikely to smoke any cigarettes
  3. Marijuana: 8.02% increase to very unlikely use any marijuana and 3.17% decrease in very likely to use any marijuana.  At posttest, 86.15% were very unlikely to use any marijuana
  4. E-cigarettes: 9.38% increase to very unlikely vape any e-cigarettes and 3.13% decrease in very likely to vape any e-cigarettes.  At posttest, 92.19% were very unlikely to vape any e-cigarettes
  5. Non-medical Opioids: At posttest, 98.46% were very unlikely to use any non-medical opioids

Perceived Harmfulness of Substance Use

  1. Alcohol: 13.84% increase to very likely cause harm and 4.62% decrease in very unlikely to cause harm
  2. Cigarettes: 12.62% increase to very likely cause harm and 3.23% decrease in very unlikely to cause harm
  3. Marijuana: 16.94% increase to very likely cause harm and 16.92% decrease in very unlikely to cause harm
  4. E-cigarettes:12.31% increase to very likely cause harm and 4.62% decrease in very unlikely to cause harm
  5. Non-medical Opioids: 10.77% increase to very likely cause harm and 4.62% decrease in very unlikely to cause harm 

Conclusions

The single-session SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program had large effects on increasing adolescents’ intentions to engage in all four wellness behaviors.   The likelihood to engage in healthy habits increased the greatest for taking daily action to reduce stress (42%), followed by getting 8 or more hours of sleep (31%), eating mostly healthy foods (29%) and getting physical activity (18%).

Double digit effects were also found on combined intentions to not drink any alcohol (12%), use any marijuana (11%) and vape any e-cigarettes (13%).  Most youth reported little intentions to use substances at baseline, especially for cigarettes and non-medical opioids.  Greater results on intentions to avoid substances may result from future use of online pretest and posttest surveys to reduce youth social desirability influences to underreport substance use.

Lastly, the SPORT PPW program increased perceived harmfulness for each of five substances.  Perceived harmfulness is known to be negatively associated with substance use.  Increases in combined perceived harmfulness scores included 18% for alcohol use, 16% for combustible cigarettes, 34% for marijuana, 17% for e-cigarettes and 16% for non-medical opioid use.

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SPORT Prevention Professionals Rate PPW Online Training as Very Useful 

Prevention and health specialists recently attending the two-hour online Prevention Plus Wellness Program Implementer Training Workshop completed a post-training survey.  The results of this survey are summarized below. 

Ratings of Training Workshop Usefulness 

  • 90% liked it “A great deal” to “A lot”
  • 90% said they found it “Extremely” to “Very” helpful
  • 90% said their current level of comfort to implement the PPW program was “A lot”
  • 100% said they had a “Great deal” of confidence they could present their PPW program with a high level of enthusiasm and passion
  • 100% said they were “A great deal” or “A lot” confident they could accurately follow the protocol when presenting the PPW program 

What did they like best? 

Responses to the question of what they liked the best about the online PPW training workshop, participants responded: 

  • Very concise
  • Related to where students are at
  • The presenter’s personal approach to train PPW Implementer Workshop w/ ongoing communication & Q&A to cover all ways to implement great PPW resources
  • The training was relaxed
  • I enjoy all PPW workshops. I like how much material you cover in the amount of time. Also very easy to follow along and able to walk away with complete understanding.
  • The small group session allowed ideas to blossom
  • Great info
  • It was very thorough and easy to understand
  • All of the tips and tricks that other people have done 

What did they like the least?

The most common response to the question of what did participants like the least about online PPW Program Implementer Training was “nothing.” _____________________________________________________________ 

How Do Adolescents’ Benefit from the Online SPORT (Alcohol/Drug) Prevention Plus Wellness Program in Michigan?

A sample of 109 middle school youth responded to an anonymous online survey after receiving the single-session evidence-based SPORT (Alcohol/Drug) Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program.

SPORT PPW was presented online by the McLaren Bay Region Neighborhood Resource Center in Bay City, Michigan.

