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    Question:
    I am trying to develop an Integrated Prevention Program in a military setting, frames after the public health model of tier 1 prevention. We are trying to assess the current state and build as needed our prevention system - the people, the relationships and infrastructure (specifically data, current policies, current prevention efforts, etc.) I am looking for a structured or semi structured interview tool or assessment tool that our working group can use to capture the information needed to understand our current system and the gaps. We are not even close to a needs assessment. This is literally building our framework system to then build our processes.
    Answer:

                 Thank you for writing to us at the Community Tool Box, and please excuse our unforeseen delay in responding to your very thoughtful question.
                While we are not able to point you to the particular tool you mention, one general source that may be useful to you is SAMHSA, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, at www.samhsa.gov.  
                See especially their strategic prevention framework, at https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/20190620-samhsa-strategic-prevention-framework-guide.pdf. That guide (A Guide to Samsa’s Strategic Prevention Framework) describes five core components of prevention planning – assessment, capacity, evaluation, implementation, and planning – all of which taken together are believed to lead to sustainability and cultural  competence.
                Samosa may have other useful reports as well, available through searching their main site. Your search there may also lead you to in-house contacts with expertise on your particular assessment-tool question.
               Thanks again for being in touch, and all best wishes for the success of your project as your work unfolds.
     
     
    Question Date: Wed, 04/12/2023