About

The DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team (PLT) came together in 2011 following a county-wide health assessment, which identified substance abuse/mental health as two of the top five health priorities facing DuPage County. This information led to a call to action among community leaders and the PLT was created with the goal of reducing substance use and increasing mental health among DuPage County youth, 18 years and younger.

County level data collection, Illinois Youth Survey participation among schools, and securing funding to carry out strategic action plans, were the initial focuses of the PLT.

Drug Free Communities Grant

In 2014, the PLT was awarded the Drug Free Communities grant and currently has over 60 active coalition members representing over 50 organizations throughout the county, and continues to grow in capacity.

Coalition Meetings

The coalition meets as a whole once a month. Additionally, four sub-committees including: data committee, policy committee, communications committee, and school committee, also meet once a month outside of regular coalition meetings to work on action items.

Vision

DuPage County is a mentally and physically healthy, drug-free community.

Mission

Bring together a collaboration of leaders that assess and advocate for the use of best practices to reduce risk behaviors of youth leading to substance use, abuse and addiction.

Goals

• Identify and advocate for environmental and policy changes that will lead to the reduction of youth substance use
• Increase awareness and access to services
• Increase mental health among DuPage County youth, 18 and under
• Reduce substance use among DuPage County youth, 18 and under