Prevention Works
Improving the health of Tennesseans by reducing the use of alcohol and drugs through policy, systems and environment change.
OUR MISSION
Serve as the collective voice for substance abuse prevention by empowering coalitions, advocating for effective policies and building strategic partnerships.
coalitions
sectors
Evidence-based programs & strategies
People Reached
What we are all about...
The Prevention Alliance of Tennessee (PAT) is a public health nonprofit working to create healthier a Tennessee by reducing the burden of substance abuse. PAT’s core membership is comprised of over 50 Coalition members who tackle substance abuse issues in their own counties across the state. Together, our alliance fosters collaboration and leverages resources to enhance environmental strategies and targeted statewide services in the fields of substance abuse prevention and public health. PAT Coalitions implement data-driven and evidence-based programs across the state, helping build Tennessee’s capacity to create stronger, healthier communities, families and individuals.
#TNPreventionSaves
Community coalitions are comprised of parents, teachers, law enforcement, businesses, religious leaders, health providers and other community activists who are mobilizing at the local level -- and statewide under the Prevention Alliance umbrella -- to make their communities safer, healthier and drug-free.
OUR COALITION MEMBERS
TESTIMONIALS
"Preventing substance use disorders is critical to the health of Tennessee. PAT provides over 50 local coalitions an excellent opportunity to leverage resources and strengthen primary prevention efforts statewide."Robin Racine, Director of Drug Free Tipton
"PAT creates synergy amongst prevention professionals from across Tennessee to strengthen and share best practices in the substance abuse field. It provides a mechanism for collaboration to unify advocacy efforts to increase awareness of the valuable work coalitions provide to local communities. The value of peer learning is immeasurable. PAT provides that forum for us."Karen Pershing, MPH CPSII Executive Director of the Metro Drug Coalition
"PAT has been an integral part in the statewide expansion of our Count It! Lock It! Drop It! prescription drug abuse prevention initiative. PAT's advocacy and network of support is an immeasurable asset to prevention in Tennessee."Kristina Clark, Program Manager, Count It! Lock It! Drop It!
Project Manager
Addiction Campuses is committed to serving the community in an impactful way to bring awareness to America's silent epidemic and provide education, prevention, treatment and aftercare. Our relationship with the Prevention Alliance of Tennessee is an integral part of ceasing drug addiction before it starts. We are proud members and honored to serve their cause.
Brian Sullivan, Director of Public Relations, Addiction Campuses
“I believe we will only conquer addiction through education about the devastating consequences of this disease, and PAT is the foundation to accomplishing this. Having partners in every part of the state, all working towards the same objective of prevention, is the only true answer for our future generations.”Sen. Richard Briggs, TN Senate District 7
Prevention Alliance of Tennessee has been extremely helpful in all collaborative work we’ve engaged in with them, and they are a valuable resource for prevention coalitions in Tennessee.David Collins, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
PAT creates synergy amongst prevention professionals from across Tennessee to strengthen and share best practices in the substance abuse field. It provides a mechanism for collaboration to unify advocacy efforts to increase awareness of the valuable work coalitions provide to local communities. The value of peer learning is immeasurable. PAT provides that forum for* Karen Pershing, MPH CPSII Executive Director of the Metro Drug Coalition
2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey
2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey On Feb. 11, results from the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) published in an MMWR article, “Vital Signs: Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2011–2018.” This article includes findings on current use of seven tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, hookah, pipe tobacco, and…
TDMHSAS Funds Five New Community Anti-Drug Coalitions
Network of local addiction prevention groups expands to 46 organizations statewide NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is adding five new community anti-drug coalitions to its statewide network. Coalitions provide information, coordinate resources, and conduct education events with the goal of preventing addiction in their communities. “Our coalitions are amazing…
TDH ISSUES UPDATED PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY ON E-CIGARETTES
Evolving Research & Recent Regulatory Actions Increase Concerns about Impacts to Health NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Health is issuing an updated public health advisory on electronic nicotine delivery systems, or ENDS based on recent federal regulatory action and new evidence of risks associated with use of e-cigarettes and similar devices. “Growing evidence…