The Maine Prevention Certification Board (MPCB) seeks to recognize aspiring leaders and/or exemplary Maine prevention professionals within the field.

The Aspiring Leader in Prevention Award recognizes exemplary work in the field of substance use prevention by a professional who is newer to the field  The recipient of this award does not need to be in a formal leadership role but is someone who demonstrates leadership through innovation and deep commitment to the implementation of prevention science to address the substance use challenges in their community.  This individual is a role model to their peers and community and exemplifies dedication, character, compassion, intelligence, and effectiveness in Prevention. This individual has deeply impacted the people they serve and is someone who continues to seek growth opportunities for themselves and their organization.

Prevention is defined as a proactive process which empowers individuals and systems to meet the challenges of life events and transitions by creating and reinforcing healthy behaviors and lifestyles and reducing risks contributing to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug misuse and related behaviors. Prevention focuses on the interventions that occur prior to the onset of a substance use disorder and which are intended to prevent the occurrence of a substance​ use disorder or reduce risk for substance use disorder.