prevention network: helping people make healthy choices

Prevention Network is a not-for-profit agency that educates, trains, and provides prevention services and education pertaining to substance use, abuse, and addictions to the Central New York community. For over 50 years, the agency has assisted individuals, families, schools and businesses through helpful information and training, anonymous referrals, and support services to assure positive outcomes.

Under an umbrella of multiple funding sources, Prevention Network offers vital community services that engage research-proven modalities and strategies that target youth, parents, and the community at large. In addition, our experienced staff works in collaboration with a number of prevention, intervention, and treatment service delivery systems across Onondaga and Cayuga counties. You can learn about our specific educational courses and services by visiting Programs on this website.

You can also view our staff directory, newsletter, press releases, and annual report.

our history

For over fifty years the Prevention Network has been implementing and supporting strategies that prevent addictions and address related concerns. The agency has assumed the role of advocate, educator and prevention developer for over half a century. Much of its historical record reflects the growth of addictions services in Onondaga County, some of which are:

1946

Judge Homer Walsh called a meeting to see if something could be done to help alcoholics appearing before the court.

1949

OCA incorporated as the Onondaga Committee on Alcoholism.

1952

Achieved major organizational objectives when two hospitals opened their doors to alcoholics.

1954

Published OCA-sponsored study, “The Alcoholic Offender & the Community,” gaining local and national recognition.

1958

Spearheaded by OCA’s Homeless Alcoholics Committee, Syracuse Brick House was established.

1961

Changed name to Onondaga Council on Alcoholism.

1963

Co-sponsored “Light in the Darkness” with WHEN-TV, a locally-produced documentary.

1964

Aided in opening a diagnostic clinic for alcoholism and mental illness at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

1965

Developed a program for orientation about alcoholism and its incidence in industry (implemented within Crucible Steel, New Process Gear, and Syracuse China).

1967

Produced alcoholism program for adults and children at Dunbar Center.

1976

OCA closed its doors due to lack of funding.

1978

Reorganized OCA under the leadership of Tom Goulet.

1979

OCA established first Employee Assistance Program in the County.

1983

OCA Training program was established.

1984

Chemical People Task Force was established.

1986

First Teen Institute retreat was conducted at Minnowbrook.

1989

OCA was nominated by the NYS Division of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse for national award recognizing “its comprehensive approach to prevention…”

1989

24-hour hotline was established.

1990

OCA became OCAA, Onondaga Council on Alcoholism/Addictions, Inc. to be inclusive of all addictions.

1991

OCAA began its support of the Eckerd Drug Quiz Show.

1993

P.O.W.E.R. Drug/Alcohol Education Program was initiated at Jamesville Correctional Facility.

1998

Helped organize community for September “National Recovery Month.”

Became lead sponsor of the Parent-to-Parent Program.

Developed an educational component to the Victim’s Impact Panel.

OCAA accepted “Prevention Network” as the new “doing business as” name, to more accurately reflect their scope of services.

Developed 1st Home Studies program for prevention & treatment credentialing.

2000

Moved to 1050 West Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.

Initiated electronic system of intranet, internet, file server and file sharing for staff efficiency.

Established Great Kids have Great Role Models summer parks program.

AmeriCorps training contract established for participants entering treatment field.

2001

MATRIX replaced P.O.W.E.R. at Jamesville Correctional Facility.

Reality Check program started to address big tobacco targeting youth.

Assessment and Referral services began targeting TANF applicants at DSS.

Gambling Information & Counseling began providing Onondaga County services out of our offices.

2002

Website preventionnetworkcny.org launched.

OASAS credentialing training contract established with Cicatelli.

Lost MATRIX, with demonstrated reduction in recidivism rate, to county budget cuts.

2003

Sisters Talking to Sisters launched to support area women.

Guiding Good Choices program offered as a parent training.

2004

Active link for addiction services on Onondaga County Department of Mental Health “Network of Care.”