Process Evaluation of a High School Drug Abuse Prevention Initiative
Julie Whelan Capell |
Julie Whelan Capell was one of several authors of a peer-reviewed study published in the online journal “Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment.”
The article outlines how a coalition made up of public high schools, community drug abuse prevention coalitions and academics created and implemented a process called “Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT).”
Julie’s involvement in the project included overall coordination of the partners, grant management, and process evaluation.
A diverse group of more than 2,500 students from urban, suburban and rural schools participated in the multi-year project. The findings showed that the students felt comfortable talking with a health educator about their tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. More than 50% of the students currently using drugs said they intended to reduce their use. More than 80% of the students who were not using drugs—the majority of the students—said they wanted to remain abstinent.