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NYC PRC

New York City Prevention Resource Center
About

Who We Are

NYC PRC logoThe New York City Prevention Resource Center (NYC PRC) is one of six regional Prevention Resource Centers in New York state. NYC PRC supports prevention coalitions and providers in NYC's five boroughs by offering training and technical assistance to combat substance misuse and drive positive community change. In areas without coalitions, NYC PRC works to establish them in partnership with local leaders. Collaborating with the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports and NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the team includes Director Ronni Katz, community development specialists Chevar Francis and Milo Ward, and Fatima Sindhu, who works with NYC Partners of Prevention.

What We Do

Program Support: We provide step-by-step instructions and support on creating new community coalitions and revitalizing existing coalitions.

Technical Assistance: We inform and educate new and existing coalitions on the stages of coalition building and assist with key activities.

Training: We arrange and facilitate mandated training to coalitions and prevention providers on the Strategic Prevention Framework, cultural responsiveness, evidence-based curriculum, and more. See trainings for more information.

 

About PRC Staff

Ronni Katz, Director

Ronni Katz began working in the field of prevention in 1989 at John Adams High School in New York City, serving as the substance abuse prevention intervention specialist. In 1997, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and started her own recovery journey. In 2003, she became the substance misuse coordinator for the City of Portland Public Health Division and helped start one of the first Overdose Prevention Projects in the country. She moved back to New York City in 2014 to become director of the New York City Prevention Resource Center. In addition to her work in prevention, Ronni is a musician and a dedicated lover of dogs. She lives on Long Island with her wife and their 2-year old Chocolate Border Collie, Hannah.

Chevar Francis, Community Development Specialist 

Chevar Francis is a community development specialist (CDS) at the New York City Prevention Resource Center. Before becoming a CDS, Chevar worked in youth development for more than 14 years. For 12 years he served as a program director, developing programming for elementary, middle school, and high school students around self-expression and social justice. His middle school program spearheaded the first Children’s Aid Iron Go! Chefs competition. In addition, he ran an active youth council that addressed community issues and supported children, parents, and teachers in advocacy and community development. Chevar is an avid photographer, foodie, former clothing designer, and passionate about the arts.

Milo Ward, Community Development Specialist

Milo Ward (he/him, they/them) is a community development specialist for the New York City Prevention Resource Center. He has been working in the field of substance misuse prevention for four years and previously worked in HIV prevention serving LGBT communities in Brooklyn. Milo holds a bachelor’s degree in critical social thought from Mount Holyoke College and is currently pursuing his MPH at the CUNY School of Public Health.

Fatima N. Sindhu, NYC POP Community Development Specialist (SOR-funded)

Fatima Sindhu is a community development specialist for New York City Partners of Prevention (NYC POP). She holds a bachelor’s degree in public health and public policy. Her interests include substance use prevention and eliminating health disparities.

 

NYC Coalitions

NYC Substance Misuse Prevention Coalitions

Prevention Resource Centers aim to identify existing coalitions, offer training to strengthen and sustain them, and support the development of new coalitions in underserved areas. They provide guidance on the Strategic Prevention Framework to enhance community-led prevention efforts.

The NYC Prevention Resource Center works with community prevention coalitions in all five boroughs, including:

Training

Throughout the year, NYC PRC offers a variety of trainings for coalitions and prevention providers. Please see the drop-down menu to learn more about the trainings we provide. To receive notice about upcoming trainings, please contact us for more information.

Filter by audience

  • Capacity Building

    This training focuses on helping coalitions work on capacity building by guiding them through outreach to the 12 sectors.

  • Community Scans

    In this training, we provide an overview of how to conduct a community scan using the community scan tally and observation sheet created by the PRC.

  • Cultural Responsiveness

    The Cultural Responsiveness training teaches prevention professionals strategies for working in diverse communities. By the end of the training, participants will be able to identify the five stages of the cultural competence continuum. Participants will walk away from the training with the tools to be reflective of their own identities and be responsive to the diverse cultures they work with.

  • Environmental Change Strategies

    In this training, participants will get a better understanding of environmental change strategies and their three components - media, policy and enforcement. Participants will gain insight into how the three components work together, as well as ideas for activities for each component.

