Taking a Model Program from research to practice: Operationalizing implementation fidelity for Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA)

Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) combines community organizing and environmental prevention strategies to reduce and prevent underage drinking. Researchers found that CMCA implementation resulted in reduced commercial and social access to alcohol, reduced drinking among 18 to 20 year olds, and fewer alcohol related offenses (Wagenaar, 1999 and 2000). CMCA became a SAMSHA model program in 1999 and is on the National Registry of Effective and Promising Programs (NREPP). Groups across the country are currently implementing this model in communities that vary widely, with differing resources, approaches, readiness, and levels of experience. Little is known about the challenges communities are facing in implementation, how closely they are following the original model, what adaptations they are making, and what outcomes they are achieving. To begin understanding the challenges and successes communities are having with implementing this model program, the authors examined CMCA implementation within Fixsen et al's (2005) implementation framework. In this session, the authors will present a comprehensive framework of CMCA implementation fidelity within Fixsen's six stages (Exploration & Adoption, Installation, Initial Implementation, Full Operation, Innovation, and Sustainability). The framework delineates 3 broad fidelity areas that encompass all 6 stages, including the stages of innovation and sustainability. This presentation focuses on CMCA implementation and fidelity, but has implications for similar programs that are moving from science to practice.