The Join Together Policy Panel on Preventing Substance Abuse has formulated six recommendations that can facilitate community efforts to prevent substance abuse. These recommendations are directed to federal, state, and local policymakers and the communities they serve. The recommendations are: (1) federal, state, and local policies should encourage communities to engage in comprehensive strategic substance abuse prevention planning supported by long-term commitment; (2) public officials and community coalitions should encourage the incorporation of prevention principles into ongoing programs and initiatives, and parents and other citizens should receive support for their own prevention efforts; (3) federal, state, and local policies should be established to prevent, identify, and reduce violence and traumatic injury associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol; (4) federal, state, and local policies should be reviewed to ensure that illegal access to alcohol and tobacco is eliminated; (5) federal and state government should improve their efforts to collect and disseminate timely, culturally sensitive public and scientific information; and (6) the emphasis on accountability and evaluation should be increased at every level. The rationale for each recommendation is outlined, and specific policies in support of the recommendation are suggested. (SLD)