Building upon momentum from the previous year, more than 40 international scientists, policymakers, and community representatives participated in the 2010 International Networking Forum at SPR to share knowledge and information about prevention strategies and interventions involving international collaborations. A major topic this year was planning for the 2011 SPR Annual Meeting, which will focus on international research and promoting global health. The group suggested engaging and reaching out to other global organizations; potential speakers and session topics; and possible training or preconference workshops. Chair Dr. Brenda Miller, Prevention Research Center, Berkeley, announced that the SPR Board of Directors is creating an International Task Force to help involve more international colleagues in Society activities, and the group suggested strategies for communicating with international scientists.
At the initial meeting of the new NIVC International Good Behavior Game (GBG) Network, researchers from Belgium, The Netherlands, and the United States reported dramatically similar results across six randomized trials on the effectiveness of GBG in preventing drug abuse and other adverse outcomes. The intervention, delivered by first-grade teachers, reduced aggressive behavior, tobacco and alcohol initiation, hyperactive and oppositional behavior, conduct disorder, drug and alcohol abuse disorders, antisocial personality disorder, suicide ideation and behavior, and service use for drugs and mental health problems. These positive findings from exposure to GBG were consistent across countries and from childhood through adolescence and into young adulthood. The network, which is co-chaired by Dr. Sheppard Kellam, Johns Hopkins University, and Hendricks Brown, University of Miami, is planning cross-site collaborations and joint dissemination activities focused on the 2011 SPR Annual Meeting and the newly formed European Society for Prevention Research.
Save the Date—2011 SPR Annual Meeting
Abstract Deadline: October 25, 2010
May 31–June 3, 2011
Hyatt Regency Washington
Washington, DC