Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program

The Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program (CSUPP) Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, is a youth education and prevention initiative that provides drug education workshops and informational seminars to local schools.  The program seeks to improve the education and support systems of vulnerable youth to increase their knowledge and resilience to drug and alcohol abuse.  Program staff members network with local school administrators to secure school participation in the Illinois Youth Survey, which measures substance use rates, gang membership, and prevalence of violence.

The collected statistical information informs the development and implementation of more effective drug prevention programs serving at-risk communities. Additional prevention activities include: parent/family educational seminars, coalition development, the formation of regional youth advisory community councils; as well as the development of communication campaigns targeting area youth. Pilsen Wellness Center serves Region 8 (Armour Square, Bridgeport, Loop, McKinley Park, Near South Side, Near West Side, and New City) as well as Region 10 (Archer Heights Brighton Park, Lower West Side, and South Lawndale).