Prevention Education

Drug and alcohol prevention education is provided in Champaign, Ford and Vermilion County schools and at youth-serving agencies. There is no fee for these services. Prevention Specialists provide science-based drug prevention education to elementary through high school students. Sessions deal with the health risks associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Life skills sessions may include instruction on and discussion of refusal skills, self-esteem, communicating with parents, and related social issues. Staff from the Urbana and Danville Prairie Center facilities provide community education, parent education, drug-specific education to civic groups, school personnel, faith organizations, local government officials and parents. These services are funded through state and federal grants. Agency staff lead several anti-drug community-wide coalitions working to reduce youth substance abuse levels.

Each October, K-12 students participate in the national “Red Ribbon Campaign”, which is locally sponsored by Prairie Center. Students compete for prizes by creating original art that expresses a pro-healthy choice/anti drug message. The Illini mens and womens head basketball coaches serve as Honorary Campaign Chairpersons, often bringing team members to meet with the 200 participating students at a recognition event. Winning senior high students, one each from Vermilion and Champaign-Ford County, receive a $500 college scholarship. Thousands of students and family members are touched each year in a positive way by our Prevention services.

To learn more about Prevention, contact the Prevention Department in Urbana at (217)328-4500 or call the Prevention Coordinator in Danville at (217)477-4500, Ext. 123.