A community case study of using the MAP-IT framework to examine efforts to prevent adolescent substance abuse in Kansas

Background: In Kansas, community coalitions to prevent adolescent substance abuse receive training and technical assistance by state-funded Regional Prevention Centers. This presentation uses the Healthy People 2020 MAP-IT (Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement and Track) framework to communicate how the Kansas Prevention Network is working to mobilize efforts, assess the problems and related risk factors, plan for actions, implement evidence-based approaches and track technical support and community changes. Methods: The present study used a field-tested documentation system that has been tracking the activities of the Kansas Prevention System for nearly 10 years, field interviews and document review to examine the technical support provided by the Regional Prevention Center system. This documentation records instances of activities and analyzes their distribution by goal, prevention strategy, duration and sector in which activities occurred. Results: Preliminary results show variation in the amount and kinds of supportive activities that were facilitated by a Regional Prevention Center. Similarly, the number of community/system changes facilitated by coalitions in that region varied among coalitions and over time. Conclusion: This study suggests that public health framework can be helpful in communicating activities related to substance abuse prevention efforts. Systematic implementation and tracking of MAP-IT activities can inform how collaborative partnerships work to help reduce youth substance abuse.