Products and Resources Catalog

February 19, 2025 Webinar Description: Timing is everything – especially when it comes to delivering successful prevention programs that truly resonate with your audience. This webinar will discuss the importance of considering developmental stage when selecting and implementing evidence-based preventive interventions. Following a brief discussion of developmental theory and how it can be applied to selecting and implementing evidence-based preventive interventions across the lifespan, examples of existing evidence-based programs implemented in several contexts including schools and families will be provided. Webinar Objectives: By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Analyze the concept of human development within context Recognize the developmental stages most associated with the peak onset of mental and behavioral health issues and related risk and protective factors Describe how brain development can inform developmentally timed preventive interventions Compare the different types of preventive interventions typically employed at various stages of development Webinar Recording and Slides: Powering Prevention with Developmental Theory - Recording Powering Prevention with Developmental Theory - Slide Deck Presenter: Nathaniel R. Riggs, PhD Dr. Riggs is a professor of Human Development and Family Studies and the executive director of the Colorado State University Prevention Research Center, a campus-wide trans-disciplinary center committed to studying the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and sustainable preventive interventions across the lifespan. Dr. Riggs has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters related to his research interests in testing preventive interventions that promote youth socioemotional development and prevent adolescent risk behaviors. He is also an engaged scholar who works alongside community partners to support the implementation of evidence-based preventive interventions. To support this work, he is the principal investigator on several federal, state, and locally funded projects with community partners around Colorado. Dr. Riggs also frequently participates in the process of translating research into policy. He is currently a member of Colorado State University's Government Relations Faculty Ambassadors Initiative, a program training CSU faculty on best practices for engaging federal policymakers and funding agencies. Questions: Contact Clarissa Lam Yuen at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.  

Away at College and Asking for Money? Is Your College Student Placing Bets? Heather Eshleman, MPH, Jessica Jolly, MSW, LCSW-C, Joseph D. McKenzie, and Sonya Clyburn, PsyD, LCP March 4, 2025, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION With the legalization of sports betting and increased access through mobile platforms, college students are at greater risk of problem gambling. This training is for young adults and those who work with young adults, focusing on the prevention of underage and problem gambling. This training will provide an overview of gambling expansion, an introduction to underage and problem gambling, an overview of Maryland’s problem gambling prevention grant programs, best practices in underage and problem gambling prevention strategies, and resources for help. Hear from representatives from Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Frostburg State University who will provide information on gambling trends and prevention strategies implemented on college campuses. LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Identify why problem gambling is a public health concern for emerging adults. - Review prevention grant programs, strategies implemented, and resources for help for problem gambling in the Central East region. - Cite colleges and universities that implemented a problem gambling prevention grant last fiscal year. Strategies implemented on campuses, challenges faced, and greatest successes will be discussed, as well as what is planned for 2025. PRESENTERS Heather Eshleman, MPH., is the Prevention Manager at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.  She works collaboratively with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to prevent underage and problem gambling as well as oversee special population and youth grants.  She currently leads the Center’s efforts in compiling an underage and problem gambling prevention needs assessment to provide baseline data to guide future prevention strategies.  She served as the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health from 2006-2019, overseeing the Substance Abuse Prevention coalitions, the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program, the Strengthening Families Program, the Fatal Overdose Review Team, and Coordination of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapters.  Before becoming Supervisor, from 2002-2006, Heather was a Grants Administrator at Anne Arundel County Department of Health.  Heather received her Masters in Public Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health and her Bachelor’s degree in School and Community Health Education from Towson University.  Heather served in the United States Peace Corps in Morocco, North Africa, as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer, working on hygiene promotion and pre-natal care for two years.     Jess Jolly, M.S.W, LCSW-C (she/her), is a licensed clinical social worker who has been serving the community in Southern Maryland for over a decade. Jess' roles have included serving as Clinical Manager and Director of Outpatient Services at Pyramid Healthcare LLC. Throughout her career, Jess has worked with both youth and adults from diverse backgrounds. She has also provided individual and group therapy modalities within residential and outpatient settings. She holds a BA in Sociology from Kutztown University and an MSW from West Chester University. Jess is passionate about serving the college community and providing services of excellence to students. Jess holds supervisory status with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners and with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Non-LCPC Approved Supervisor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Approved Supervisor.     