Products and Resources Catalog

In this Issue Enhancing the Collaborative Efforts of Communities to Address Homelessness Epi Corner:Adolescent Health Literacy and Substance Use What's Happening Around the Region? What's New at SAMHSA?

In this Issue Navigating the Green Wave and Protecting Youth in the South Southwest Region Additional Resources on Youth Substance Use Prevention Epi Corner: Implicit Bias and Algorithms Generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Reducing Youth Substance Misuse by Implementing Mental Health initiatives New from SAMHSA Substance Use Prevention Month: Telling the Prevention Story October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intersection of youth mental health and substance misuse. Presenters outline effective strategies and interventions that prevention professionals can implement to improve mental health and reduce substance misuse among youth. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Handout 1 HHA Risk-and Protective Factors Handout 2 NAMI Resource Guides to Support Individuals Handout 3 New Starting the Conversation Guide Handout 4 New Youth MH Disparities Framework Reducing Youth Substance Misuse PPT   PRESENTERS Cindy Rivera Change Consultant, Project Director specializing in early childhood and mental health across the lifespan. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience working at the community level to implement programming to meet identified needs. She worked across communities from Tennessee to American Samoa on issues ranging from community volunteerism to chronic disease prevention. Cindy believes when community members are seen as experts, organizations may begin to support innovative solutions to complex challenges. Cindy holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Mexican American studies from the University of Arizona. She is originally from Arizona, however, has spent the past 9 years zigzagging the country as military spouse. Currently, she resides in Fort Moore, Georgia, but will always call Southern Arizona home. “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”  – Fred Rogers    Since 1996, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sectors. He serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6.   As a veteran's counselor and advocate, Mr. Newby gained experience with the impact of federal programs on communities after working as a special assistant to a member of Congress. He then worked as the Program Coordinator in Arkansas for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center for 15 years, facilitating the education of providers interested in increasing their capacity to provide comprehensive services related to HIV including testing and treatment. In 2017, he was selected for a position with the University of Arkansas Little Rock and served as a Program Coordinator with MidSOUTH Center for Prevention and Training for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.   Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in education.    

COURSE DESCRIPTION As cannabis laws continue to evolve across the country, prevention professionals and community stakeholders are faced with new challenges and opportunities in addressing youth substance use and promoting public health. In this recording, we explore practical strategies and best practices for responding to cannabis legalization at the grassroots level. From community education and policy advocacy to youth prevention programs and enforcement efforts, this training provides valuable insights and actionable steps for effectively addressing the impact of cannabis legalization on their communities.  Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Navigating the Green Wave Presentation_PPT Navigating the Green Wave Resources PRESENTERS Mariah Flynn is a Certified Prevention Specialist who has worked in the substance misuse field in Vermont for 23+ years as a counselor, a case manager, and for the last 16 years as the Director of the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community, a substance misuse prevention coalition serving Burlington, Vermont. She is a founding member of Prevention Works! Vermont, the Chittenden Prevention Network, and the Northwest Regional Prevention Network; statewide and regional efforts to coordinate substance use prevention resources and strategies for the areas, and she serves on the Steering Committee of Prevention Works! VT. Mariah also previously served as the Coordinator of the Tobacco Free College Campus Initiative for the state of Vermont and the Co-Chair of Smart Approaches to Marijuana-Vermont. She completed two Fellowships with the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center to develop a toolkit for Vermont prevention professionals and communities working on cannabis related policy improvement to use to help support prevention and public health at a community level. In addition to spending as much time with her two teenagers as they will let her, Mariah is also passionate about building communities that provide youth and families with the skills and environment that supports healthy choices.    

COURSE DESCRIPTION This training explores innovative approaches and evidence-based strategies for preventing the spread of emerging drugs within communities. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Identifying and Address Emerging Trends in the SSW Region PPT Cannabis Handout PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   Olivia Stuart, LMSW, is a Research Assistant with Carnevale Associates, LLC. She has experience researching, writing, and presenting on a wide variety of topics in the fields of behavioral health and criminal justice. She provides programmatic support and training and technical assistance (TTA) for SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) and the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), wherein she provides expertise in substance use prevention and mental health. Ms. Stuart is also a licensed master social worker in the state of Virginia.

