3088.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 3:24 PM

Abstract #25332

Assessing the role of specialized community information networks: Lessons learned from the Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) network centers about reaching under-served and at-risk populations with substance abuse prevention messages

Nel Nadal, MPH, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852, 301-443-7410, nnadal@samhsa.gov, Sonya Butler Merrill, PhD, Deputy Director, National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P. O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847-2345, Rebecca Wells, PhD, Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, 116 Henderson Building, University Park, PA 16802-6500, and M. Cornelius Pierce, BA, Manager, RADAR Center Network Development, SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P. O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847-2345.

The presentation examines networks as information resource conduits for substance abuse prevention messages. The presentation considers how one substance abuse prevention resource network, the RADAR Network, a creation of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), links national and community level organizations comprised of representatives from under-served and at-risk populations for the purpose of communicating prevention messages. The presentation showcases the best practices and lessons learned from these centers that result in successful prevention outcomes. See www.health.org

Learning Objectives: 1. To critically examine the use of organizational network links as a strategy for substance abuse prevention outreach and resource information dissemination. 2. To assess lessons learned about outreach to under-served populations from an existing health information network comprised of members from under-served populations. 3. To evaluate the effect of networks that link organizations from the national to the grass roots level to maximize resource dissemination to populations most at risk for substance use.

Keywords: Underserved Populations, Substance Abuse Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource (RADAR) Specialty Centers
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: federal government employee

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA