In public health evaluation, it is common to translate program outcomes into cost-effectiveness metrics. The goal is not to place a value on human life, but rather to illustrate how relatively modest investments in prevention can generate substantial, life-saving impact.

Consider a naloxone distribution program.

Imagine a program distributes 10,000 naloxone kits in a year. To make the math simple, assume each kit costs $50. That means the direct supply cost is:

Youth substance use is a complex and evolving issue that presents significant challenges for communities across the United States. In Charlotte, NC, the Center for Prevention Services (CPS) has been at the forefront of addressing this issue through data-driven approaches. 

One of their most powerful tools has been the Youth Drug Survey (YDS), a survey tool for understanding substance use patterns among youth and shaping prevention strategies. This blog post shares CPS’s experience in designing and refining the YDS offers valuable lessons for creating effective youth substance use surveys.