Description
Ways of dealing with bereavement and grief are influenced by the norms of one’s cultural identity. In our current environment, many have experienced loss resulting from various circumstances that can include migration related impacts, natural disasters, conflict, persecution, family separation, etc. These challenges fall under what is considered Cultural Bereavement,’ and can increase stress and further place people at risk for substance use and traumatic experiences, in particular during grief and adjustment periods.
This interactive training will use a cultural lens to explore the intersects of grief and trauma and other impacting factors prevalent among communities of color, including immigrants and refugees, and how it can underscore substance use. Content will review how culturally conducive, trauma informed approaches are appropriate for rapport building, screening and care interactions with racial and ethnic communities struggling with substance use associated with grief, trauma, and stress.

Trainer
Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.

Credits
This training meets the requirements for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity - please check with your accrediting agency.