Joseph McKenzie has been the Prevention Assistant for the SAFE Office since June 2021, utilizing his expertise in event planning, web design, video editing, film, photography, sound design, and media production. A proud Frostburg native and Frostburg Bobcat, he graduated from FSU in 2019 with a degree in mass communication and a minor in graphic design and fine art. Joseph founded the PAWSCAST, the FSU SAFE Office Wellness Podcast, and plays a key role in training Peer Educators through NASPA. By combining creativity with leadership, he supports and enhances prevention initiatives at FSU. His work focuses on addressing alcohol, cannabis, other drug use, and problem gambling, while fostering meaningful community engagement and strengthening campus support.     Sonya Clyburn, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. She has been practicing clinical psychology for over 15 years and has a private practice. Dr. Clyburn is a certified trainer, professor, consultant, evaluator, life coach, and victim advocate. She is currently the Director of Counseling Services at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD and serves on the Human Right's Committee's for several Department of Disability Services agencies in Washington, DC. Dr. Clyburn is also an assistant, adjunct professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, in Washington, DC, coordinates Crisis Intervention Management Team in the DC Metropolitan Area, and supervises pre doctoral students and psychiatric residents. Recently, she was appointed to the Maryland Health Advisory Committee for the Maryland Higher Education Commission.  Dr. Clyburn earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Washington, DC.    

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center) is receiving more calls and texts to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline from young adults ages 18-24 and 25-24.  From 2020 to 2023, calls from 18-24 year olds increased from 11 to 74 and calls from 25-34 year olds increased from 45 to 106 (Maryland Helpline data).  There is an increase in calls from young adults that need help with online gambling and mobile sports betting.  Over the years, problem gamblers are more likely to be males and/or from minority populations (2022 Statewide Gambling Prevalence in Maryland) Prevalence-2022_06NOV23_Updated.pdf (mdproblemgambling.com) Maryland colleges and universities are implementing public awareness and prevention strategies to educate students on the risks of gambling and resources for problem gambling help.  During March, which is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and coincides with the often gambled on March Madness Basketball tournament, many campuses will be increasing awareness and prevention strategies. Some of the strategies that will be seen on-campus include:  tabling events with problem gambling prevention literature and giveaways, problem gambling prevention social media posts, problem gambling screening events, and integration of problem gambling prevention content into courses and other programming. The Center has also launched a social media campaign focusing on the risks of gambling for college students.   Messaging on posts include the risks of gambling leading to financial problems, relationship programs, poor academic performance, and/or increased mental health problems. When working with the college age population, it is important to keep in mind that many college students are under the legal age to gamble.   In Maryland, casino gambling and sports betting are for those aged 21 and over.   For the lottery, fantasy sports, horse betting, and bingo, the legal age to participate is 18. For those under 21, it is recommended to try to avoid gambling activities until age 21, because: Those who gamble under the age of 21 are four times more likely to become problem gamblers later in life (Felsher, et al., 2010). Those who gamble at a young age are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as alcohol and/or drug use (Emond, 2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8930883/ The human brain is developing until age 25. The functions of the brain that are not fully developed until the early 20’s include impulse control, emotional control, and decision making (Emond, 2022). Young adults that gamble are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, poor academic or job performance, and poor peer and family relationships (Emond, 2022). Those under 21 who gamble may face legal charges such as fines and community service if caught.  For mobile betting underage, the account will be closed and winnings confiscated.   Possible charges for mobile betting underage include identity theft, tax evasion, and illegal gambling operations. Although it is encouraged for young adults to not gamble until age 21, it is difficult to avoid all gambling activities in our society.   Some arcade games, raffles, playing bingo for money, and some video game features meet the definition of gambling, but are lower risk compared to other gambling activities.   