UPSTREAM! Together evaluation results from community efforts to prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral health problems. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernald, Douglas H.; Zittleman, Linda; Gilchrist, Emma C.; Brou, Lina I.; Brou, Lina I.; Niebauer, Linda; Ledonne, Charlotte; Sutter, Christin; Felzien, Maret; Westfall, John M.; Green, Larry A.
• Is Part Of: Evaluation and program planning. Volume 89(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: MEB mental, emotional, and behavioral -- BCT Boot Camp Translation -- 2040 2040 Partners for Health -- HPRN High Plains Research Network -- SLV AHEC San Luis Valley Area Health Education Center; Prevention -- Community engagement -- Collaboration -- Mental health -- Evaluation; Health planning -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Evaluation -- Periodicals; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.102000
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7189

Abstract

Highlights: Community conversation is a first step in preventing mental and behavioral problems. Community members agree on local messages to start conversations about mental health. There are few funding prospects to implement evidence-based prevention programs. Policy support for local expertise is needed for adoption of evidence-based programs. Abstract: Mental, emotional, and behavioral (MEB) health problems are prevalent globally. Despite effective programs that can prevent MEB problems and promote mental health, there has not been widespread adoption. UPSTREAM! Together was a planning project in three Colorado communities. Communities partnered with academic and policy entities to 1) translate evidence about MEB problem prevention into locally-relevant messages and materials and 2) develop long-term plans for broad implementation of interventions to prevent high-priority MEB problems. Community members recognized the need to talk about MEB problems to prevent them. The UPSTREAM! communities localized messages designed to start conversations and sustain attention on preventing MEB problems. The communities understood that prevention takes sustained community attention and advocacy, knowing that important outcomes may be years away. Long-term implementation plans aimed to strengthen families and enhance social connections among youth. Despite community readiness and capacity to implement evidence-based programs, there were few funding opportunities, delaying program implementation and revealing gaps between funding policies and community readiness. This community-engaged experience suggests an achievable approach, acceptable to communities, and worthy of further development and testing. Policies that cultivate and support local expertise may help to increase wider community adoption of evidence-based programs that promote mental health among youth.