Making prevention accessible: How the RADAR Center supports Idaho communities

For educators, counselors, social workers and prevention professionals across Idaho, access to credible, practical substance use prevention resources can make a meaningful difference in their work. At Boise State, the Idaho Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource Center, known as the RADAR Center, plays a key role in bridging that gap.

The center's mission is to provide free materials and resources to support prevention, education, treatment and recovery related to substance use disorders statewide. It serves a wide range of community partners, including teachers, counselors, social workers, law enforcement, treatment providers, hospitals, health districts and prevention professionals.

"We source up to date information and make it accessible to people who are doing this work in their communities," said Leah Kalk, director of the RADAR Center. "That might look like prevention curriculum for schools, facilitator guides, videos, discussion questions or activity ideas that help people have informed conversations about substance use."

RADAR offers two primary types of resources: free print materials that individuals can order, keep and distribute, and a lending library of curricula and educational tools that can be borrowed and returned.

One standout example of a print resource comes from an unexpected source. Sesame Street created a character named Karli whose parent struggles with addiction. The accompanying workbook, "Karli and Me: Activities for Children Coping with Parental Addiction," is available through RADAR in English and Spanish. Community members can order multiple copies, depending on stock levels, to share with families, classrooms or organizations.

In contrast, the lending library includes prevention curricula, facilitator guides, documentaries and structured programs such as "Teen Intervene," a research based intervention for youth experiencing mild to moderate substance use issues. These materials are designed to be checked out and returned, expanding access across the state.

The lending library is available to Idaho residents age 18 and older. While public hours are currently limited to Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chrisway Annex, all print materials can be ordered online for statewide shipping.

RADAR also supports Boise State students and faculty through class visits, tours and library orientations that introduce future professionals to prevention tools they may use in practice. Students frequently incorporate RADAR resources into research projects, internships and service learning.

Beyond campus, RADAR materials are distributed at community events across Idaho, including Suicide Prevention Month activities, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, National Night Out and the Idaho Conference for Alcohol and Drug Dependency.

"There's something different about people being able to hold a pamphlet, look through a curriculum or take something home to read at their own pace," Kalk said. "Those materials invite reflection and conversation in ways a quick internet search doesn't always do."

RADAR receives funding through the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services Block Grant administered by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy. Despite budget reductions, the center continues to expand its reach through partnerships and education efforts.

"For many people, the most meaningful moment is realizing these resources are free," Kalk said. "Seeing how relieved and excited people are to have support reminds us why this work matters."

Access the lending library and free print materials by visiting the RADAR Center website.

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