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She emphasized that the field's most urgent need is to make better use of what is already known. Recent re-search, she explained, indicates that only one in seven of the nation's schools offers prevention programs that incorporate proven elements and deliver them in the most effective way. "These findings underscore the need for additional research focused on accelerating the faithful adoption and application of research-based prevention approaches in communities across the nation," she said.

Her remarks were echoed by Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Director Beverly Watts Davis who spoke of the work CSAP is doing to promote the use of science-based prevention programs and strategies and to disseminate knowledge about what works in substance abuse prevention.

Ms. Davis also stressed the importance of partnerships among all sectors of society. She spoke of the key role that states and local communities play in assuring that services are available and that gaps are bridged between knowledge and practice.

Mr. Modzeleski agreed. "It has been clear for years that schools can't do it alone. Schools must link up with other community resources such as health, mental health, law enforcement, juvenile justice, social services agencies, and faith communities. But we also recognize that it's not as simple as it sounds. Forming partnerships takes strong leadership and an understanding that sharing resources also means giving up some control and ownership. Change is not easy, but it's exciting to see it happening both on the national and local levels."