Session Description: In this session, participants will have the chance to gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles for effectively addressing substance use and other community issues. The focus will be on exploring the public health approach and why coalitions are considered best practice in this field. Additionally, we will discuss how coalitions can complement school and program-based prevention efforts. Moreover, the session will delve into the concept of continuum of care and highlight how utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework can enable us to collaboratively foster healthy communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will explore key prevention principles
• Discuss the continuum of care
• Be introduced to risk and protective factors
• Understand the role of individual and environmental strategies in creating healthy communities

Stephanie Strutner, MPH, CPSII
She/Her/Hers
Lead Epidemiologist, Catalyst Evaluation Group
A retired substance use prevention coalition director, Stephanie Strutner, MPH owns and operates an independent consulting firm, Catalyst Evaluation Group, through which she provides support to clients through measuring impact and conducting biostatistical and epidemiological analyses. She also serves as Master Trainer for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and serves as the part-time CEO for the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Emory & Henry College, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management from the University of Tennessee with a focus and field practice in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, a Certificate in Social Enterprise Effectiveness from the College of Business Administration at the University of Tennessee, and is a Level II Certified Prevention Specialist. Stephanie has spoken to the United States Congress on a number of occasions on the impact drug use has on our communities and has also testified before the Tennessee General Assembly on multiple pertinent prevention issues. In 2018, she was summoned to a meeting in the West Wing of the White House with the President of the United States to discuss effective opioid prevention strategies in local communities. In 2020, the efforts and impact of the coalition she led were selected to be showcased as a case study to Congress. In 2023 she was invited by the Institute for Research and Evaluation (UTRIP of Slovenia) to attend the United Nations Commission on Narcotics and Drugs, the global policy forum for drug policy. Stephanie is an avid snow skier and wake surfer, she also enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, golf, boating, sports, and spending time with her family.