Student responses about what they liked best about the SPORT PPW lesson included:

  • It let me know what could happen if I ingest drugs or alcohol
  • It improved my health by sleeping more
  • The positivity to not do drugs
  • It helped by knowing that if I did do them (alcohol/drugs) it would harm my health
  • It made me think about my goals
  • It was fun and it improved my health
  • I know how to eat better
  • It made me want to do more sports
  • Helped me understand how to have a healthy lifestyle
  • It helped me not to drugs or alcohol when I’m older
  • It helped me improve my healthy habits overall
  • It convinced me to return to my healthy habits
  • To avoid killing myself because of alcohol
  • It made me think about how to change my life for the better
  • It showed me how important it is to eat healthy
  • I liked learning how physical activity can help us learn better in school
  • It made sure I don’t drink or do drugs
  • It encouraged me to exercise more
  • It taught me drugs and smoking can have a big effect on your overall health
  • I know I need more sleep now
  • I thought the presentation was amazing

These responses were supported by adolescents’ behavioral intentions to engage in healthy behaviors and avoid substance use in the next year, including: 

  • 87% were very likely to likely to get physical activity most days a week
  • 73% were very likely to likely to get 8 or more hours sleep most nights and eat mostly healthy foods on most days
  • 99% were very unlikely to unlikely to use any illegal drugs
  • 96%-95% were very unlikely to unlikely to use any marijuana, e-cigarettes or regular cigarettes
  • 91% were very unlikely to unlikely to drink any alcohol

Positive results were also found on youths’ perceived harmfulness of regularly using the following substances on their health or healthy behaviors, including:

  • 98% strongly agreed or agreed that regular cigarettes and illegal drugs are harmful
  • 95%-94% strongly agreed or agreed that alcohol, e-cigarettes and marijuana are harmful

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Prevention Plus Wellness Program Increases Perceived Harmfulness and Resistance Self-Efficacy Among Adolescents in New York City

A New York City school district evaluated the efficacy of the single-session evidence-based SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program implemented to 612 high school adolescents. 

Prevention Plus Wellness programs include scannable and online pre and posttest surveys and complementary data analysis to assess program outcomes and fidelity.  

Results from an analysis of pre and posttest surveys collected immediately prior to and after the SPORT PPW lesson showed significant increases in perceived harmfulness and resistance self-efficacy on all five substances measured.  The substances included alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana and illegal drugs. 

Perceived Harmfulness and Self-Efficacy 

The percentage of adolescents who reported that regular substance use would harm their health or health behaviors (perceived harmfulness) increased from pre to posttest 11% to 20%, with the largest increases found for marijuana (20%), alcohol (18%) and e-cigarettes (12%).  

The percentage of adolescents who reported they were very sure that they could stay away from various substances (resistance self-efficacy) increased over time from 3% to 10%, with the greatest increases found for alcohol (10%), marijuana (10%) and e-cigarettes (5%). 

Research has shown that perceived harmfulness and resistance self-efficacy are significant predictors and influencers of youth substance use, indicating that the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program will reduce future adolescent substance use, particularly alcohol, marijuana and e-cigarette use. 

Behavioral Intentions to Engage in Healthy Behaviors 

Survey results also showed significant increases from pre to posttest in the likelihood adolescents would engage in all four healthy behaviors assessed in the next year (behavioral intentions), including eating healthy foods each day (14%), getting 8 or more hours of sleep most nights (11%), getting regular physical activity (10%) and taking action to reduce stress (8%).    

These results showed that the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program is decreasing common adolescent chronic disease risks by increasing protective wellness behaviors including regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, sleep and stress control.  

Adolescent Reactions to the SPORT PPW Program 

Another indicator of effectiveness is reflected in comments adolescents wrote about what they liked best about participating in the SPORT PPW program which included: 

  • Fun participation activity
  • Tells me about how to be more active and stay away from things that will damage my body
  • Learning the effects of drugs on mental health and school work
  • I liked learning to take care of my health and well being
  • It helped me learn more about myself
  • I learned how to not be stressed out and not use alcohol as a choice
  • This was very informative for my health and awareness
  • It taught me to make the best decisions
  • I learned I should sleep more and be more active
  • This lesson makes you change your view in life and see what is bad and good
  • I liked the positive messages used throughout
  • I liked the message to maintain a healthier lifestyle instead of doing things to harm it
  • Taught me the media makes drinking and smoking look everybody does it
  • I liked learning how physical activity really benefits you and your health
  • How we can teach other kids that using drugs and alcohol is dangerous and illegal
  • It gets me started on thinking about my future 

Conclusion 

The SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program significantly increases the perceived harmfulness of and self-efficacy to resist alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarette, marijuana and illegal drug use among high school adolescents which reduces the likelihood of their future use of these substances.  

The SPORT PPW program also substantially increases behavioral intentions of older adolescents to get regular physical activity, eat more healthy foods, get adequate sleep and control daily stress in the future which protects them from chronic disease and substance use.  