  • Ethics in Prevention

    Ethics in Prevention can help you make ethical choices in your work every day. This training describes the six principles in the Prevention Code of Ethics, illustrated by realistic examples designed to enhance your understanding of each principle. It also introduces a decision-making process to help you apply this code to a variety of ethical dilemmas.

  • Implementation

    This training helps coalitions work through the implementation step of the Strategic Prevention Framework.

  • Introduction to Intersectionality

    We tend to look at people through their specific demographics, often overlooking how multiple oppressions affect their outcomes in life. The term “intersectionality” was coined in 1989 by American legal race scholar Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw. By applying an intersectional lens to collecting and analyzing data, we are able to take a multi-dimensional approach to prevention work. This training covers the Intersectionality framework, how it is connected to health disparities, and how to apply it to prevention strategies.

  • Needs Assessment

    This training helps coalitions learn about how to conduct a community needs assessment in their communities.

  • Podcasting for Prevention

    Podcasting for Prevention teaches participants the ins and outs of developing a podcast. From equipment to sound editing and best practices, this training draws on lessons learned from the PRC’s podcast, The Solution: Nothing Changes if We Change Nothing. Participants will gain knowledge on the world of podcasting and walk away with the tools to create their own prevention podcast.

  • Policy in Prevention

    Policy in Prevention helps coalitions learn the importance of policy in prevention, as well as strategies for policy advocacy. Participants will learn the different types of policies that can be implemented and advocated for in the prevention world.

  • Putting the POP in Prevention

    During the pandemic, New York City prevention coalitions came together to form NYC Partners of Prevention (POP) a collaboration of 15 coalitions, providers, and agencies that created two weekly prevention-related social media posts, and provided resources and information through multiple platforms. It allowed NYC prevention partners to have one unified voice during a time when the city that never sleeps was in a deep slumber. Four years later, NYC POP has evolved into the NYC Prevention Council. Participants will learn how to create and implement prevention social media strategies that resonate with diverse populations across a major urban city.

  • So You Want to Start a Coalition

    This training provides a brief overview of substance misuse prevention and the stages of the Strategic Prevention Framework to help interested groups start their own prevention coalition.

  • Strategic Prevention Framework Application for Success Training (SAPST)

    The goal of the SAPST is to develop the basic knowledge and skills needed by substance misuse prevention practitioners to plan, implement, and evaluate effective, data-driven programs and practices that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness. It is for entry-level prevention practitioners working in states, jurisdictions, tribes, and communities, and is also appropriate for professionals working in related fields, e.g. treatment, mental health, etc.

  • Sustainability

    This training provides a brief overview of sustainability strategies for community coalitions.

Podcast

The Solution: Nothing Changes if We Change Nothing

The Solution is a podcast that explores youth and young adult substance misuse prevention by sharing the latest news, trends, and coalition success stories. It provides practical tips for organizing effective coalitions and aims to inspire community members to drive meaningful change in their neighborhoods.

  • Ask Them What They Want

    Join Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz, along with the newest member of the New York City Prevention Resource Center, Nanor Arakelian, as we discuss prevention. Our guests on this episode are members of We Engage in Prevention Awareness, a coalition in the north Bronx. Members Rev, Addie Banks, Philip Lynn, and Chevon Rucker discuss the coalition’s initiatives.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis, Nanor Arakelian
    Guest:
    Rev, Addie Banks, Philip Lynn, and Chevon Rucker from We Engage in Prevention Awareness

  • A Disease of Hope?

    Join Chevar Francis, Ronni Katz, and Nanor Arakelian as we continue to discuss the connection between drugs and gambling addiction, and the importance of helping youth develop positive identities and experiences. We are joined by Venus Moore, team leader of the NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center in the Bronx, and Ashley Owen, team leader of the NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center in Staten Island and southern Brooklyn.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis, Nanor Arakelian
    Guest:
    Venus Moore, team leader, NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center in the Bronx; Ashley Owen, team leader, NYC Problem Gambling Resource Center in the Staten Island and southern Brooklyn

