Certified Prevention Specialists in Montana
Montana Prevention Certification Board Actively Certifying Professionals Across the State
Prevention Specialist Certification reflects the highest current standards of competent practice for substance use prevention specialists and those working in the field of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention. The Montana Prevention Certification Board (MPCB) is excited to announce they have certified 19 Legacy Applicants over the last year. These newly certified prevention professionals represent thirteen counties across the state, each exhibiting at least 10,000 hours of work experience in substance use prevention. The Board has an additional 30 Standard applicants in the process of certifying, representing an additional 14 counties.
“Prevention Certification has ignited a passion in Montana preventionists. This process will improve access to quality programming, using culture as prevention and support for Indian Country.”-Barbara Bessette,
Enrolled Member Chippewa-Cree, Rocky Boy
Prevention focuses on aiding in the development of knowledge, attitudes, skills and policies necessary to make healthy choices or change harmful behaviors. Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use problems in Montana’s communities, and lessen the economic burden associated with these issues.
Prevention is broad-ranging with the intent of reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors in a community. Higher risk factors can lead to problem behaviors including substance use, violence, child abuse, behavioral health problems, family conflict, parenting challenges, stress, school failure, and teenage pregnancy. They can be reduced through increasing positive protective factors, including mentorship services, after-school programs, parenting classes, addiction resources, community collaboration to strengthen behavioral health services, and strong alcohol and drug-related policies and laws.
MPCB offers the CPS credential according to the high standards set by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). IC&RC and its member boards across the world are committed to protecting the public through the establishment of quality, competency-based certification programs for professionals engaged in prevention.
Learn more about how to become a Montana Certified Prevention Specialist here: www.mtpreventioncertificationboard.org
About the Board
MPCB was founded in 2022 with the mission to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Montana by providing certified professionals who local communities can count on for standardized professional and ethical prevention service delivery. Learn more: www.mtpreventioncertificationboard.org
The Board is gratefully supported by a grant from the Montana Healthcare Foundation. MPCB is solely responsible for the statements and conclusions in this press release.