Connect for Prevention
On This Page
Overview
About Our Program
Preventing alcohol and other drug use is key to protecting young people from harm. Students who avoid using substances will perform better academically, have better mental health, and lower risk of injuries and accidents.
To address this issue, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health collaborated with Emory University to develop the Connect Brief Intervention (CBI) to implement in high schools and Connect Kits for Family Action to use with families with children in grades 10 through graduation. This innovative program aims to curb the initiation and progression of alcohol and other drug use among teenagers.
To see how well these programs worked, the 20 Oklahoma schools were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group ( the control group received the programs after the testing period). All students in the class of 2024 had the opportunity to participate by completing surveys each semester. The surveys asked about alcohol use, drug use, mental health, and other important outcomes that the programs aimed to improve. After graduation, we compared outcomes between the two groups.
By high school graduation, the intervention group had...
lower alcohol use compared to the control group
lower cannabis use compared to the control group
lower prescription opioid use compared to the control group
Program Materials
Connect Brief Intervention
The CBI is to given to every student in a given school. This approach provides the best opportunity for every student to receive a dose of prevention, reinforcing students who are not using substances and minimizing the risk of any student feeling singled out or stigmatized.
Students engage in brief sessions using a tablet or computer. The program assesses life goals and risk for substance use, encourages reflection, reinforces positive choices, and assists with setting goals. When resources allow, students identified as being at a higher risk for substance use through the CBI have the option to meet privately and confidentially with a Connect Coach. These coaches are trained to assist students in setting healthy goals and, if necessary, link them to appropriate resources.
Download the CBI Implementation Guide
Connect Kits for Family Action
From 10th grade until graduation, families receive Connect Kits for Family Action several times per year. Kits aim to strengthen relationships and promote wellness via three key themes:
- Connection matters to teens
- Safe places matter to teens
- Communities matter to teens
Each kit includes tools, resources, and activities to help families foster stronger bonds, safe decision-making, and supportive environments.
Contact
Questions about Connect for Prevention?
Kelli Komro, PhD, principal investigator