In this Issue National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Additional Resources on Suicide and Substance Use Disorder Epi Corner: Gone Too Soon: Suicide Among Adolescents and Young Adults What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Navigating the Green Wave: Strategies for a Local Response to Cannabis Legalization Webinar: Strategies to Disrupt the Proliferation of Emerging Drugs: A Community Approach New from SAMHSA Preventing Substance Use Among Young Adults with Disabilities National Recovery Month

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intersection of youth mental health and substance misuse. Presenters outline effective strategies and interventions that prevention professionals can implement to improve mental health and reduce substance misuse among youth. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. PPT Reducing youth substance misuse HHS Risk and Protective Factors MHTTC School Mental Health initiative Highlights 2022-2023   PRESENTERS Cindy Rivera Change Consultant, Project Director specializing in early childhood and mental health across the lifespan. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience working at the community level to implement programming to meet identified needs. She worked across communities from Tennessee to American Samoa on issues ranging from community volunteerism to chronic disease prevention. Cindy believes when community members are seen as experts, organizations may begin to support innovative solutions to complex challenges. Cindy holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Mexican American studies from the University of Arizona. She is originally from Arizona, however, has spent the past 9 years zigzagging the country as military spouse. Currently, she resides in Fort Moore, Georgia, but will always call Southern Arizona home. “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”  – Fred Rogers    Since 1996, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sectors. He serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6.   As a veteran's counselor and advocate, Mr. Newby gained experience with the impact of federal programs on communities after working as a special assistant to a member of Congress. He then worked as the Program Coordinator in Arkansas for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center for 15 years, facilitating the education of providers interested in increasing their capacity to provide comprehensive services related to HIV including testing and treatment. In 2017, he was selected for a position with the University of Arkansas Little Rock and served as a Program Coordinator with MidSOUTH Center for Prevention and Training for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.   Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in education.    

In this Issue North Texas Tackles the Fentanyl Crisis with New Documentary National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is August 21 Harm Reduction Resources Epi Corner: Opioid Overdoses in Children and Adolescents What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Reducing Youth Substance Misuse by Implementing Mental Health Initiatives Webinar: Navigating the Green Wave: Strategies for a Local Response to Cannabis Legalization Webinar: Strategies to Disrupt the Proliferation of Emerging Drugs: A Community Approach New From SAMHSA SAMHSA Releases the 2023 National Survey on Drug use and Health (NSDUH) National Mental Wellness Month

In this Issue The Importance of Accessibility: 5 Simple Steps Resources Highlighting Accessibility and Disabilities Epi Corner: Social Network Analysis: A Helpful Tool in the Prevention Toolbox What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Elevate Your Work: Accessibility for Prevention Professionals Webinar: Reducing Youth Substance Misuse by Implementing Mental Health Initiatives New From SAMHSA National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Get Involved with National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - A Toolkit

In this Issue Systems Thinking for Prevention Professionals Epi Corner: Addressing Parental Loss in Children of Overdose Victims What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Elevate Your Work: Accessibility for Prevention Professionals Exciting Updates! HealtheKnowledge Online Learning Platform An Important Announcement from the Blueprints Registry New Products and Resources from the South Southwest PTTC New From SAMHSA

