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Great Lakes PTTC

University of Wisconsin–Madison
1513 University Avenue
Madison,
WI
53706
HHS Region 5
IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
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The Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (Great Lakes PTTC) is located at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS).

We are funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide evidence-based technical assistance, training, and resources addressing the needs of prevention professionals/pre-professionals, organizations, coalitions, and others in the prevention workforce in Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 5:  Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Our partner in this project is Educational Development Center (EDC), a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity.

We work closely with the Great Lakes ATTC and the Great Lakes MHTTC, both of which are also based out of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, CHESS.

Recent News

From the Great Lakes PTTC
Jan. 12, 2024
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Office on Women’s Health (OWH) is seeking innovative ways to address human trafficking prevention among women and girls in the United States through the  HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls. The goal of this national competition is to identify and award existing […]
Dec. 08, 2023
Preventionists working in HHS Region 5 (MN, MI, IL, IN, OH, WI) are encouraged to apply for the NIATx Change Leader Academy for Prevention Practitioners!   The NIATx Change Leader Academy (CLA) for Prevention Practitioners is a highly interactive 4-part training series that teaches individuals how to facilitate change using the tools and philosophies of […]
Dec. 04, 2023
This infographic, Prevention and the Basics of Social Media Management, was created to help guide substance misuse prevention professionals in using social media to maximize their prevention efforts. Visit the Great Lakes PTTC product page to download this valuable resource and learn about the basics of social media management, including definitions, tools, and tips to help […]

Upcoming Events

Hosted by the Great Lakes PTTC
Webinar/Virtual Training
The college years are a time when students may experiment with drugs for the first time. This is why college is the ideal setting to implement substance misuse prevention strategies. This webinar will include an overview of current drug use rates among college students; a strategic planning guide for preventing drug misuse among college students; successes and challenges experienced by colleges and universities applying the Strategic Prevention Framework; a real-world profile of a university’s experience implementing substance misuse prevention strategies; and tools for professionals working to prevent drug misuse among college students.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe the current drug use rates among college students Describe successes and challenges in applying the Strategic Prevention Framework to preventing drug use and misuse among college students Leverage tools for professionals working to prevent drug misuse among college students   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTERS:  Richard Lucey Rich Lucey has more than three decades of experience at the state and federal government levels working to prevent alcohol and drug use and misuse among youth and young adults, especially college students. He currently serves as a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. Rich plans and executes educational and public information programs, evaluates program goals and outcomes, and serves as an advisor to the Section Chief and other DEA officials on drug misuse prevention and education programs. Rich formerly served as special assistant to the director for the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and worked as an education program specialist in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Erin Ficker  Erin Ficker, MPAff, CPRS, serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) For over 18 years, she has built the capacity of clients to perform prevention work effectively using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She has in-depth knowledge and training experience in the SPF process, including specific work in evaluation, sustainability, assessment, and working with diverse populations. She provides services to a wide range of prevention and behavioral health specialists.is an expert in substance misuse prevention, an accomplished training and technical assistance (T/TA) provider, and a certified senior prevention specialist. She brings extensive expertise in supporting, designing, and delivering engaging professional learning, and providing comprehensive T/TA for states and community-level prevention professionals. Jenny Damask Jenny Damask has worked in college student health and AOD prevention for 18 years, currently at the University of Wisconsin. In her role she helps campus partners strategize and evaluate changes to systems, policies, and environments. She has a brilliant grasp of the public health approach to preventing issues with alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and hazing. She developed several successful educational programs and promotional campaigns involving social norms clarification and bystander intervention. Jenny holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in Human Services, a MS in College Student Personnel Administration from the University of Central Missouri, and an Ed.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Webinar/Virtual Training
This training of trainers will provide experienced substance misuse prevention trainers with the information necessary to facilitate the in-person Advanced Ethics in Prevention (AEiP) curriculum. The AEiP course is a one-day, in-person training that offers experienced prevention professionals an in-depth exploration of the role of ethics in substance misuse prevention work. The course includes a brief overview of basic ethical concepts and then explores some of the pertinent issues in prevention ethics, including the use of social media, dual relationships, and organizational policy. It also provides expanded opportunities to apply a decision-making model to challenge ethical issues. Participants must meet the following criteria to be considered for this course: Successfully completed a Foundation in Prevention Ethics Training of Trainers course At least three years of experience in the substance misuse prevention field Strong training and facilitation skills Work in the Great Lakes region (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI) Ability to attend all of the Zoom sessions on camera and with a working microphone. Participants are asked to not “Zoom and drive.” Committed to conducting at least one Advanced Ethics in Prevention course within the next year in conjunction with their state office, state training/TA provider, or independently HOW TO APPLY: If you meet the above participant eligibility criteria and are interested in being considered as a participant, please click the “REGISTER” button on this page to complete the application no later than July 15, 2024.   DATES AND TIMES:  Tuesday, August 20 - 10:00 AM CT-3:00 PM CT Wednesday, August 21 - 10:00 AM CT-3:00 PM CT Friday, August 23 - 10:00 AM CT-3:00 PM CT Participants who complete this training will receive a certificate of participation for 12 hours. No partial credit is given for this course. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: A clear understanding of the content of the curriculum Practice delivering portions of the curriculum The opportunity to ask master trainers for clarifications about the content and delivery of the curriculum.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTERS:  Marissa Carlson, MS, CPS Marissa is the Executive Director of the NH Teen Institute, a leadership development nonprofit working with middle & high school students from around NH & New England in a variety of areas including substance misuse prevention, peer mentoring, and creating positive school & community climate.   As part of her role at TI, she oversees and facilitates training for youth participants, youth & adult volunteer program staff, and outside behavioral health and education professionals.  She is a trainer for multiple workshops developed through SAMHSA systems, and is a member of the advisory council of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC).  In addition, she is the President of the Prevention Certification Board of NH, serves on the IC&RC board of directors, and serves as the chairperson of the IC&RC Credentialing Committee.  Outside of her prevention work, Marissa is a founding member of Mill City Productions, a theatre company in Western Massachusetts.  She graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Psychology, received an MS in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University, and has been a Certified Prevention Specialist since 2011. Nicole Luciani, MA, ICPS, CLSSGB, CKM Nicole has been in the field for over 15 years and her passion for prevention is still going strong! Currently, she serves in a Public Health Advisor role at the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention where her work supports the flow of knowledge and professional development for SAMHSA/CSAP staff members. Her previous work revolved around supporting substance use prevention/treatment/recovery grantees and coalitions in their program management, technical assistance, and training needs. Nicole has previously helped revise/develop/deliver several national prevention curricula, like the virtual training-of-trainers for Advanced Ethics in Prevention. Nicole holds certifications as a Prevention Specialist, Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt, Knowledge Manager, and Prosci certified Change Practitioner. She has a BA in Neuroscience and Sociology from Trinity University and an MA in Human and Health Services Administration from the University of Oklahoma.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Webinar/Virtual Training
During this 3-hour, interactive training, participants will learn effective group facilitation skills to use during their substance misuse prevention work. Participants will learn how to identify the stages of group development, along with practical communication skills. Time will be spent learning a preventionist’s role in group decision-making, as well as learning to apply interventions during activities in prevention settings. Participants must be on camera with a working microphone in order to receive a certificate of participation for this training. This training will not be available as a recording.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After completion of the training, participants will be able to: Define facilitation in prevention settings Identify the stages of group development Understand practical communication skills while learning a preventionist’s role in group decision-making Apply interventions during activities in prevention settings Describe a five-step structured experience process Recognize facilitation techniques to engage and manage participation Identify appropriate strategies to manage training groups and meetings   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER:  Tasha Wilkerson, MAT TashaWilkerson holds an MA in Training and Instructional Design and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Preventionist with over 26 years as a professional trainer and community activists. Tasha has a broad knowledge of organizing, coalition building, and staff capacity building. Tasha has focused her efforts on strategic planning and community capacity building for many years, spending many hours working with adults and faith leaders to help build a safer community.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Products & Resources