Even playing the stock market meets the definition of gambling. Knowing that gambling is difficult to avoid altogether, college students should be educated on the risks and signs of a gambling problem and safe gambling tips. Signs of a Gambling Problem: Preoccupation with gambling Unable to cut back or control gambling Irritable or restless when attempting to cut down or stop gambling Risks more money and plays for longer over time Gambles to escape problems or depressed mood “chases” losses Lies to family and others about gambling Risks or loses relationships Drop in grades or poor job performance Relies on others for financial needs caused by gambling How will it affect your mental health: Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed Not wanting to spend time with friends and family Distress due to feeling you can’t control gambling behavior Feeling irritable when you can’t gamble Changes in mood such as feeling lonely, depressed, anxious, and/or stuck Could lead to gambling addiction Resources for Gambling Help for Young Adults and Their Friends and Families: FREE problem gambling self assessment:  Self-Assessment | Help For Problem Gambling | Maryland (helpmygamblingproblem.org) If it shows help is needed, call, text, or chat 1-800-GAMBLER If someone you know is sports betting on a mobile app, limits can be placed within the app.   Operators are required to do this by law.   It is best to set limits before play begins.   When you are involved in the excitement of the game, it is difficult to limit yourself at that time. All apps allow you to: Set limits on daily, weekly, and monthly max amounts of money bet. Set loss limits on daily, weekly, and monthly amounts.  You will not be able to place new bets until a designated amount of time passes. Set limits on amount wagered daily, weekly, or monthly. Set limits on time spent.  Some apps include timers. In general, study the odds.  Know you are still more likely to lose than to win.  Do not bet more than you can afford to lose. List of Specific Resources for Help: 1-800-GAMBLER helpline operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week for calls, texts, and chats. Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, Help seeker website:  helpmygamblingproblem.org Maryland Coalition of Families:  Support for family members who have loved ones with a gambling problem, https://www.mdcoalition.org/who-we-help/problem-gambling Maryland Council on Problem Gambling:  Faith-based advocacy and assistance,  https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP):  Learn about banning yourself from any form of gambling in Maryland.  For more information, go to: https://www.mdgamblinghelp.org/voluntary-exclusion-program/ Gamban:   For a small fee, block access to gambling websites and apps worldwide.  For more information:  https://gamban.com/ BetBlocker:  A free service to help limit or ban gambling sites.  For more information: https://betblocker.org/ True Link:  Helps to manage financial transactions of those who may have a gambling or other problem managing finances.  For more information:  https://www.truelinkfinancial.com/ Gamblers Anonymous:  A self-help group for those seeking gambling recovery.  For more information:  https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations Gam-Anon:  A self-help group for those who have family members who are problem gamblers.  For more information:  https://gam-anon.org Special thanks to Maryland colleges and universities:  Anne Arundel Community College, Bowie State University, Chesapeake College, College of Southern Maryland, Coppin State University, Frostburg State University, Hood College, Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, Towson University, Towson University Northeastern, University of Maryland Baltimore, University of Maryland College Park, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. People experiencing gambling problems may be suicidal. For help with someone who is suicidal, call 988. For more information or questions, please contact: Heather Eshleman, MPH Prevention Manager The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling [email protected] 667-214-2120

Over the past decade, communities have seen a decline in response rates to youth surveys.  This decline has been driven by multiple factors, including changes to laws governing parental consent and reduced support from parents and schools for data collection, in general.  Lower response rates create challenges for substance misuse prevention professionals and can impact assessment and planning efforts. In this webinar, we will explore the uses of survey data and the importance of robust data to our substance misuse prevention work. A survey administration expert will provide insight into the importance of survey data and the impact of low response rates.  Community-based prevention professionals will share their successful approaches to increasing survey participation and building community buy-in. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify the purpose of student surveys and existing barriers Discuss the importance of communication and partnerships Explain barriers and potential solutions to low participation rates   PRESENTER:  Shari Kessel Schneider, MSPH Shari Kessel Schneider, an expert in adolescent health and school health, advances knowledge of effective programs and practices to improve the physical and mental well-being of youth. She leads initiatives focused on survey research, program evaluation, intervention design, and training and technical assistance. Her content expertise in adolescent health and risk behaviors includes bullying and cyberbullying, social media use, substance misuse, and mental health. Schneider is consulted by the media for her insights into adolescent behavior and related public health trends. She leads EDC’s MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey and provides technical assistance to school districts in using student survey data to inform educational efforts, prevention programming, and policymaking. Recently, Schneider co-authored a seminal report funded by The Ruderman Foundation on the impact of social media and cyberbullying on youth with disabilities. She has led groundbreaking research on cyberbullying trends, the mental health consequences of cyberbullying, and the effectiveness of increasing the minimum sales age for tobacco to 21 in reducing youth tobacco use. Schneider holds an MSPH from the Harvard University School of Public Health.   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. Others outside this region are welcome to attend.