COURSE DESCRIPTION The SSW PTTC region 6 and Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) regions 6 and 7 provides insights about the "Principles for Prevention Professionals Across the Spectrum," formally the continuum of care. In this comprehensive session, participants explore the fundamental principles that guide effective prevention practices across the entire Spectrum.   Select the View Resource button to watch the recording and link to the materials below. Principles for Prevention Professionals across the Spectrum PPT PRESENTERS Sarah Davis, MNM is the associate director for the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center housed within the Center for Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health. The Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center is one of 10 HRSA-designated regional public health training centers. She leads a team that provides high-quality, primarily distance-based training to professionals addressing public health issues throughout PTTC Region VIII. She also supports national workforce development efforts as part of the Public Health Learning Network. Sarah holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management and has spent the past 20 years in the public health field working as a project and team leader, a facilitator and trainer, grant writer and manager. Her background includes program planning and implementation, integrating program and policy initiatives, and working with coalitions. Sarah lives in Denver with her husband, high school daughter, and two dogs. Sean P. Byrne, MED, MCP, ICPS, LMSW, LPC-S is the Senior Training and Technical Assistance Specialist for the University of Oklahoma’s Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center.  He is the owner/CEO of The Byrne Center, a private counseling practice serving individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma issues. He has written and been awarded grants to work with local law enforcement doing critical incident debriefings, training a law enforcement peer support team, and a collaborative mental health/law enforcement response team. Sean is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Master of Social Work, Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist, and EMDR therapist who has been engaged in community and individual change for over 30 years. Sean is the former Co-Chair for the Partnership for a Drug Free Oklahoma and co-founder and past President of the Oklahoma Prevention Policy Alliance, a legislative advocacy group that helped pass numerous laws surrounding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.   Sean has been active in the Oklahoma treatment and prevention systems for his entire career, starting as a Teenline volunteer while in high school and serving as an Executive Director of a regional prevention center for over 20 years. He has a Masters of Secondary Education with an emphasis in Community Mobilization, and a Masters of Counseling Psychology from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and recently completed a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Oklahoma.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION Learn the fundamentals of accessibility, which involves specifically considering the needs of people with disabilities when developing products and services to ensure they benefit everyone. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Accessibility PPT Accessibility Training Handout PRESENTER Rachel Karch "With a background in education spanning over twelve years, I have had the privilege of teaching middle school and high school social studies, as well as art education in Oklahoma public schools. My passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom, as I took on the role of mentoring prospective teachers and educating fellow educators on innovative teaching methodologies through a mentorship program with OU. This is when I learned I loved teaching teachers how to learn. My journey in education evolved as I pursued a Master's degree in Instructional Design at the University of Oklahoma, with a specific emphasis on gamification in the classroom. This academic pursuit opened doors to becoming a Curriculum Developer and later, an Instructional Designer with the Center for Public Management at the University of Oklahoma. Soon after I acquired a position as the Instructional Design Manager and Accessibility Manager at the Southwest Prevention Resource Center."

In this video series, Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain discusses how to use data to swim upstream in an effort to address underlying risk factors. During this series she explores LGBTQ+, rural, and military data sources to help you dive deeper into working with these interest groups. Swimming Upstream with Data Three-Part Series Overview LGBTQ+ Individuals and Communities In the first tutorial, LGBTQ+ Communities: Upstream Data Sources, Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain explores LGBTQ+ data sources to help you delve deeper into working with this population. The data sources cover demographics, equity issues, negative and positive policies, and health outcomes related to LGBTQ+ communities. Download the accompanying handout here: LGBTQ+ Data Resources. Rural Communities In this video tutorial, Rural Communities: Upstream Data Sources, Dr. Triana-Tremain highlights key data sources that can assist you in engaging in upstream prevention related to the rural population. This resource will be valuable as you work with rural communities, enabling you to find and effectively utilize data for your prevention efforts. Download the accompanying handout here: Rural Data Resources. Military Individuals and Families In this tutorial, Military Individuals and Families: Upstream Data Sources, Dr. Triana-Tremain highlights key data sites that can assist you in engaging in upstream prevention. These resources will be valuable as you collaborate with military individuals and families in your communities, enabling you to find and effectively utilize data for your prevention work. Download the accompanying handout here: Military Data Resources.

COURSE DESCRIPTION This training explores strategies for effectively engaging marginalized communities in prevention efforts. Participants gain insights into the unique challenges faced by these communities and learn practical approaches to promote empowerment, inclusivity, and equity in prevention initiatives. Select the View Resource button to watch the recording and link to the materials below.  Mobilizing vulnerable populations PPT Community Mobilization DCP Factsheet PRESENTERS Dr. Earl Nupsius Benjamin-Robinson led the development of Louisiana’s first health equity plan and is thus leading efforts, in LDH, to operationalize health equity protocols and practices agency-wide. Dr. Benjamin-Robinson is a public health practitioner with over 19 years of experience and is adjunct faculty at Xavier University’s Public Health Science Program. Since 2015, he’s been distinguished by the American Psychological Association as a Health Equity Ambassador and is a practitioner-scholar member of the Health Disparities, Education, Awareness Research & Training (HDEART) Health Equity Scholars and is the Co-founder of The BACH Group – a community and behavioral health consulting firm. Dr. Benjamin-Robinson is an alumnus of Loyola University, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, completed post-graduate work at the University Of Mississippi Medical Center & John Hopkins University, and is a Doctor of Health Science graduate from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Health Sciences.           ​