Adolescents report a wide variety of positive reactions to and outcomes from participating in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program supporting its efficacy for preventing substance use and promoting healthy behaviors among youth. 

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Prevention Specialists' Reactions to PPW Webinars

Below are results from prevention and health specialists (n=190) who recently attended a 1-hour Prevention Plus Wellness Webinar.

How much did you like the webinar?: 90% said a lot to a great deal

How helpful was the PPW webinar to you?: 88% said a lot to a great deal

What did you like best about the PPW webinar?:

  1. It was very informative
  2. Its completeness, simplicity, clarity and informativity
  3. It is set up to fit the needs of a versatile audience
  4. Very relevant
  5. The holistic approach
  6. It was great. A lot of info and relaxed with the presenter great approach. I was very satisfied
  7. The instructor listens to the crowd and their needs
  8. Showcasing how programs for various ages are the same and also different. Great info
  9. Benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I plan to use this!
  10. Visual aids, content and Q & A
  11. The speaker explains everything in such great detail it is hard to go wrong when implementing the programs
  12. A large variety of tools to use with students
  13. I liked it was very informative about goal setting for youth
  14. It was really on point and explained some specifics
  15. It was concise and gave a concrete model that can be replicated and adapted in other areas
  16. The topics that were raised cover many aspects in our field
  17. I can apply some practices described in the webinar easily with adolescents
  18. It was amazing!
  19. The speaker is inspirational and experienced.

    Sign up to receive notices of future free Prevention Plus Wellness Webinars: https://preventionpluswellness.com/pages/contact-us

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    Adolescents Receiving SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Set Healthy Behavior Goals in White Plains

    A group of 29 adolescents who recently participated in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program in White Plains, NY completed anonymous online multiple behavior goal contracts as part of the intervention. 

    The results of the goal plans are highlighted below.

    Demographics:

    Female: 62%

    Age: 12 years old or younger: 52%

            13 years old: 24%

            14 years old: 17% 

    Avoiding Substance Use:

    • 93%: Pledged to avoid using alcohol and drugs during the next 7 days

    Which healthy habit will you improve in the next 7 days?

    • 38%: Get 8 or more hours sleep each night
    • 31%: Participate in some fun physical activity or sports at least 30 minutes 4-5 days per week
    • 21%: Eat a healthy breakfast every day or eat a daily variety of other healthy foods
    • 10%: Practice a stress control technique most days a week

    Examples of Measurable Goals Set Including Quantity & Frequency:

    • Play basketball, 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week
    • Long walks, 1 hour in the morning, 4 days/week Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Wednesday
    • Do yoga, 25 minutes/day, Tuesday-Thursday
    • Play outside, 30-45 minutes, Monday-Friday
    • Get 9 hours of sleep & eat 5 vegetables every day
    • Eat 5 fruits & vegetables each day
    • Get 8 or more hours sleep, I will go to bed earlier, everyday

    Who will co-sign the goal plan to make it an official contract?

    • 66%: Mom or dad
    • 17%: Trusted and supportive friend

    Where will you post your goal plan/contract to see it every day?

    • 63%: Bedroom wall or mirror
    • 22%: Other

    How would you rate the goal contract? (1-5 stars)

    • 67%: 5 stars
    • 20%: 4 stars
    • 4: average rating

    Conclusions:

    Nearly all adolescents participating in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program pledged to avoid alcohol and drugs in the next week (93%) and they set healthy behavior goals to increase their sleep (38%), physical activity (31%) or healthy eating (21%) behaviors.

    Most youth identified their mom or dad (66%) as those who would co-sign their goal contracts and the majority planned to post the goals on their bedroom wall or mirror (63%). 

    The majority of adolescents rated the goal setting/contract highly with 5 out of 5 stars (67%) and a mean rating of 4.4 stars.

    While some of the goals set by youth were clear and measurable, others were not.  Goal setting directions may need to be added or revised to help youth set concrete, measurable and attainable goals to improve their wellness behaviors.

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    SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Program Linked to Young and Older Adolescent Intentions to Avoid Substance Use and Increase Wellness Habits in the Bronx

    Prevention Plus Wellness partnered with a school system in the Bronx, NY whose team implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program to students in their high schools and middle schools. 

    The program surveys included with the SPORT PPW program allowed a cost-effective program evaluation critical for prevention program improvement, promotion and sustainability. 