  In the world of substance misuse prevention, we often hear about what does work—research-backed strategies that make a real impact. But what about the methods that don't work? Surprisingly, many communities continue to use outdated, ineffective, or even harmful prevention practices despite decades of research showing they fail to deliver. This webinar will explore the common yet misguided approaches still in use, shedding light on why they don’t work and the unintended consequences they can create. We’ll also dive into practical strategies for prevention professionals to overcome the resistance they often face when challenging long-held beliefs and entrenched practices. Join us to rethink the status quo, equip yourself with the knowledge to advocate for change, and help build more effective prevention efforts in your community.    AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE LEVEL Click for info   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Identify at least 5 interventions that have been shown through research to NOT be effective in preventing substance misuse List evidence-based approaches that are alternatives to the ineffective/counterproductive strategies Describe strategies to address resistance to discontinuing ineffective and/or counterproductive prevention strategies   PRESENTERS:  Erin Ficker, MPAff, CPRS Erin Ficker serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) For over 18 years, she has built the capacity of clients to perform prevention work effectively using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She has in-depth knowledge and training experience in the SPF process, including specific work in evaluation, sustainability, assessment, and working with diverse populations. She provides services to a wide range of prevention and behavioral health specialists.is an expert in substance misuse prevention, an accomplished training and technical assistance (T/TA) provider, and a certified senior prevention specialist. She brings extensive expertise in supporting, designing, and delivering engaging professional learning, and providing comprehensive T/TA for states and community-level prevention professionals. Kris Reed, MPH CPS Kris Reed is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years. Kris co-authored the national Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. Kris has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   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. Others outside this region are welcome to attend.

‎ Part 1: Equipping Caregivers: Adult-supervised drinking during adolescence increases the risk for alcohol misuse. ‎ January 30, 2025 ‎ Webinar Series Description: The Prevention and Parenting Across the Lifespan webinar series will highlight programs, research, and resources available to support caregivers in promoting healthy youth development. This series will look at opportunities to prevent substance misuse during adolescence and college-age years. The series is designed to support and enhance the work of substance misuse professionals and coalitions. Webinar Description: Parents teach their children many skills. Some parents may try to teach their teens how to drink alcohol responsibly in the home so that their teens will know how to better manage alcohol when they move out on their own. Even though this is a very logical thing to do, it can make teen and young adult drinking problems worse. Dr. Bailey will share recent research by her team showing that teens who drank at home with parent or adult supervision have more alcohol problems not only in their teens, but also into their 30s. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Learn basic information about teen alcohol and drug use, including when teens start using different substances, which ones they are most likely to use, and common effects of substance use on teens. Understand why allowing teens to drink in the home is not a good idea. Webinar Recording and Slides: Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 1 - Recording Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 1 - Slide Deck Presenters: Jennifer A. Bailey, PhD is the Assistant Director and Director of Research in the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington. She is trained in developmental psychology, which is the study of how people grow and change during their lifetime. She has over 20 years of experience researching risk and protective factors for drug and alcohol use in adolescence and adulthood. She also studies the effects of drug and alcohol policy on substance use. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Part 2: Equipping Adolescents: An introduction to Guiding Good Choices, a tested and proven parenting program. ‎ February 27, 2025 ‎ Webinar Series Description: The Prevention and Parenting Across the Lifespan webinar series will highlight programs, research, and resources available to support caregivers in promoting healthy youth development. This series will look at opportunities to prevent substance misuse during adolescence and college-age years. The series is designed to support and enhance the work of substance misuse professionals and coalitions. Webinar Description: In this presentation, we will describe the Guiding Good Choices five-part workshop series for parents of children aged 9-14. We will cover the program’s evidence base, the outcomes, target audience, and describe what is recommended in terms of a successful implementation. We will also cover licensing and available implementation supports for the program. