Substance Use Prevention: What We Do

A.I.D. training is an evidence-based program developed by the Center for Public Policy and Health in 2019, as part of the More Aware Initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This training aligns with the principles of a Drug Free Work Place and focuses on prevention strategies similar to those found in the Driver Intervention Program. A.I.D. offers a 60 to 90-minute mental health awareness session, delivered either in-person or virtually, teaching individuals how to interact effectively with someone experiencing mental distress through three key steps: awareness—recognizing signs and symptoms of distress; interaction—effectively engaging with someone in distress; and direction—locating and providing resources to individuals in distress. This training is also relevant for initiatives like the Teen Institute and Teen Prevention, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness among young audiences.