DATA BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths training highlights the SSW PTTC's data brief on the association and complex interplay between social vulnerability and alcohol-related deaths for the South Southwest (SSW) Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) area (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas), shedding light on how social determinants of health intersect with patterns of alcohol misuse and mortality.  Select the Webinar Recording button to watch the video and follow the links below to download the training PowerPoint and the Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths data brief. PowerPoint Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths. PRESENTERS Nicole Schoenborn brings 20 years of award-winning public health experience to the South Southwest Prevention Technology and Transfer Center (SSW PTTC). She currently oversees all evaluation reporting and analysis and manages the evaluation database for the SSW PTTC. She plays a vital role in providing high-impact training and technical assistance (T/TA) services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders. Ms. Schoenborn develops innovative program evaluation so that state and community-level prevention practitioners can achieve successful outcomes. With a specific focus on addressing health disparities, she works with states and tribes to develop processes and programs that achieve long-term public health impact. Specifically, she collaborates with subject matter experts to guide states and tribes in the design of effective logic models, methods, and evaluation plans. Nicole works to create supportive and responsive research environments that interconnect services for historically underserved populations and reduce adverse public health outcomes. Ms. Schoenborn holds multiple certifications, namely, she is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist and an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Interface Certified Instructor. She received her master’s degree in experimental psychology and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.   Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain, co-author of Evaluation Time: A Practical Guide for Evaluation, serves as the epidemiologist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology and Transfer Center Region 6, with over 30 years of experience in technical assistance and training, evaluation, research, and quality improvement processes. She has expertise in process and impact evaluation, quality improvement studies, research methodology, and project management. Dr. Triana-Tremain plays a crucial role in providing high-impact training and technical assistance services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders.  Dr. Triana-Tremain provides training and technical assistance on data-driven public health interventions and effectively communicating data to stakeholders in order to improve understanding in various populations. She has worked across the public and private sector for over 50 organizations to develop quality improvement plans in the areas of workforce development, public health improvement, and community impact. She also has extensive project management experience, particularly developing logic models that focus stakeholders on intentional project outcomes. A certified Lean Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt, Dr. Triana-Tremain received her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University in community health, with a public health concentration. She also has a master’s from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s from Texas A&M University-Commerce.     

DATA BRIEF DESCRIPTION Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths explores the association and complex interplay between social vulnerability and alcohol related deaths for the South Southwest (SSW) Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) area, shedding light on how social determinants of health (SDOH) intersect with patterns of alcohol misuse and mortality. It also identifies potential avenues for targeted intervention and policy development to mitigate the disproportionate impact of alcohol-related deaths on vulnerable communities. Select the Data Brief button to download Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths.

In the aftermath of a tornado, the effects on mental and emotional health can be just as profound as the physical devastation. That's why our team is committed to equipping prevention professionals and their partners with the resources to support the communities they serve when natural disasters strike. We understand that addressing trauma and promoting mental wellness are critical components of a post-disaster response. That's why we, with the help of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) have curated a collection of online resources suitable for individuals across the lifespan; specifically designed to assist in navigating the emotional aftermath of a tornado. Resources to Support Children Parent Guidelines for Helping Children after a Tornado Tips for Parents on Media Coverage of the Tornado Questions to Ask Your Children About the Tornado After the Tornado: Helping Young Children Heal Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after a Tornado Trinka and Sam and the Swirling Twirling Wind—e-book for young children (En Español) Tornado Response for Kids: Right After a Tornado Tornado Response for Teens: Right After a Tornado Helping Youth after a Community Trauma: Tips for Educators(En Español) Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event(En Español) Simple Activities for Children and Adolescents(En Español) The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After a Parent or Caregiver Dies Once I Was Very Very Scared(En Español)  – children’s book for young children Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing(En Español) (for responders)   Psychological First Aid The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. The PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provides a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA handouts include: Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers(En Español) Parent Tips for Helping Preschoolers(En Español) Parent Tips for Helping School-Age Children(En Español) Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents(En Español) Tips for Adults(En Español) Mobile Apps Help Kids Cope PFA Mobile SAMHSA Behavioral Health Disaster Response App Bounce Back Now(En Español) Disaster Helpline SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline—call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.

