Prevention Education

The ESC of Central Ohio was selected to lead the Central region and help strengthen community partnerships and enhance the delivery and impact of evidence-based prevention education. We will partner with other educational service centers and alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services (ADAMHS) boards to:
  • Ensure school personnel receive professional development in prevention education and the model and tenets of prevention of risky behaviors, including substance abuse, suicide, bullying and other harmful behaviors
  • Provide professional development and technical assistance for prevention education planning, implementation, data gathering and capacity development based on local needs
  • Assist districts in identifying funding options for prevention and related professional development, such as K-12 prevention education funds, student wellness and success funds, school climate grants, school safety grants, and other local, state or federal dollars
  • Help districts leverage local, state and federal funds to support implementation and sustainability of prevention programs and strategies

Additionally, to foster collaboration among ESCs and community partners, we will create a committee of practitioners to share best practices on prevention training, prevention program implementation, and sustaining prevention strategies.

About the Grant

The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) are partnering to provide funding through the Prevention Education Professional Development Grant to Educational Service Centers in Ohio to train educators and related school personnel in the model and tenets of prevention of risky behaviors, including substance abuse, suicide, bullying and other harmful behaviors. This work complements Ohio’s strategic plan for education, Each Child, Our Future, which emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of the whole child (physical, social, emotional, and intellectual) to ensure each student is challenged, prepared, and empowered for their future.

Learn More & Register

Meet the Trainer

Jim Ryan, OCPC, ICPS

Jim is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant and Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist with over 35 years of experience in prevention and behavioral health.

Jim provides prevention consultation and training services to the Mental Health Recovery Board of Clark, Greene, and Madison Counties, working with prevention providers, school districts, and local systems to plan and implement effective prevention strategies in the three-county region.

Jim is affiliated with leading state, national, and international prevention entities. Jim serves as executive director of ADAPAO, the statewide membership association of Ohio’s prevention professionals. He is also associate director of professional development for Applied Prevention Science International, an organization providing training and guidance for prevention practice in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Jim is senior trainer for Working Partners®, a national leader in drug-free workplace and workplace-based prevention services.

Jim serves on the Prevention Committee of the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. Among his other training credentials and experience, Jim is a Master Trainer of the Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Prevention 101 Training


Prevention 101 | The Alchemy of Prevention: Turning So-So Strategies Into Prevention Gold

Schools have a long history of implementing prevention activities, events, and initiatives that don't really have any significant impact in preventing behavioral health problems. From Red Ribbon Week and poster campaigns to mock car crashes and guest presenters, districts can spend a lot of time and energy without achieving any prevention outcomes. Join us as we discuss ways to leverage those activities, events, and initiatives to establish and/or integrate relevant - and science-based - prevention interventions in our schools. 

Training Objectives
Training participants will be better equipped to: 
  1. Identify ineffective prevention activities, events, and initiatives. 
  2. Maximize opportunities to integrate effective prevention strategies into existing activities, events, and initiatives. 
  3. Seek assistance from prevention experts on the state and local levels to support school-based prevention efforts.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact: [email protected]