    Both high school and middle school students receiving the SPORT PPW program believed it would help them avoid cigarettes, drugs and alcohol use in the next month some to a lot. 

    Students also thought participating in the SPORT PPW program would help them increase healthy eating, sleep and physical activity in the next month some to a lot.     

    After receiving the program, high school and middle school adolescents had on average none to a little intentions to use any marijuana, alcohol or cigarettes in the next year. 

    Youth also intended some to a lot to get physical activity most days a week, eat a variety of healthy foods each day and get 8 hours sleep most nights. 

    Analysis of a second set of data from middle school students found that intentions to engage in regular physical activity, healthy eating and getting 8 hours sleep increased from 21-27% pre to post-lesson, and alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana intentions decreased from 16-35% pre to post-lesson. 

    Perceived friends engaged in regular physical activity, healthy eating and getting 8 hours sleep increased from 23-29% pre to post-lesson, and friends not using alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana increased from 14-32% pre to post-lesson.

    Student comments about participating in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program included they liked: 

    • Helping others make healthy choices.
    • Concern for the students.
    • Talking about goals.
    • Learning about healthy foods.
    • Taught me to stay away from drugs.
    • All of it.
    • Helping us be healthy.
    • Meeting new people and getting a lot of physical activity.
    • Learning the effects of drugs.
    • The motivation to get physical activity.
    • Helps get your life right and in order.
    • I learned a lot of things I didn’t know about me.
    • I learned new things I never thought about. 

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    NCADD-GDA Receives Training to Provide Evidence-based Screening and Brief Intervention

    Congratulation to the dedicated and talented leadership and members of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence–Greater Detroit Area (NCADD-GDA) for completing live online training yesterday to become Certified SPORT and InShape Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) Program Implementers. 

    SPORT and InShape PPW programs are evidence-based screening and brief interventions designed to prevent youth and young adult substance use and promote protective wellness behaviors and identities. 

    NCADD-GDA’s is a voluntary non-profit agency committed to improving co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders through prevention, education, training, treatment and advocacy in the Metropolitan Detroit Area. 

    NCADD-GDA has over 68 years of experience serving people impacted by substance abuse. 

    Special thanks to Dr. Benjamin A Jones, PhD, President and CEO, along with L’Tonya Felder, Lauren Stovall, G. Bomani Gray, Tracey King, Veronica Johnson, Emmet Mitchell, Karen McWilliams, Melanie Hwalek, Gerald Wade, Jan Lossing, Karl E. D’Abreu Sr., Angel Reed, Terry Phillips, Marsialle Arbuckle, and Chinwe Obianwu for their outstanding commitment to protect and promote the health and well-being of young people in their region by partnering with Prevention Plus Wellness to provide practical substance use prevention programs that promote wellness lifestyles.  

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    SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Program Associated with Intentions to Avoid Drug Use and Increase Wellness Behaviors in Sutter County, California

    Prevention Plus Wellness partnered with Sutter County Superintendent of Schools, CA whose team implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program to students at four high schools. 

    The program surveys included with the SPORT PPW program allowed a cost-effective program evaluation critical for prevention program improvement, promotion and sustainability.

     Students receiving the SPORT PPW program believed it would help them avoid cigarettes, drugs and alcohol use in the next month some to a lot. 

    Students also thought participating in the SPORT PPW program would help them increase healthy eating, sleep and physical activity next month at least a little to some.  

    After receiving the program, high school adolescents had on average none to a little intentions to use any marijuana, alcohol or cigarettes in the next year. 

    Likewise, youth believed that none to some of their friends smoked any cigarettes and used any alcohol and marijuana. 

    Youth also intended some to a lot to get physical activity most days a week, eat a variety of healthy foods each day and get 8 hours sleep most nights. 

    Lastly, after receiving the program youth believed that some to most of their friends get physical activity most days a week, 8 hours of sleep most nights and eat a variety of healthy foods each day.  

    Student comments about participating in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program included that it: 

    • Helped me to be smart and not make bad choices
    • It helps people stay on track and make better decisions
    • Helps kids be healthier and stay fit
    • It is fun
    • I like that it helps us make healthier decisions
    • How it tries to make you set a goal and workout
    • It made me feel good about some of my life choices
    • I like how it taught us about our bodies
    • It makes me want to improve my health
    • I like the survey that shows what to do and what not to do
    • It provides a reason to think about good and bad habits
    • How it motivates you to set a goal
    • It teaches you healthy habits 

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    SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Program Reduces Marijuana Use Intentions and Social Norms in Village of Hastings-on-Hudson

    Prevention Plus Wellness partnered with JoAnn Reed-Stokes, MS, CPP, Director of Youth Services with the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY whose team implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program to both high school and middle school aged adolescents. 

