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
Building Relationships with Local Alcohol and Tobacco Retailers
Building Relationships with Local Alcohol and Tobacco Retailers There are many ways you can build the ever-so-important relationship between your coalition and your local retailers. Here are some tips: Involve store owners and managers in planning. Understanding the challenges local retailers face is helpful in establishing effective coalition strategies. Having the buy-in of store owners…
Coffee County High School Wins the Operation Prevention Video PSA Challenge
Coffee County High School Wins the Operation Prevention Video PSA Challenge Each spring, the DEA hosts the Operation Prevention Video PSA Challenge to high school aged students. This year’s Grand Prize Winner was Coffee County Central High School in Manchester, TN. Their anti-opioid PSA is “What Could’ve Been”.
WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO CREATE COMMUNITY LEVEL CHANGE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY
WORKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO CREATE COMMUNITY LEVEL CHANGE IN LAWRENCE COUNTY By Jenny Golden Lawrence County Substance Abuse Coalition Sector Representation is one important piece of a successful coalition. Each sector is extremely important in each realm of influence but I would have to say our Law Enforcement Sector representation has been the piece…