Mountain Plains PTTC

Description:   Prevention is an essential part of the continuum in addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people, but it can be a challenge to define and implement. Understanding the robust and trusted field of prevention science can help guide our planning and efforts to make a tremendous impact, especially when working towards suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention outcomes simultaneously. Participants will be introduced to evidence-based guiding principles in prevention, hear examples of effective community implementation, and learn how to collaborate for greater success.   Objectives: Defining proactive vs. reactive prevention. Focusing on shared risk and protective factors is the 'nexus' to produce shared substance misuse and suicide prevention outcomes. Implementation of effective prevention is guided by collaborative evidence-based frameworks, strategies, and policies.

Why Prevention Matters: Applying Prevention Science to Practice Carolina Corrales, Ph.D. Learning Objectives: Describe substance use prevalence Discuss risk and protective factors for substance use Provide the impact of substance use and reasons for prevention science

3-Part Webinar Series: An Update on Adolescent Vaping Prevention: Prevalence, Adverse Behavioral Health Effects, and Prevention Practices Series Information    Part 3: Vaping Prevention and Interventions in Schools March 5, 2024   Presented by: Aaron Fischer, Ph.D., Professor, Region 8 PTTC Evaluator, University of Utah   The presenter will review challenges facing schools as well as provide an overview of existing interventions for schools. The presenter will also provide an overview of current research regarding vaping interventions in school settings. After this webinar, participants will be able to: - Develop effective strategies for resisting peer pressure and making informed choices: Participants will learn practical techniques for resisting peer pressure to vape, including assertive communication, refusal skills, and identifying supportive peer groups. They will also gain insight into the importance of making informed decisions about their health and well-being. - Explore comprehensive school-based prevention approaches: Participants will explore the components of comprehensive school-based prevention programs aimed at addressing vaping among students. This includes understanding the role of education, policy development, enforcement, and community involvement in creating a supportive environment that discourages vaping. - Identify resources and support systems available for vaping prevention: Participants will become familiar with resources and support systems available within their school and community to prevent vaping. This includes school counselors, health educators, cessation programs, and peer support groups. They will learn how to access these resources and utilize them effectively to promote a vape-free environment.   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK 

3-Part Webinar Series: An Update on Adolescent Vaping Prevention: Prevalence, Adverse Behavioral Health Effects, and Prevention Practices Series Information    Part 2: Vaping and Adolescent Behavioral Health: Understanding the Relationship Between the Two February 27, 2024   Presented by: Dr. Michael Chaiton, Senior Scientist, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Institute for Mental Health Policy Research; Director of Research, Ontario Tobacco Research Unit; Associate Professor affiliated with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Toronto.   The presenter will explore the evidence behind the relationship between nicotine and behavioral health. Nicotine use is strongly correlated with behavioral health conditions such as depression, among both adults and adolescents. Participants will gain an understanding of the link between vaping and adolescent behavioral health. After this webinar, participants will be able to: Understand the relationship between nicotine (including vaping) and adolescent behavioral health Identify the reasons why individuals with mental health conditions have higher rates of nicotine smoking (nicotine as self-medication, nicotine as cause of mental health issues, or whether there is a social common cause) Understand that quitting nicotine or preventing its initiation can improve mental health in adolescents   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK