About Us

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) established eleven Prevention Resource Centers across the state of Texas in 1997, each serving specified counties in their perspective regions.

Region 4 Prevention Resource Center (PRC4) serves 23 counties in East Texas by:

  • Providing an up-to-date website on ATOD (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) issues, upcoming professional training and links to other useful prevention websites.
  • Listing ATOD events via local mass media.
  • Providing education, training and presentations on ATOD issues.
  • Providing information booths for local health fairs and other community events.
  • Serving as a clearinghouse for printed materials related to ATOD. Information is provided at little or no cost. Requests for large quantities must allow for two or more weeks for delivery.
  • Working in conjunction with other regional and state prevention providers to coordinate prevention activities of all types.
  • Coordinating efforts with prevention professionals, local businesses, volunteers, community leaders, teachers, school counselors, administrators, children and adolescents, parents and families, communities-at-large and local news media.
  • Providing an extensive video library on a variety of prevention topics which is available for viewing and/or check-out. Our videos cover a wide variety of topics related to ATOD issues, parenting, communication skills, health issues, and many others. Check-out length is limited to 2 weeks.

Minors and Tobacco Strategy

The PRC4 works with tobacco retail outlets throughout Northeast Texas as part of the Minors and Tobacco strategy. The primary goal of this strategy is to end the availability of tobacco products to minors.

This involves a two-fold approach:

  • The PRC4 conducts voluntary tobacco retailer visits to provide information related to the laws and state requirements on checking identification and placement of state approved signs.
  • The PRC4 provides training and education presentations covering the dangers related to tobacco use and the state laws and regulations related to the sale of tobacco.

All presentations are open to retailers, parents, youths, teachers, and other interested community members. Please call to schedule a presentation or for more information.

1.800.PRC.TEXX (1.800.772.8399) or 903.753.7633