IMPLEMENTING A DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAM - A COMPARATIVE CASE-STUDY OF 2 RURAL KANSAS SCHOOLS

Case studies of the process of implementing a substance abuse program were conducted in two rural Kansas schools. Three groups of individual s representing varying levels of involvement in the program implementa tion process were interviewed for each school. In an attempt to identi fy common themes in the interviews, the interview content was examined within groups, across groups by school, and then a comparison of the schools was made to identify recurring themes common to both schools. From this process, five main themes emerged: 1) a solid knowledge base in substance abuse prevention is necessary for effective program impl ementation; 2) successful prevention efforts will take a considerable commitment of time, energy, and financial resources, 3) support from d ecision-makers is imperative; 4) these rural communities condone the u se of alcohol and, to some extent tobacco, at all ages, 5) schools hav e been entrusted with the responsibility for prevention efforts.