    The pre-post program surveys included with the SPORT PPW program allowed a cost-effective program evaluation critical for prevention program improvement, promotion and sustainability. 

    All youth participating in the single-lesson SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program liked it at least some to a lot. 

    Participating middle school students believed it would help them avoid alcohol, drugs and cigarette use in the next month some to a lot, while high school students thought it would help them avoid cigarette smoking some to a lot and drug and alcohol use a little to some. 

    All participating students felt the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program would increase their physical activity, healthy eating and sleep in the next month at least a little to a lot. 

    The largest pre to post-program change for both age groups was in the decreased perception that their friends use marijuana and increased intentions to avoid marijuana use in the next year. 

    Other positive findings included decreased intentions to smoke cigarettes and increased intentions to get 8 hours of sleep most nights among high school students, and increased intentions to get physical activity most days and talk to their parents about health or fitness for middle school students. 

    Student comments about participating in the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program included that it: 

    • Made me less likely to try alcohol
    • Teaches people to be healthy
    • Teaches the benefit of not doing drugs
    • Keeps kids on a healthy path
    • Showed good things to do
    • Eye-opening information to take care of our bodies
    • How drugs can affect your future
    • Facts on sleep and nutrition
    • Learning how fitness helps
    • Fun and interactive
    • A healthy life without alcohol and drugs 

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    InShape Prevention Plus Wellness Program Positively Affects US Airforce Personnel Health Behaviors in Washington State

    A case study assessed the effects of the InShape Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) program provided to a group of 30 young adult men and women US Airforce personnel. 

    A screening survey addenda (pretest) and feedback survey (posttest) were collected immediately prior to and after implementation of the single-session InShape PPW program to assess pre-post change and posttest scores on key predictors of health and substance use behaviors of participants. 

    Pre-posttest improvements in behavioral intentions included: 

    • 50% increase in some likelihood of getting physical activity most days a week
    • 33% increase in some likelihood of getting 8 or more hours sleep most nights
    • 38% increase in highest likelihood of taking action to reduce stress most days
    • 57% decrease in highest likelihood of using any e-cigarettes 

    Pre-posttest improvements in social norms included: 

    • 62% decrease in perception that all people my age drink alcohol
    • 29% decrease in perception that most people my age use e-cigarettes 

    Pre-posttest improvements in harmfulness of substance use included: 

    • 22% increase in perception that yes alcohol would harm my health
    • 27% increase in perception that yes marijuana would harm my health 

    Favorable posttest behavioral intention scores indicated that: 

    • 97% were very or somewhat likely to get physical activity most days a week
    • 97% were very or somewhat likely to eat a variety of healthy foods each day
    • 90% were not at all to a little likely to smoke any cigarettes
    • 93% were not at all likely to use any marijuana
    • 83% were not at all to a little likely to use any e-cigarettes
    • 97% were not at all likely to use any illegal drugs 

    Positive posttest perceived harmfulness scores showed that: 

    • 86% thought that yes alcohol would harm their health
    • 89% thought that yes cigarettes would harm their health
    • 86% thought that yes or maybe yes e-cigarettes would harm their health
    • 97% thought that yes illegal drugs would harm their health 

    Favorable self-efficacy to avoid substance use scores indicated that: 

    • 89% were very to somewhat sure they could stay away from alcohol
    • 93% were very to somewhat sure they could stay away from cigarettes
    • 93% were very sure they could stay away from marijuana
    • 96% were very sure they could stay away from illegal drugs 

    This case study indicates the InShape Prevention Plus Wellness program can improve the physical and mental health and substance use avoidance behaviors of young men and women serving in the US Airforce.  

    These results show the potential benefits of the InShape PPW program for enhancing the well-being and readiness potential of men and women serving in the US military. 

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    Potomac Highlands Guild Enhances Critical Wellness Behavior Indicators Among 7th-8th Grade Students

    Prevention specialists from the Potomac Highlands Guild, Inc. provided 7th and 8th grade students in West Virginia with thee of six-lessons from the evidence-informed SPORT 2 Prevention Plus Wellness program.  

