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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.

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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 | Youth-Led Prevention: Students as Change Agents

Youth-led prevention has been a cornerstone of prevention within some school districts for many years. Other districts have only implemented portions of youth-led programming - not an effective approach - or haven't explored youth-led as a prevention option at all. Join us as we explore youth-led prevention, from examining core components to identifying intersections with other prevention interventions and policies within school districts. 

Training participants will be better equipped to: 
1.Explain components of effective youth-led prevention. 
2. Develop a plan for youth-led prevention within their school district and/or community. 
3. Identify resources for effective youth-led prevention development.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact: [email protected]