The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has defined "prevention technology" as the various systems and processes that deliver prevention messages. These include conventional methods such as conferences, curricula and after-school programs, as well as electronic technology such as CD ROMs, the World Wide Web, e-mail and electronic forms of conferencing. The Central Center for the Application of Prevention Technology (CAPT), managed by the Minnesota Institute of Public Health (MIPH) will use all of these methods and more in the months ahead.

The MIPH also manages the Minnesota Star of the North Prevention Coalition (Star, also funded by CSAP) and the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center (MPRC, funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services). Through these projects we have learned much about effective prevention approaches and we will apply them through the CAPT. We hope to leverage the capacity of each of these publicly funded prevention projects to improve the quality of services provided through each project.

For example, through Star, we have learned of the value of a computerized database that links all of our participating coalition members, the efficiency of communication by e-mail and the benefits and shortcomings of video conferencing. Through MPRC, we have refined our methods of clarifying client requests and responding with up-to-date information through various means including print, fax, e-mail and referral to Internet resources. Through both MPRC and Star, we have learned how an electronic mailing list (MN-Prev) can help people share information quickly and efficiently. Through CAPT, we are learning about assessing prevention readiness, adapting prevention technologies to specific audiences and expanding our ability to convene meetings electronically. "We're even exploring virtual conferencing as a way to use the Internet to bring together large groups of people from a large number of locations," said Tom Moberg, MIPH Telecommunications Coordinator.

In addition to applying lessons learned about the transfer of prevention technologies here in Minnesota, CAPT will be offering support to other states in our region through our Technology Support Center. The Center will be a referral resource about telecommunications' issues and will give us an opportunity to learn what types of telecommunications' technologies work best for what purposes and with what audiences. Ultimately, we hope to find the most efficient and effective prevention technologies to help states and local communities implement strategies to keep people and communities safe.