Substance misuse prevention problems are adaptive challenges – that is, complex and evolving problems that require multifaceted and dynamic solutions. While the focus addressing substance misuse prevention problems is essential, it is by identifying and working through the risk and protective factors that influence those problems that prevention practitioners can most effectively bring about positive change. But, what are these factors and how do we leverage them to strengthen our prevention efforts? Join us for this interactive, three-part webinar series to explore everything you ever needed to know about risk and protective factors.

Session two, Shared Risk and Protective Factors, will make the case for prioritizing shared risk and protective factors, or factors that affect outcomes across multiple issues or behaviors, and will highlight examples of substance misuse-related factors that also influence other behavioral health issue areas across various contexts.

Learning Objectives Session 2:

• Define risk and protective factors shared across multiple behavioral health outcomes
• Describe the benefits of prioritizing shared risk and protective factors to address in a community’s prevention plan
• List examples of shared risk and protective factors among substance misuse and other behavioral health issues

Jana Boocock, MSW, CPS, is senior prevention specialist with Education Development Center.  She is an experienced trainer with expertise in behavioral health and wellness, suicide prevention, and substance misuse prevention. In addition managing state- and community-led prevention initiatives, she has supported youth and adults experiencing behavioral health issues within the community.

Rebecca Bishop, MSW, is a Director with Education Development Center. She is an experienced leader specializing in initiatives to improve the health, mental health, and well-being of youth and high-risk populations. She brings expertise in mental health promotion, health equity, cultural and linguistic responsiveness, instructional design, community mobilization, and violence prevention and intervention.