Defining Evidence-Based

Evidence-based prevention refers to a set of prevention activities that evaluation research has shown to be effective. Some of these prevention activities help individuals develop the intentions and skills to act in a healthy manner. Others focus on creating an environment that supports healthy behavior. This section introduces SAMHSA's criteria [1] for defining "evidence-based" (for SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework State/Tribal Incentive Grantees) and encourages practitioners to consider "fit" [2]when choosing an intervention.

In addition, SAMHSA's Service to Science Initiative [3] is dedicated to enhancing the evaluation capacity of innovative programs and practices.that address critical substance abuse prevention and related behavioral health needs. It assists local program developers, implementers, and evaluators in applying more rigorous evaluation methodologies to their work.