A robust, competent, and dedicated prevention workforce contributes to successful prevention of substance misuse efforts in Ohio — impacting more communities, reaching a more diverse and inclusive audience, and creating the best substance use and misuse prevention outcomes. In alignment with Ohio’s Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Prevention priorities, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion (COE) aims to support Ohio’s prevention workforce by providing resources for experienced professionals, new professionals, and those considering a career in prevention. 

Prevention professionals provide services across the lifespan to foster positive changes in mental and behavioral health. They use data to guide the development and implementation of collaborative partnerships and plans for universal, selected, and indicated policies, programs, and services around issues such as bullying, substance misuse, problem gambling, and suicide prevention, targeting both individual and community-based outcomes.  

The COE is committed to leading and coordinating training, technical assistance, and mentoring across the state to support and strengthen the capacity and competence of prevention professionals as well as expanding the utilization of evidence-based prevention within all Ohio communities.