PARTNERS IN PREVENTION PROJECT (PIPP)
What is PIPP?

Overview: Under the Partners in Prevention Project (PIPP), which is funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), we use the Strategic Prevention Framework process and evidence-based prevention strategies to successfully decrease alcohol misuse and abuse in Georgia among refugee/immigrant/migrant (RIM) young adults, ages 18-25. We have also expanded our efforts beyond alcohol prevention to address marijuana use and vaping.
Our primary goals:
- Reduce binge & heavy drinking among 18–25-year-olds from RIM backgrounds
- Reduce marijuana use among 18–25-year-olds from RIM backgrounds
- Reducing nicotine vaping among 18–25-year-olds from RIM backgrounds
In order to reduce alcohol misuse, marijuana use, and vaping in this population, we use the Strategies and Prevention Framework to:
- Assess Needs
- Build Capacity
- Plan
- Implement
- Evaluate
In addition to following these steps, we have two guiding principles:
- Cultural Competence: The ability to effectively interact with members of diverse populations.
- Sustainability: The process of achieving and maintaining long-term results.
Dates: 10/1/23-9/30/25
Funding: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Leadership Team: Ashli Owen-Smith; Lucy Popova; Amy Nyman; Val Paralitici; Mary Helen O’Connor
Resources:
Helpful Information for parents of young adults on nicotine vaping, alcohol, and marijuana – available in:
Cutting back or quitting can be tough, but you are tougher. The resources below can help!
Click each tab to learn more.
Vaping Resources/Tools:
- Truth: https://www.thetruth.com/quit
- Easy-to-understand information, resources, and no judgement (Quitting vaping 101)
- Smokefree.gov: https://teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping
- American Lung Association: https://notforme.org/
- An interactive 8-week program to help teens stop vaping, smoking or chewing tobacco products
- Work with a free Quit Coach: Call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-877-270-7867).
- Talk to a real person on the phone to get help quitting.
- Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use the SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help.
Alcohol Resources/Tools:
- Alcoholics Anonymous: https://atlantaaa.org
- Find a local chapter of a national organization where individuals can share their experiences and receive support regarding issues related to alcohol dependence/abuse
- SMART Recovery: https://smartrecovery.org/
- An evidence-based approach for individuals struggling with addictive and problematic behaviors. Includes links to free in-person and virtual support group meetings, instructions for using a mobile app to easily access SMART meetings, tools, and help
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health
- Helpful information about the effects of alcohol on health, and links to getting help.
- Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use the SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help.
Marijuana Resources/Tools:
- Marijuana Anonymous: https://marijuana-anonymous.org/, 1-800-766-677
- Find a local chapter of a national organization where individuals can share their experiences and receive support regarding issues related to alcohol dependence/abuse
- Marijuana Addiction Hotline: https://www.drugrehab.com/
- Partnership to End Addiction: Call 1-855-378-4373 to schedule a call time with a specialist or visit drugfree.org
- Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U), or use the SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator to get help.