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Be able to describe the GGC program and identify the program’s target population and outcomes. Understand what is required for successful, high-fidelity implementation of GGC. Webinar Recording and Slides: Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 2 - Recording Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 2- Slide Deck Presenter: Meghann Wolvert, is a certified Prevention Specialist with a Master's in Environmental Education. She has over 10 years of experience in prevention work, with a strong commitment to fostering health and wellness in her community. She served as the Mackinac County Communities That Care (CTC) Coordinator and is a certified Guiding Good Choices (GGC) trainer, empowering families with effective prevention strategies. Ms. Wolvert’s journey into prevention began during her time with AmeriCorps, where she began to develop a deep connection to theories and practices which led to building healthy, supportive environments for youth. Inspired by the potential of SDS to strengthen both her community and her own family, Ms. Wolvert has dedicated herself to supporting others in implementing this framework in their communities. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Wolvert now resides in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her family, where she continues to support CTC efforts, promoting positive youth development and long-term well-being across the region. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Against the Odds - Problem Gambling Graphic Medicine, is a new tool to help foster prevention-focused conversations with young people about problem gambling. Tips for talking & lesson plans are included. Technical assistance is available. A graphic medicine uses the format of a graphic novel to communicate health information. Evidence shows that the visuals combined with the information can help with memory of important information, as well as understanding and comprehension. We worked with SOPO Unite in South Portland, Maine, to create this student-lead story about five friends, while struggling with the normal ups and downs of life as a teenager in small-town New England, now find themselves with a bigger problem on their claws...I mean, hands! The plastics factory on the outskirts of town had a chemical leak, and it's really killed the vibes. Now these friends have to launch an epic grass-roots community clean up, before the vibes kill them! Throughout the story, we see one friend, Luke, struggle with his gambling habits, and another friend, Bishop, struggle with the impacts of the environmental crisis on his well-being. Still, those obvious struggles aren't the only ones. Stay until the end to catch how the students find a connection as medicine, and check out the accompanying Implementation guide to see all the ways the story can be a tool for you to talk to young people about problem gambling. Preview and download (PDF) Preview (in English) - Available Now! Complete the Request Form below to receive a copy. Preview (in Portuguese) -  coming in the Spring 2025 Preview (in Spanish) - coming in the Spring 2025   Printed copy or electronic copy (PDF format) for download, available in January 2025. Please complete the Request Form.   *The New England PTTC is only able to mail printed copies to those working/living in HHS Region 1 (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI). If you request a copy working/living outside of HHS Region 1, we'll send you an electronic copy (PDF format) to download. Please complete the Request Form.   For Facilitators    Download the Facilitators Implementation Guide. Download the Guide (full color) - available in January Download the Guide (grayscale) - available in January   Through our cooperative agreement with SAMHSA and our Agility Grant through the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), all our resources are free to the public.   Questions? Contact Sarah Harlow, Co-Director, New England PTTC: [email protected]   About this resource: This resource was developed to address a need identified in HHS Region 1 (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI) to provide substance misuse prevention professionals with tools for substance misuse prevention and gambling prevention. This resource is developed through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA), SAMHSA Cooperative Agreement #5H79SP081020-03.  This resource was made possible through a partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) through the-award-of a one-year Agility Grant. For more information on the Agility Grant through NCPG, please visit: https://www.ncpgambling.org/problem-gambling/agility-grants/.    

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?

  How can we prevent substance misuse unless we understand what places kids at greater risk of misusing drugs? During this webinar, we will explore the risk factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse, as identified by the Social Development Research Group through systematic reviews of the research literature. