APRA’s prevention programs and services are administered through the Office of Prevention and Youth Services (OPYS). OPYS generally utilizes a broad range of proven prevention strategies including: education and information; alternative activities; community-based and environmental enhancement programs; and early intervention strategies. Although children and youth are the primary beneficiaries, OPYS recognizes that varied levels of prevention and youth treatment - including intervention and referrals - are appropriate for all residents, regardless of age.
Office of Prevention and Youth Services -- DC Department of Health
825 N. Capitol St., NE, Washington, DC 20002
Chief: Linda Fisher, Telephone: (202) 442-5882
Hours of Operation: Office Hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm
OPYS approaches prevention through three activity levels:
- Universal prevention measures address an entire population (national, local, community, school, or neighborhood) with messages and programs aimed at preventing or delaying the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
- Selective prevention measures target subsets of the total population that are considered at risk for substance abuse by virtue of their membership in a particular segment of the population.
- Indicated prevention measures are designed to prevent the onset of substance abuse in individuals who do not meet the medical criteria for addiction, but who are showing early danger signs, such as falling grades and some use of alcohol and/or marijuana
The OPYS aggressively spreads its message of prevention at numerous events throughout the year: health fairs, community festivals, conferences and other large public gatherings. Classroom presentations are provided for public and charter schools in the District, while OPYS staff are requested to speak at a variety of conferences and community meetings. In close partnership with the D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), APRA provides intervention assistance for youth who may need referrals for treatment and other social services.
Prevention program grants are disbursed by APRA to community-based organizations that deliver science and evidence-based Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) prevention program models. APRA funds twenty such programs that provide a range of service models in after-school and family centered environments. Working to increase the capacity of prevention providers through workshops, training and technical assistance, APRA supports the continued certification of prevention workers and the credibility of their field.
Tobacco sale compliance checks are conducted annually by OPYS to prevent merchants from selling tobacco to minors, as mandated by federal law. APRA has facilitated major vendor education programs to reinforce the support for the prohibition against sales of tobacco to minors. Over the past three years, the District has significantly reduced the number of vendors who do not comply.
In addition to prevention services, the development of the District’s Youth Substance Abuse Treatment System is also a function of the OPYS. Building upon its tradition of coordination with non-profit, private and government institutions, OPYS now provides a full range of youth treatment services across the city
Prevention is the responsibility of the entire community. There is a role for everyone - from effective parenting, tutoring and mentoring to positive peer groups and substance-free social activities.