    Key indicators associated with multiple substance use protective wellness habits were assessed, including intentions to engage in healthy behaviors and perceived social norms.  

    Participating students increased their intentions to engage in each of the targeted wellness behaviors.       

    Findings indicated that 9% of adolescents increased their intentions to get physical activity most days a week, 15% increased their intentions to get eight hours of sleep most nights, 32% increased their intentions to eat a variety of healthy foods each day, 10% increased their intentions to set health or fitness goals, and 9% increased their intentions to talk to their parents about health or fitness. 

    Participating youth also increased the perceived number of peers who participate in healthy behaviors, i.e., social norms. 

    Results showed that 11% of adolescents increased the perceived number of friends that get physical activity most days a week, 9% increased the perceived number of friends that get eight hours of sleep most nights, and 16% increased the perceived number of friends that eat a variety of healthy foods each day.  

    These findings indicate that adolescents participating in three of six-lessons from the SPORT 2 Prevention Plus Wellness program improved key indicators of health-promoting behaviors that also serve as protective factors for substance use.  

    All Prevention Plus Wellness programs include built-in evaluation tools, including scannable pre and posttest surveys allowing quick and easy data collection on program outcomes.  

    We also provide free data analysis for your organization to identify critical information for both promoting and improving your program’s effectiveness over time. 

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    Addiction Leaders at the Hanley Foundation Complete Training of Trainer’s Workshop to Prevent Youth Marijuana and E-cigarette Use

    Congratulations to the outstanding prevention leaders at the Hanley Foundation for successfully completing onsite training to implement, and train other providers to implement, the evidence-informed Marijuana and Vaping Prevention Plus Wellness programs throughout Florida. 

    The Hanley Foundation is a singularly unique organization designed to provide substance abuse prevention and education programs for parents, caregivers and school-age children. 

    The Hanley Foundation is committed to solving today’s addiction problems for tomorrow’s youth. 

    The prevention efforts of Hanley Foundation have positively impacted nearly a quarter of a million individuals over the past 18 years. 

    Today, Hanley Foundation offers an array of research-based Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP) programs for parents, caregivers, older adults, and students. 

    They understand the importance of prevention education and have helped adults and children receive it in schools and communities. 

    The Hanley Foundation recognizes that knowledge of the disease of addiction empowers people to develop healthy coping skills and lifestyles, which, in turn, helps to prevent its onset. 

    The effects of these alcohol and drug prevention programs prove that education is empowering. 

    It is our great honor and privilege to be partnering with the Hanley Foundation to bring cutting-edge prevention interventions to address quickly developing marijuana and e-cigarette use epidemics through the promotion of wellness lifestyles and positive identities of youth across Florida. 

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    Prevention Providers Analyze SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness Program Effects on Their Adolescents At Fort Smith, Arkansas

    Fort Smith Arkansas Prevention Providers  Tabitha Fondren and Katelynn Priest with the Gateway Recovery Center at Harbor House implemented the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program to students at a local high school.  

    As part of the implementation process, they collected screening and feedback surveys from participating students. 

    After entering survey data into the Excel spreadsheet provided on the Prevention Plus Wellness (PPW) website, Katelynn emailed the spreadsheet to PPW for data cleaning and analysis. 

    Findings from the analysis showed that the high school students liked the SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program and thought the lesson would help them avoid drug use and smoking cigarettes in the future. 

    Posttest results indicated that in the next year, students intended to participate in physical activity most days a week, get 8 hours a sleep most nights, and eat a variety of healthy foods each day. 

    Adolescents were also less likely to drink any alcohol, smoke any cigarettes, and use any marijuana in the next year. 

    Pre-post difference analyses found that the lesson increased student intentions to get 8 hours of sleep most nights and decreased their intentions to drink alcohol. 

    In addition, perception of the number of friends drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes was reduced from pre to posttest.  

    Student comments about what they liked about the SPORT PPW lesson included:

    •  “Learning how to be healthier.”
    • “I liked taking the survey that shows where I am and what I can improve on.”
    • ‘‘It was quick and concise.”
    • “It helps people control depression by staying busy.”
    • “How participating in sports will increase better chances of healthy body work and socialize with more people.”
    • “Everything.” 

    We are thrilled to be partnering with Tabitha and Katelynn at Gateway Recovery Centers, two extremely talented and dedicated Prevention Providers demonstrating how to use data to promote and improve their evidence-based SPORT Prevention Plus Wellness program throughout the Fort Smith region.