About Prevention/Intervention

Our Prevention and Intervention (PI) programs serve to increase knowledge and awareness of the nature and extent of alcohol and other drug use, abuse and addiction as well their effects on individuals, families, and communities. In addition to increasing awareness of available prevention and treatment programs and services, our PI programs build skills through a structured learning process. Participating students learn critical life and social skills include decision making, peer resistance, coping with stress, problem solving, interpersonal communication, and systematic and judgmental abilities. Our PI staff provide ongoing networking activities and technical assistance to community groups or agencies.

Project SHARE

With a 1.5-million-dollar grant from Kaiser Permanente Washington, the BHPS department is developing the Project Support Health and Resiliency in Education (SHARE) program in collaboration with the Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley school districts.

Project SHARE goals include:

  • Build and expand upon existing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)
  • Promote and address mental health needs of staff and students
  • Assist in the navigation of existing mental health resources and networks
  • Establish an approach that enhances the natural strengths and assets each school district possesses
  • Develop comprehensive trainings and workshops to address staff health and well-being

Chris Allen, Project SHARE Program Manager

Youth Substance Abuse Treatment

Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP) is a comprehensive, integrated model of services that focuses on substance-use prevention and other supports. The program places Student Assistance Specialists in schools to:

  • “Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP) is a comprehensive, integrated model of services that focuses on substance-use prevention and other supports. The program places Student Assistance Specialists in schools to:
  • Foster safe school environments
  • Promote health
  • Prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse”
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Healthy Youth Survey

“The Healthy Youth Survey (HYS) is a statewide, collaborative effort of OSPI, the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Service’s Division of Behavioral and Health and Recovery, Family Policy Council, Department of Commerce, and Liquor Control Board.

The survey is conducted every two years. In the fall of 2016, over 230,000 students in over 1,000 schools from 236 school districts in all 39 counties took part.”

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Drug & Alcohol Prevention

The Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) is the underpinning for the NWESD’s alcohol and drug prevention/intervention programs. In partnership with community coalitions, the NWESD is able to provide prevention/intervention services funded through this DSHS program.

Chris Jury, Prevention Program Manager

Contact Us

Jodie DesBiens
Director Behavioral Health & Prevention Services

Natalie Gustafson
Assistant Director Behavioral Health & Prevention Services

Chris Jury
Prevention Program Manager

Jordyn Austin
Administrative Assistant

Professional Learning

View upcoming Behavioral Health & Prevention Learning Opportunities

View Classes