About Ulster Prevention Council

Ulster Prevention Council (UPC) is a community-based organization working to prevent substance use and support healthier futures for youth and families across Ulster County, New York. Through education, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies, UPC helps individuals and communities make informed, confident choices.

Where It Started

Ulster Prevention Council began in 2006 as the Ulster Prevention Project, created in response to a growing need for youth-focused substance use prevention in Ulster County. At the time, the county faced some of the highest rates in New York State, with limited access to coordinated, evidence-based prevention programming.

Led by the Ulster County Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP) Board and supported by the Ulster County Legislature, the initiative was funded through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Its goal was simple but urgent: bring proven prevention strategies into communities that needed them most.

In 2010, the Ulster Prevention Project evolved into what is now known as Ulster Prevention Council—expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and becoming a central resource for prevention efforts across the county.

Growing to Meet the Community

As the needs of the community grew, so did UPC. In 2018, the organization moved into a larger, more accessible space, allowing it to expand its role as a training and resource hub for Ulster County.

Today, UPC provides workshops, cross-training, and technical assistance to schools, service providers, healthcare professionals, and community groups. While the organization maintains a central location, much of its work continues to happen directly in the community—meeting people where they are, when they need it most.

Our Mission

Ulster Prevention Council works to prevent substance use among youth and families in Ulster County by delivering education, resources, and support rooted in evidence-based practices.

Through programs like the Mendez Foundation’s Too Good for Drugs, UPC helps young people build confidence, develop decision-making skills, and strengthen their ability to navigate challenges without turning to substances.

What That Looks Like in Practice

A Connected Approach to Prevention

Prevention doesn’t happen in isolation. UPC works closely with local coalitions, grassroots organizations, schools, and the recovery community to ensure efforts are aligned, informed, and impactful.

By focusing on collaboration over duplication, UPC helps strengthen the overall network of support available to individuals and families throughout Ulster County.

Guided by Data, Built for Impact

UPC’s work is grounded in data and guided by proven public health frameworks. Programs and initiatives are informed by local and regional insights, including the Ulster County Department of Health’s Community Health Assessment (CHA), the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and the Ulster County Youth Development Survey.

Using the Strategic Prevention Framework, UPC works toward measurable, long-term change—helping to reduce substance use and improve outcomes at the population level.

Part of a Larger Network of Support

Ulster Prevention Council is a program of Family Services, Inc., a Hudson Valley nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families through a wide range of services.

This partnership strengthens UPC’s ability to connect prevention efforts with broader community resources—ensuring individuals and families have access to the support they need, when they need it.

Our Vision

A healthier Ulster County where youth, families, and communities are informed, supported, and empowered to make choices that lead to long-term well-being.

Get Involved in Prevention Efforts

Prevention is a community effort. Whether you’re a parent, educator, community partner, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, there are ways to get involved.