School-based services

The Student Assistance Prevention and Intervention Program (SAPISP) is a comprehensive and integrated model of school-based services that focuses on substance use prevention and other student supports in secondary schools. This program is the school-based services arm of Health Care Authority's two-pronged Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI) which provides community-led substance use disorder prevention programs and strategies through school-based services and community coalitions across the state in communities with higher need.

SAPISP supports the placement of trained student assistance professionals (SAPs) in middle and high schools. SAPs provide multi-tiered services including schoolwide universal prevention strategies, classroom education, support groups for at-risk youth including selective and indicated populations, youth prevention clubs, early identification and referral to services such as treatment and family support services, as well as other services for parents, caregivers, and school staff. Student assistance professionals also work closely with CPWI community coalition coordinators to ensure that strategies implemented at the community level compliment those strategies implemented at the school level, and vice versa. Currently, SAPISP provides services in about 150 schools located in 100 different communities across the state.

SAPISP undergoes annual program evaluation. Results over time consistently show that students who participate in intervention services increase their understanding of the risk of using substances and reduce or delay the onset of their use.

Percent 30 Day Use of More Common Substances at Baseline and Post by Year, 2013-2014 to 2021-2022

Source: SAPISP Annual Report School Year 2021-2022