In this Issue A Focus on Tribal Behavioral Health Providers: The Need to Advocate for the Wellbeing of Generations Epi Corner: Building Resilience in Military Families New! Swimming Upstream with Data: Military Individuals and Families What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths Webinar: Principles for Prevention Professionals Across the Spectrum Free Logic Model Technical Assistance We're hiring: Data Training and Technical Assistance Specialist

In this Issue Evidence-Based Strategies to Decrease Alcohol Consumption Epi Corner: The Value of Systems Thinking in Adolescent Overdose Prevention What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model Technical Assistance Webinar: Mobilizing Marginalized Communities to Prevent Substance Misuse What's New? New Prevention Data Source for Rural Communities

In this Issue Collegiate Network Aims to Reduce Substance Misuse on Arkansas Campuses Epi Corner: Youth in the Juvenile Justice System What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model Technical Assistance Webinar: Mobilizing Marginalized Communities to Prevention Substance Misuse What's New? Using Artificial Intelligence in Prevention

​COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar draws from both historical perspectives and recent events, along with research findings, to unveil the alcohol industry’s role in creating and perpetuating social, economic, and health inequities. Additionally, it examines evidence-based alcohol policies aimed at alleviating inequities and addressing social justice issues. The session is designed for community coalition coordinators and members who are prepared to engage in policy and social change, ultimately transforming the community's relationship with alcohol and those who profit from its production and sale. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and link to the PowerPoint below. Alcohol and Social Justice PPT PRESENTER Dr. Jernigan is best known for his action-research approach to the issue of alcohol advertising, marketing, and promotion and its influence on young people. His work has led to better advertising regulations and a clearer understanding of the evolving structure of the alcohol industry. His work is policy relevant and scientifically rigorous. Dr. Jernigan has been very active in translating research findings into policy and practice. He testifies regularly at city, state, and national levels around alcohol advertising and youth, alcohol availability, and taxation. He also trains advocates around the world using the best evidence.       ​

In this Issue: Substance Misuse Through the Lens of Black History Month Alcohol Availability is a Social Justice Issue Epi Corner: The Syndemic Framework: Enhancing Understanding of the Root Causes of Disease What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model TA Webinar: Alcohol, Equity, and Social Justice: Breaking the Silence What's New?

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intricate web of social determinants of health and their profound impact on substance misuse. Designed for prevention professionals, this session unravels the complex connections between social determinants and substance misuse while providing actionable strategies for addressing these issues at the community level. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and link to the PowerPoint below. PowerPoint   PRESENTER Ben Stevenson II currently serves as the Prevention and Harm Reduction Manager for Montgomery County, MD. He is a seasoned prevention professional who has been in the substance abuse prevention field for over 15 years working with thousands of youth, professionals, and parents in various communities across the country. Prior to his current role, Ben has served as Training Manager with CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) as well as served as a Training and Technical Assistance Associate with the SAMHSA’s CAPT (Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies) with the Southeast Resource Team working directly with states providing training and technical assistance. He has worked in various capacities across the continuum of care throughout his career working in treatment and recovery in addition to his prevention work.  Ben enjoys developing and facilitating prevention programs for youth and adults. He is very passionate about prevention and its ability to impact communities by promoting healthy lifestyles. Ben is originally from Winston-Salem, NC and graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a BA in Political Science and minor in History. He also holds a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. Ben was first certified in prevention as a Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant in North Carolina and currently is a Certified Prevention Professional in Maryland. He previously served as the western region representative for MAPPA which is the Maryland Association for Prevention Professionals and Advocates.      

In this Issue:   The 10 "Do's and Don't's" of Successful Legislative Advocacy Happy New Year! Epi Corner: The Ins and Outs of Advocating for Policy Change What's Happening Around the Region? All New Training Events, Online Training, and a Data Video Series What's New at SAMHSA?