Acknowledgments

This is the first guideline in the series, Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS), sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). Inasmuch as the quality of this work is predicated on the program that generated it, we wish to acknowledge not only the contributions of those who created this document, but also the extraordinary efforts of people who helped develop the PEPS program.

When we conceptualized PEPS, no models of evidence-based guidelines for behavioral interventions existed. We, therefore, had to develop the concept, structure, and operations of the program, harvesting the expertise of agencies such as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, and others. However, once the basic program concept was solidified, the PEPS Planning Group became more than an equal partner in its development. The leadership of Richard Clayton, as chair of the Planning Group, and Robin Room and Ralph Hingson, who graciously took on the role of cochairs when needed, was indispensable, as were the contributions of Lois McBride, assisted by Suzanne Boland, of Birch & Davis Associates, Inc.

During the past 3 years, which were critical in testing our operational model, other Birch & Davis team members made valuable contributions as well. Mary Davis and Mim Landry contributed both to the PEPS program as well as the guidelines. Jennie Heard and, later, Chip Moore patiently edited the document through its many inevitable drafts and changing perspectives.

All through the challenging period of program development, the leadership and guidance of Gale Held were sagacious, supportive, and immensely useful. With the reorganization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the change in leadership at CSAP, the support of Ruth Sanchez-Way, the new Division of State and Community Systems Development Director, has been equally indispensable.

The Expert Panel assumed major responsibility for refining the prospectus of this guideline and guiding the staff in its development. Tony Biglan, Richard Clayton, Renato Espinoza, Ellen Feighery, Marilyn Massey, and James Neal, as a subgroup of the Expert Panel, made sense of all the research and practice evidence and crafted recommendations and lessons for the field.

Several Federal Departments and Agencies participated through the Federal Resource Panel. CSAP acknowledges their contribution with gratitude. The special efforts of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health, and the Food and Drug Administration in reviewing the document are greatly appreciated.

CSAP also gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the scores of professionals in the States' offices of substance abuse and tobacco control. Their reviews and comments should greatly enhance the potential utility of the guideline and its related documents.

Prakash L. Grover Ph.D., M.P.H.
PEPS Program Director
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention