Translating science to practice: Applying logic models to reduce alcohol related traffic fatalities in New Mexico

In 2004, New Mexico received funding from SAMHSA/CSAP to implement the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant. New Mexico first completed a state level assessment and prioritization process using epidemiological data (substance use and related consequences) to select the problem indicator of most concern to substance abuse prevention professionals and advocates across the state. Motor vehicle fatalities among 15 to 24 year olds were selected as the priority, and thirteen communities were funded to plan and implement local community based initiatives to address the priority problem.

An outcome-based logic model was utilized to shape all state and local level planning processes. The logic model identifies substance use patterns that lead to the priority, and a series of seven research-derived constructs that represent the forces in communities that create those consumption patterns. New Mexico describes these constructs as intervening variables (roughly equivalent to risk or causal factors), and the individual components that make up these as contributing factors. A set of assessment instruments based upon the logic model was developed to collect local data. The resulting data was used for planning, prioritization, and ultimately formed the basis for evaluation and monitoring processes. The proposed presentation shows how the State of New Mexico applied the theoretical framework to drive local assessment and planning efforts, prioritization of the largest contributors to the substance use behaviors, and the selection of evidence based strategies to change epidemiological indicators in communities of New Mexico ranging from small tribes to neighborhoods of its largest city, Albuquerque.