The Virtual SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) blends a pre-requisite, self-paced online course with a combination of live, interactive sessions conducted over video conferencing and individual homework assignments completed before and between the live sessions. Grounded in current research and SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), the Virtual SAPST provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that improve substance-related outcomes, reduce behavioral health disparities, and improve wellness.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

To apply to participate in the SAPST:

• Pre-requisite Learning: Complete the free, self-paced online course Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics.
• How to Apply: Complete and submit the online application for this course by clicking the “REGISTER” button above. Please have your certificate of completion for the Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention course available – you will be asked to upload it during the application process.
• Course Capacity: 40 participants (must work in Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI)
• Review Process: Applications are reviewed on a first come, first-serve basis for applicants who meet the required criteria.
• Deadline: Applications will close when the course is filled.

DATES:

January 6, 9, 13, and 16 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ET

(Participants must work in substance misuse prevention in the Great Lakes Region - IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The Virtual SAPST includes the following topic areas:

• Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (self-paced, online)
  • Basic terminology and facts
  • History of substance use and prevention in the U.S.
  • Addiction and the brain
  • Effects and health risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
• Setting the Foundation: From Theory to Practice (live video-conference sessions and homework activities)
  • Behavioral health
  • Institute of Medicine’s/National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Continuum of Care
  • Public health approach
  • Risk and protective factors
  • Developmental perspective
• Application: SAMHSA’s SPF (live video-conference sessions and homework activities)
  • Assessment, capacity, planning, implementation, and evaluation
  • Cultural competence, sustainability

AUDIENCE:

The SAPST is designed for:

• Entry-level (less than five years) substance misuse prevention administrators and practitioners
• Members of substance misuse prevention community coalitions
• Professionals working in fields related to substance misuse prevention
• Training and technical assistance providers supporting those in the substance misuse prevention workforce and broader community

Please note that due to the high demand for the SAPST, we will only accept applications from those who are substance misuse prevention practitioners located in HHS Region 5 (Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin).

PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS:

• Complete the self-paced online course, Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics and submit the online application.
• Participate in all 4 virtual sessions of training on January 6, 9, 13, and 16 from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM CT.
• Complete and submit homework assignments between each training session via a Google form. (approx. 2 hours of homework will be assigned each session)
• Have the appropriate technology and work environment available to join the Zoom training sessions.
• Actively engage during training sessions using both camera and microphone — participants must be on camera at least 90% of the time.

PRESENTERS: 

Albert Gay, MS 

Albert Gay has many years of experience in community work. Albert began as a youth pastor in a local church in Gary, Indiana. Since that time, he has continued to influence communities with prevention services through his various roles at youth servicing agencies, nonprofits, and coalitions. Albert Gay is a consultant with both private and governmental agencies. As a national trainer in substance use prevention, Albert has trained the behavioral health workforce, the United States military, diverse population groups and community coalitions in the public health approach to drug reduction. He recently worked as an Education/Training Specialist and Research Associate with Indiana University’s Prevention Insights within the School of Public Health.  In that position, he coordinated substance misuse and HIV prevention strategies and trainings. Currently, Albert is president of Albert Gay Incorporated and a managing partner and master trainer for SheRay’s and Associates, LLC, and TTJ Group, LLC. In these roles, Albert provides services to non-profit, faith-based, and community organizations and governmental entities in developing and implementing technical assistance and training services in innovative and practical ways. Locally, Albert has leadership roles in coalitions that serve the city of Gary and the Northwest Indiana region. Besides prevention, his other areas of interest include faith-based initiatives, mental health promotion, societal and health disparities, cultural competence, historical trauma, and strategic planning.

Albert Gay obtained his BA in English Arts from the historically distinguished, Hampton University in Virginia, and he obtained his Master of Science in Management from Oakland City University in Indiana. He received ministry training from Christian International’s Ministry Training College in Florida.

Marissa Carlson, MS, CPS

Marissa Carlson 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.

CERTIFICATES:

• Participants that fully attend all sessions and satisfy all course requirements will receive a certificate of attendance for 22 contact hours.
• No partial credit will be given for this course.
• Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these contract hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Kris Gabrielsen, Great Lakes PTTC Co-Director, [email protected]. 

The Great Lakes 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.