Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework (MSPF)

The MSPF Process is a five-step process:

  1. Community Needs Assessment: A systematic gathering and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data about the community served for the purpose of identifying and addressing alcohol problems.
  2. Capacity: Types and levels of resources within a community and the community’s readiness to engage in and support prevention efforts.
  3. Strategic Planning: A written logic model that examines substance-related consequences, intervening variables and contributing factors that result in the selection of evidence-based strategies, programs, policies and practices.
  4. Implementation: The performance of evidence-based strategies, programs, policies and practices in the local community.
  5. Evaluation: Preparation and implementation of a local evaluation plan of evidence-based strategies put into place in the community.

The MSPF Implementation Principles are:

  • Systems-based approach
  • Capacity building/culturally competent infrastructure
  • Population-based outcomes
  • Evidence-based approach to program implementation
  • Community-level change
  • Populations across the lifespan

The MSPF Coalition Priorities:

  • To reduce the number of Maryland youth under 21 reporting past month alcohol use;
  • To reduce the number of youth 18 through 25 years old reporting past month binge drinking; and
  • To reduce prescription drug and heroin use among all ages

Strategies used:

  • Educate communities about drugs and alcohol and how these substances impact youth and the community
  • Promote prevention events, evidence-based articles, and informational material via social media and to local outlets
  • Host monthly meetings in each local community to discuss volunteer opportunities and current outreach efforts
  • Connect community members to organizations committed to substance misuse prevention and treatment
  • Attend local events in the community to raise awareness about substance misuse prevention