What is the Strategic Prevention Framework?
SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) is a planning process for preventing substance use and misuse. The five steps and two guiding principles of the SPF offer prevention professionals a comprehensive process for addressing the substance misuse and related behavioral health problems facing their communities. The effectiveness of the SPF begins with a clear understanding of community needs and involves community members in all stages of the planning process.


The steps of the SPF include
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Step 1: Assess Needs: What is the problem, and how can I learn more?
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Step 2: Build Capacity: What do I have to work with?
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Step 3: Plan: What should I do and how should I do it?
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Step 4: Implement: How can I put my plan into action?
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Step 5: Evaluate: Is my plan succeeding?
The SPF also includes two guiding principles:
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Cultural competence: The ability to interact effectively with members of diverse population
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Sustainability: The process of achieving and maintaining long-term results Source: SAMHSA