WHITE PLAINS, NY – Dr. Gilbert J. Botvin, an internationally known expert in the field of prevention, delivered the keynote address at Utah’s Safe and Healthy Schools conference on November 12th in Sandy. Dr. Botvin is the developer of the highly acclaimed LifeSkills Training (LST) evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program that is currently taught in all middle schools in Utah. School district administration, resource officers, nurses, educators, mental health providers, and community prevention specialists gathered for the event, which focused on mental wellness, sexual violence prevention, and inclusive schools.

Dr. Botvin‘s keynote address, “Unleashing the Power of Prevention to Promote Safe and Healthy Schools,” described advances in prevention science over the past 35 years and the development of effective prevention approaches, with a focus on the LST approach. LST concentrates on providing children with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to make healthy choices.

​​​​“Nearly 40 years of rigorous scientific study prove that evidence-based programs can prevent substance abuse and misuse, violence, and other risky behaviors,” said Dr. Botvin, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University’s Weill Medical College and president of National Health Promotion Associates. Dr. Botvin described LST and the theory supporting it, as well as evidence from more than 35 peer-reviewed publications documenting its effectiveness.

Participation in the LST program leads to the healthy development of self-esteem, emotional regulation, decision-making, communication, social skills, and ability to cope with stress. The program is proven to cut tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use and shown to produce prevention effects that can last 12 years or more. It can also prevent aggression and violence, delinquency, risky driving, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors. In addition, independent researchers have demonstrated that LST can also shield adolescents from the misuse of opioid and other prescription drugs.

About Botvin LifeSkills Training      

Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST) is an evidence-based substance abuse and violence prevention program. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting. Visit www.lifeskillstraining.com for more information.

Contact:

Paulina Kalaj

Director, Communications & Media Relations

1-800-293-4969 ext. 214 | pkalaj@nhpamail.com