Prevention Science & Policy Briefs
Scaling Up Evidence-Based Interventions in
U.S. Public Systems
Challenges and opportunities for bringing effective prevention programs to scale
across public systems.
About the MAPS IV Translation Research Task Force
In 2016, SPR formed the Mapping Advances in Prevention Science (MAPS) IV Translation Research Task Force to build on and extend the MAPS II Translation Research Task Force efforts. This paper summarizes the MAPS IV Task Force findings regarding factors influencing and facilitating the uptake of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) after they have demonstrated effectiveness in rigorous evaluations.
Whereas the MAPS II Task Force considered how prevention researchers could advance EBI implementation and dissemination, the MAPS IV Task Force was more outward-focused and examined how EBIs could be scaled up within public systems, specifically the behavioral health, child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and public health systems.
Published in Prevention Science
Scaling Up Evidence-Based Interventions in US Public Systems to Prevent Behavioral Health Problems: Challenges and Opportunities
Fagan, A.A., Bumbarger, B.K., Barth, R.P. et al. Prevention Science 20, 1147–1168 (2019).
Policy Briefs
June 2019
Prepared by the SPR MAPS IV Translation Research Task Force
These policy briefs were prepared by the SPR MAPS (Mapping Advances in Prevention Science) IV Translation Research Task Force, which was charged by SPR to consider ways to significantly scale up evidence-based interventions that have been shown to improve public health and well-being.
The briefs highlight factors influencing EBI scale-up in three public systems: behavioral health, education, and public health. They also provide recommendations for actions that can help facilitate EBI scale-up, including increasing public policies and funding, developing and evaluating frameworks to address systems-level barriers, and strengthening partnerships among community stakeholders, policymakers, practitioners, and scientists.
Prevention Works: A Call to Action for the Behavioral Health System
Behavioral health disorders, such as depression and substance abuse, are a major cause of disease and death in the United States. Although we know how to prevent many behavioral health problems, effective prevention programs still do not reach the majority of Americans.
The Behavioral Health System Is Already Positioned to Support Prevention Programs
The behavioral health system already has basic infrastructure at the state level that can support and scale up prevention programs. The
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
provides statutory and monetary support to every state for the prevention of substance abuse and mental illness.
Much of this work has historically been funded through federal block grants administered by SAMHSA, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant and the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant.
Schools Can Help Every Student Succeed by Using Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
Schools are uniquely positioned to support students’ academic success, health, safety, and well-being. Evidence-based programs and practices can help schools create positive climates, strengthen social-emotional learning, improve student safety, and reduce bullying and other problem behaviors.
This policy brief provides a roadmap for how schools can use evidence-based programs and practices and offers recommendations for addressing barriers that may prevent widespread implementation.
Taking Evidence-Based Interventions to Scale in Public Health Systems
Improvements in population health and well-being require more than health care alone. They also depend on prevention, behavior change, supportive social and physical environments, and investments in the social determinants of health.
Evidence-Based Solutions Exist to Promote Health and Well-Being
The evidence base for public health programs and policies is large and growing, yet many proven approaches are still not implemented at scale. This policy brief examines opportunities to close the gap between what prevention science shows works and what public health systems routinely put into practice.
About SPR MAPS
SPR Mapping Advances in Prevention Science initiatives are charged by the SPR Board of Directors with advancing emergent focal areas for prevention science. This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health, with co-funding from additional NIH institutes and offices, the Administration for Children and Families, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The content is solely the responsibility of the MAPS IV Task Force members and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Explore the Research
Read the full article in Prevention Science to learn more about the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling evidence-based interventions across U.S. public systems.