History
PreventEd's History of Impact and Innovation
2023
Recovery-Friendly Workplace
In May 2023, PreventEd was designated as a Recovery-Friendly Workplace by the state of Missouri. This designation recognizes PreventEd as a workplace that promotes employee safety, health, and well-being through strategies that provide support for managers and employees, including reducing stigma and providing recovery resources related to the challenges surrounding substance use disorders.
2021
Peer Support Program Created
In 2021, PreventEd introduced a Certified Peer Specialist program serving Franklin County residents through a HRSA Rural Communities Opioid Response Program Grant. This program has been expanded to serve Lincoln County, with plans to grow into other Eastern Missouri Counties.
2020
NCADA Becomes PreventEd
With over 50 years experience, formerly under the name NCADA, PreventEd is committed to guiding all people through tough conversations around alcohol and other drugs. This work is rooted in experience, knowledge of best practices and evidence-informed programs.
2019
Sans Bar St. Louis
In 2019, the Sans Bar nationwide tour teamed up with PreventEd to bring an alcohol-free event to St. Louis. Over 300 people attended, making it the largest Sans Bar pop-up to date! PreventEd then licensed with Sans Bar to become the owner of Sans Bar St. Louis, and regularly hosts alcohol-free pop-ups all over the area. Learn more at www.sansbarstl.com.
2014
Development of the GuidEd Program
Formerly known as the Transitional Counseling Program, GuidEd was created as an early intervention program for teens who don’t need treatment, but are beginning to develop the early signs of substance misuse.
1980
The Beginning of Prevention Education
PreventEd’s central focus in programming is K-12, in-school prevention education. These programs were started in 1980 with the hiring of “The Princess of Prevention,” Harriet Kopolow. They have since been a cornerstone in the organization’s mission to prevent substance misuse and substance use disorder in Eastern Missouri.
1980
The First Teen Institute
In conjunction with in-school prevention education is PreventEd’s youth leadership programming. Teen Institute empowers local teens to provide peer-to-peer prevention education and emerge as leaders in their friend groups, schools, and communities.
1965
PreventEd Begins as NCA
Founded in 1965, PreventEd was originally a regional chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism. The mission was to change the stigma surrounding alcohol use disorder and help those struggling to find recovery. This idea remains central in PreventEd’s Assessment and Referral program, community strategy, advocacy efforts, and public health campaigns.
“I didn’t know that everyone has risk factors that affect drug use. Now that I do, I’m really trying to incorporate that into my life to keep me on pace and stay away from drugs and drug use.”
Adolescent, 17
“This program was very helpful. My son is taking more accountability and responsibility at home. The program classes, plus the time away from school, has made a difference in his attitude.”
Parent of Adolescent
“I think this is a really good way of educating people while also keeping it interesting, so that people are more open to learning because it isn't as boring as some other drug programs."
Adolescent, 17
“I am profoundly grateful for your unwavering support and expertise in guiding my child towards recovery. Your dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in this life-changing journey. My child’s newfound sobriety stands as a testament to your remarkable efforts."
Parent of Adolescent
"It was very informative and I learned more about the brain and how it's affected by substances. I'm definitely going to apply what I've learned in my everyday life."
Adolescent, 17
“This program has been so good for my child. He learned a lot. His focus now will be doing better in school and working to save money. Thank you for all the support at a time that I didn’t know how to deal with this.”
