March 12, 2026, Durham, NC – States, counties, and community organizations across the United States are receiving opioid settlement funds intended to address the long-term impacts of the opioid crisis. While many communities are investing these resources in treatment and recovery services, prevention remains a critical part of reducing future substance misuse.

For organizations responsible for allocating opioid settlement funding, prevention programs that build knowledge, skills, and protective factors among youth can play an important role in addressing substance misuse before it begins.

Evidence-based prevention programs implemented in schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations can help communities make strategic use of settlement funds to support long-term health outcomes.

Investing in Youth Prevention

Many state opioid settlement agreements and advisory boards emphasize evidence-based prevention strategies, particularly those that focus on youth and early intervention. Programs that help young people understand substance use risks, develop critical thinking skills, and build resilience can reduce the likelihood of future substance misuse.

Effective prevention programs often focus on helping youth:

  • Recognize misinformation and misleading messaging about substance use
  • Develop decision-making and refusal skills
  • Strengthen protective factors that reduce risky behaviors

By investing in prevention education, communities can complement treatment and recovery services while addressing the root causes of substance misuse.

Evidence-Based Prevention Programs from iRT

iRT develops evidence-based prevention programs designed to help youth understand the influences that contribute to substance misuse and build the skills needed to make healthier decisions.

iRT’s prevention programs can support youth-serving organizations, schools, and community coalitions working to implement prevention initiatives using opioid settlement funds.

These programs address a range of topics, including:

  • Alcohol, tobacco, and other substance misuse prevention
  • Media influences on substance use
  • Mindfulness and social-emotional skills for prevention
  • Critical thinking and decision-making
  • Planning ahead to prevent driving while impaired

iRT’s programs are available for children, adolescents, and young adults allowing communities to implement prevention strategies across multiple age groups.

These evidence-based programs can help communities implement prevention initiatives that align with the goals of opioid settlement funding while equipping young people with lifelong skills.

Turning Funding Into Impact

Opioid settlement funds present an opportunity for communities to invest in strategies that not only respond to the opioid crisis today but also help prevent future substance misuse.

By implementing evidence-based prevention programs for youth, communities can strengthen their prevention infrastructure and support healthier outcomes for the next generation.

To learn more about iRT’s prevention programs and how they can support community prevention initiatives funded through opioid settlement resources, visit www.irtinc.us.