Understanding the Impact of Prevention
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is proud to partner with organizations across the state and nation in recognizing October as Substance Use Prevention Month, as officially declared by Governor Kelly Armstrong. This statewide initiative highlights the critical importance of prevention efforts in building healthier, more resilient communities throughout North Dakota.
While prevention work happens every single day across our state, Substance Use Prevention Month offers a special opportunity to celebrate these vital initiatives and showcase the transformative possibilities that prevention brings to individuals, families, and entire communities. Prevention is not just a buzzword—it represents a powerful, evidence-based approach that saves lives, strengthens communities, and proves remarkably cost-effective compared to treatment and intervention programs.
The results speak for themselves. North Dakota has witnessed significant positive changes in youth substance use patterns over the past decade, demonstrating that coordinated prevention efforts truly work.
High School Alcohol Use Statistics
According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, reported alcohol use among North Dakota high school students has decreased dramatically from 35.3% in 2013 to just 19.5% in 2023. This nearly 45% reduction represents thousands of young people making healthier choices and avoiding the risks associated with underage drinking.
Even more encouraging, the percentage of North Dakota high school students who reported their first drink of alcohol before age 13 decreased from 15.2% in 2013 to 11.4% in 2023. Early alcohol initiation is a significant risk factor for developing substance use disorders later in life, making this decline particularly meaningful for long-term community health outcomes.
Community-Wide Prevention Efforts
Everyone has a role in creating a healthier North Dakota. By investing in prevention initiatives across families, schools, neighborhoods, and local coalitions, communities do more than simply reduce harm—they create stronger, more connected environments where people can truly thrive and reach their full potential.
Role of Families and Schools
“Prevention is about giving people the tools and support they need to live well,” said Tori Reiner, HHS community prevention administrator. “When families talk openly about substance use, when schools and communities work together on prevention strategies, and when North Dakotans share their personal stories of prevention and resilience, we witness the true power of prevention in action. Together, we are building hope and healthier futures for generations to come.”
Families form the foundation of effective prevention. Open communication between parents and children about the risks and realities of substance use creates protective factors that last a lifetime. Schools complement this work by integrating prevention education into curricula and fostering resilience skills that help students navigate peer pressure and make healthy decisions.
Workplace and Law Enforcement Involvement
Businesses and employers play a crucial role by sharing prevention resources with employees and promoting healthy workplace policies that support recovery and wellness. Law enforcement and community partners contribute through evidence-based strategies like compliance checks, community coalitions, and collaborative problem-solving approaches that address substance use issues at their root causes.
Prevention Resources and Toolkits
North Dakota offers comprehensive resources to support prevention efforts at every level of the community.
HHS Substance Use Prevention Toolkit
HHS has developed a Substance Use Prevention Month Toolkit designed to provide easy-to-use resources and materials for increasing awareness of substance use prevention throughout communities. This comprehensive toolkit includes:
- Community press release templates for local media outreach
- School resource materials for educators and administrators
- Newsletter content ready to share with constituents
- Parent engagement tools and conversation guides
- Evidence-based data and guidance on effective prevention strategies
- Implementation resources for community coalitions
The toolkit is available free of charge at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention-month, making it accessible to any individual or organization committed to prevention work.
Parents Lead Program
Families play a vital role in prevention efforts. The Parents Lead program offers trusted, evidence-based resources specifically designed for parents, caregivers, and other adults who want to open meaningful conversations with young people, set clear expectations, and model healthy behavior.
During October, Parents Lead is hosting an exciting billboard contest, giving students the opportunity to design a powerful, eye-catching message that encourages peers and community members to embrace substance-free living. This creative initiative empowers youth voices while spreading prevention messages across the state. Visit parentslead.org/billboard-contest to learn more about contest rules, deadlines, and prizes.
How to Get Involved
Prevention is everyone’s story. This October—and every month beyond—North Dakotans are invited to take meaningful action in their own lives and communities.
For Parents and Caregivers
Talk early and often with children about the risks of substance use. Find conversation starters, tips, and resources at parentslead.org to make these discussions easier and more effective.
For Students and Families
Share personal prevention messages and creative ideas through the statewide Parents Lead Billboard Contest at parentslead.org. Your voice matters and can inspire others.
For Schools and Educators
Integrate prevention into classrooms through curriculum, assemblies, and extracurricular activities. Foster resilience skills and create supportive environments where students feel safe discussing challenges.
For Businesses and Employers
Share prevention resources with employees and promote healthy workplace policies that support mental health, work-life balance, and substance-free environments.
For Law Enforcement and Community Partners
Implement evidence-based strategies like compliance checks, community coalitions, and collaborative partnerships that address substance use holistically.
For Everyone
View the Substance Use Prevention Month Toolkit at hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health/prevention-month, connect with local coalitions in your area, and share personal prevention stories on social media to inspire others. Take one step today—have a conversation, share a resource, or join a coalition making a difference in your community.
During Substance Use Prevention Month, HHS invites all North Dakotans to join in harnessing the power of prevention for healthier, stronger communities across our great state.
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