Prevention works best when communities work together to create environments that support healthy choices and reduce the risk of substance misuse before it starts.
Kanabec County is fortunate to have a strong local substance use prevention coalition. The Better Together Coalition brings together community partners to promote health, strengthen protective factors, and support positive choices. Learn more about the coalition and its prevention efforts here.
Kanabec County Community Health also serves as the host site for the East Central Minnesota Region 4 Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Regional Prevention Coordinator. This position supports prevention efforts in Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties.
Minnesota’s Regional Prevention Coordinators work with individuals, organizations, coalitions, and communities to build and strengthen substance use prevention efforts. They provide guidance, training, and technical support to help communities use effective, evidence-based prevention strategies.
Regional Prevention Coordinators are part of a statewide network working to address the factors that contribute to substance misuse and help communities build healthier, safer environments.
Regional Prevention Coordinators can help communities:
- Determine where to begin with prevention efforts.
- Bring the right community partners and stakeholders together.
- Assess community needs and develop prevention plans.
- Put prevention strategies into action.
- Evaluate what is working and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Build and strengthen community-based prevention efforts using proven prevention practices and frameworks.
Learn more about the Regional Prevention Coordinators here.
Minnesota’s Regional Prevention Coordinators are funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Behavioral Health Administration.