What does Stage 9, Professionalism/High Level of Community Ownership, emphasize?

Stage 9, Professionalism/High Level of Community Ownership, emphasizes the importance of regular data collection to inform planning. This stage focuses on creating a sustainable and effective approach to prevention by ensuring that decisions and strategies are based on current and relevant information. By using systematic data collection, practitioners can assess community needs, measure the effectiveness of interventions, and make evidence-based decisions that promote greater community engagement and ownership of the prevention efforts.

This process helps to build a strong foundation for ongoing community collaboration and buy-in, ensuring that prevention strategies are responsive to the community's changing needs. It fosters a sense of accountability and empowers community members to take an active role in sustaining prevention initiatives.