The Alliance assists local Wisconsin counties and communities with analyzing data, writing prevention recommendations and implementing evidence-based prevention activities. Implementing successful prevention strategies is a multi-step process that evaluates data, local resources and the impact of the strategies.

Prior to implementing prevention strategies the following steps are recommended:

• Define the problem by reviewing local, state and national data.
• List risk and protective factors.
• Identify any promising or proven prevention activities.
• Document existing resources in your community.
• Compare existing local resources to the list of promising or proven prevention activities.
• Find opportunities to link prevention activities to local resources.

Once the problem has been defined and an appropriate prevention strategy has been identified, writing a strong prevention recommendation is necessary. A strong prevention recommendation includes the following items:

• Identify the person and/or organization to take action.
• Identify the focus of the proposed action.
• Identify the activity(ies) for intervention.
• Describe the plan of action in sufficient detail to allow for follow-up.
• Determine a timeframe for the prevention recommendation action.
• Identify the person accountable for follow-up and tracking progress made on the recommendation.
• Specify who will receive the recommendation (e.g. organizations who can take action, decision makers, funders, potential supporters).
• Identify the person and/or organization to take action.
• Develop a procedure to document impacts and outcomes resulting from the recommendation.
• Document when the team will re-review the recommendation.

Download the prevention checklist.

After implementing a prevention strategy, completing an evaluation is necessary to assess the impact of the work. For more information about evaluation visit the injury prevention & death review resources.

Prevention activities in specific Wisconsin counties and communities
Clark County-distributed home safety packs to at risk families that contained a variety of safety products and educational pieces. Contact Kerry Kirn for more information.

Iron County-secured grant funding from Mental Health America of Wisconsin to install a permanent medication drop box in the lobby of the sheriff’s department. Contact Zona Wick for more information.

Outagamie County-analyzed CDR data and formulated a policy statement with prevention recommendations for reducing youth suicides. Contact Melissa Blom for more information.

Rock County-developed a short video on YouTube on suicide prevention and the resources available within the community. Contact Jennifer Keach for more information.

Vilas County-distributed water safety information to all boat rental sites and docks within the county. Additional information was distributed by officers, and children who were properly outfitted with water safety gear received a reward. Contact Gina Egon for more information.

Winnebago County-collaborated with an established community organization to promote teen driving contracts and educate parents on their role in ensuring teens drive safety. Contact Teresa Paulus for more information.