"Hispanic Alliance for Prevention, a Model of Collaboration and Inclusion in Nassau County."

At a time when polarization and individualistic interests often dominate public discourse, Nassau County is witnessing a model of collaboration and inclusion that has become essential for building the social fabric: the Hispanic Alliance for Prevention (HAP).

Working for the Community

Over the past three years, HAP has established a vital space for coordination, education, and solidarity—actively working to transform the local Hispanic community by offering culturally and socially relevant tools and programs.

A Living Social Movement

Benjamín Coreas, a collaborator with HAP, emphasizes the uniqueness of the initiative:“HAP is not just another coalition; it is a living social movement where all sectors—social, religious, educational, and others—come together without exclusion. Here, our differences become our greatest strength, united under a shared cultural approach and a common mission: to transform the conditions of our community based on the values of solidarity, education, and teamwork,” says Coreas.

A Growing Coalition

HAP was founded in 2022 as the result of a joint effort between YES Community Counseling Center and the Hispanic Counseling Center. Since then, the coalition has grown significantly, adding a wide variety of organizations and key stakeholders to its ranks: school districts, nonprofit organizations, local and state authorities, health insurance companies, churches, and the general civil society—including parents and families.

All work together with one main goal: to prevent substance use-related issues, with a particular focus on Hispanic youth. With over 25 member organizations, HAP continues to be a fundamental pillar in delivering programs and resources to the community.

Impactful Programs

HAP’s work is reflected through impactful programs such as Active Fatherhood and Teen Intervention, as well as educational initiatives on local policies, such as the Nassau County Social Host Law.

Prevention is Good Business

Its most recent campaign, Prevention is Good Business, focuses on recognizing the preventive efforts of local businesses in avoiding alcohol sales to minors, strengthening business awareness around this responsibility. These actions have positioned HAP as a leading organization in prevention within the Hispanic community of Long Island.

Quality and Commitment

“What truly sets HAP apart is not just the number of organizations that make it up, but the quality and commitment of each one,” adds Coreas. “The diversity of resources—educational, economic, immigration-related, and more—that can be found here, and especially the human warmth of all the professionals who work daily in these programs, beyond just doing a job, shows a deep social commitment to their community and a clear awareness of the responsibility that comes with it.”

A Beacon of Hope

The Hispanic Alliance for Prevention thus stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of unity and dedication in building stronger, healthier communities in Nassau County.

Follow us to learn more about our initiatives through our website: www.hapcoalitionny.org, on social media (Instagram: @hapalianza / Facebook: Hispanic Alliance of Prevention), or write to us at hap@yesccc.org.