Examining the effects of training and technical assistance on community change to prevent ATOD use among adolescents in two Midwestern communities

This study analyzed the effects of a training and technical assistance intervention on the amount of community changes facilitated by members of two different community coalitions to prevent adolescent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in Kansas and Missouri. As part of a NIDA-funded project, the Youth Community Coalition (MO) and the Dottes Community Coalition (KS) participated in a Community Change Intervention. The intervention focused on building skills, such as action planning and advocacy, to advance change efforts. The associated rate of Community Change (new or modified programs, polices, or practices) facilitated by the coalitions were examined. Results showed that both coalitions facilitated an average of at least three times as many community changes per month after the intervention. A multiple baseline design with staggered implementation across the two coalitions/communities showed that community changes increased more markedly following implementation. Reported implementation of three prioritized key processes (e.g., sustaining the coalition) also increased after the intervention for each participating community coalition. Results suggest that the intervention was successful in increasing reported implementation of prioritized key process areas and in preparing coalitions to facilitate community changes related to reducing risk for adolescent alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.