Initiative Description: Tri-Ethnic Community Readiness Model (CRM): Twenty-one substance abuse prevention coalitions in Wisconsin participated in a pre-post intervention group only evaluation using the CRM. As part of a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant, all grantees were obligated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to implement environmental and policy-based strategies focused on one of three priority areas: young adult binge drinking, underage drinking, and alcohol-related motor-vehicle injuries and fatalities.

Study Results: Implementation of environmental and policy-based strategies may improve a community’s progression in perceived readiness to address alcohol abuse regardless of the community’s baseline level of readiness to address alcohol abuse.

Reference: Sharma, M. & Branscum, P. (2013). School-based drug abuse prevention programs in high school students. Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education, 57(3), 51-65.

Level of Evidence: Very Good