Evidence-based prevention refers to a set of prevention activities that evaluation research has shown to be effective. Some of these prevention activities help individuals develop the intentions and skills to act in a healthy manner. Others focus on creating an environment that supports healthy behavior. This section:

• Introduces SAMHSA's criteria for defining “evidence-based.”
• Encourages practitioners to consider "fit" when choosing an intervention.
• Describes SAMHSA's Service to Science Initiative, dedicated to enhancing the evaluation capacity of innovative programs and practices.