Developed by the Great Lakes PTTC
Documents
Access free, self-paced online courses through HealtheKnowledge to enhance your substance misuse prevention knowledge and skills.  Upon finishing these courses, participants receive certificates of completion.  Also available are drug fact sheets for reference.  
Multimedia
According to the U.S. Attorney General, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” This 90-minute webinar will explore the concept of social connectedness and its impact on our individual and community health. We will also explore what role we have as substance misuse prevention professionals to address the issue of social connectedness.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define social connectedness. List at least three impacts of a lack of social connectedness and loneliness. Identify the risk and protective factors for substance misuse that are impacted by social connectedness Name at least three actions that prevention professionals can take to increase social connectedness.   PRESENTERS:  Erin Ficker  Erin Ficker serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC. For more than 16 years, Erin has worked in substance abuse prevention supporting communities to use evidence-based strategies and data-driven processes in substance abuse prevention planning and implementation.  She works with community level prevention practitioners and schools in the development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of prevention interventions. Kris Gabrielsen Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years, has a Master of Public Health degree, and is a Certified Prevention Specialist. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Multimedia
  This 90-minute webinar that will provide peer recovery specialists with an introduction to the field of substance misuse prevention. In this interactive session, we will demystify what primary prevention is and is not, introduce the Strategic Prevention Framework, and uncover evidence-based strategies that have proven effective for primary prevention, while debunking those that fall short. This training was created for peer recovery specialists who would like to make a difference in the primary prevention field.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define primary prevention Explain the 5 steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework Understand how risk and protective factors impact individuals and communities Identify evidence-based approaches that can be used to prevent substance misuse in communities   PRESENTERS:  Kris Gabrielsen, MPH, CPS Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years, has a Master of Public Health degree, and is a Certified Prevention Specialist. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   Kris Kelly, PRS Kris Kelly is a Project Manager at the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence, leading the RCO capacity-building team through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over a decade of experience in the in the recovery field, Kris has worked with a wide variety of systems and settings designing and implementing strategies to empower people with lived experience to lead the process in systems change, integrate peer services, and develop recovery-oriented practices. Prior to joining UW, Kris was a director of a Minnesota RCO where she facilitated Recovery Coach training, supervised peer programing, and supported Minnesota’s efforts to grow the Peer Recovery Specialist workforce. She has a passion for holistic wellness in her own recovery journey and has dedicated her personal and professional life to ensuring those who struggle have the opportunity to get well without judgement, without having to jump through countless hoops, and with choice and dignity throughout the process.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
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