  • The Effects of Gambling on Youth and Families

    Christine Cavallucci, executive director of the Archdiocese of New York Drug Abuse Prevention Program , and Marines Rodriguez, project coordinator of Forward South Bronx Coalition share the strategies they are using to engage with youth and their families in the prevention of gambling.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Christine Cavallucci, executive director, Archdiocese of New York Drug Abuse Prevention Program; Marines Rodriguez, project coordinator, Forward South Bronx Coalition

  • We Are Family

    Ronni Katz and Chevar Francis discuss how family and community can help support LGBTQ youth in prevention. CAMBA Assistant Director Lisa Koffler and Client Advocate Milo Ward share how their coalition, Brooklyn YAS, plays an important role.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Lisa Koffler, assistant director, CAMBA; Milo Ward, client advocate, CAMBA

  • Parents are the "P" in Prevention

    Marines Rodriguez, project coordinator of Forward South Bronx Coalition shares how she empowers the parents she works with in the field of prevention.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Marines Rodriguez, project coordinator, Forward South Bronx Coalition

  • The Role of Recovery in Prevention

    Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz discuss the sustainability of recovery and how people in recovery should have a seat at the prevention table with our guest Stephanie Campbell, director of the NYS Ombudsman Program.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Stephanie Campbell, director, NYS Ombudsman Program

  • It Takes a Team

    Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz discuss prevention and the importance of teaming up with our partners SGT Ponce and SGT Barnes from the National Guard's Counter-Drug Task-Force.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    SGT Ponce and SGT Barnes, National Guard's Counter-Drug Task-Force

  • The P.O.W.E.R. of Prevention

    Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz discuss the incredible evidence-based prevention programs and services provided by Children's Aid's P.O.W.E.R. Program with Prevention Director Gwendolyn Taylor.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Gwendolyn Taylor, prevention director

  • Staying Sane During Insane Times

    Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz try to navigate these trying times and discuss how they are each personally affected by what is happening.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis

  • The Marathon is a Process

    Join Chevar Francis and Ronni Katz discuss coalition support in New York’s Mid-Hudson region with special guest Jenn Ocasio.

    Host:
    Ronni Katz, Chevar Francis
    Guest:
    Jenn Ocasio
NYC POP

Who We Are

NYC POP LogoThe NYC Partners of Prevention (POP) is a SOR-funded multidisciplinary coalition that addresses substance misuse in creative, innovative ways. NYC POP coordinates, strengthens, and supports prevention efforts across New York City through collaborative policy work, education, and evidence-based interventions.

 

The purpose of the NYC POP 2024 Strategic and Action Plan is to enhance community awareness about underage retail access to cannabis and collaborate with youth, communities, and law enforcement to uphold current laws. To implement the plan, we will be:

  • Educating parents on the risks of underage cannabis use
  • Providing information to local community boards
  • Informing cannabis business owners of existing laws, regulations, and penalties related to underage cannabis use and sale to minors
  • Running a poster/sticker campaign to highlight stores that take the pledge to not sell to youth
  • Partnering with community groups to support enforcement efforts around unlicensed smoke shops

The recent town hall marked the first step in raising awareness. If you are interested in working with us to implement the plan, please contact Fatima Sindhu at fsindhu@ChildrensAidNYC.org.

History of NYC Partners of Prevention

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Prevention Resource Center met virtually with two coalition leaders in the Bronx to strategize on maintaining prevention initiatives amid lockdowns. This led to the formation of NYC POP, a partnership of NYC substance misuse prevention coalitions and prevention providers focused on creating messaging and sharing resources on prevention strategies. NYC POP has since evolved into a citywide consortium of prevention coalitions, providers, and community members with five working committees focused on marketing, data and research, youth engagement, and policy and environmental strategies. It is funded by OASAS through a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant.

Virtual Townhall

Contact

Contact Us

Ronni Katz, Director
rkatz@childrensaidnyc.org

Chevar Francis, Community Development Specialist
chevarf@childrensaidnyc.org

Milo Ward, Community Development Specialist
mward@childrensaidnyc.org

Fatima N. Sindhu, Community Development Specialist for NYC POP
fsindhu@childrensaidnyc.org

Address:

117 West 124th St.
New York, NY 10027

 

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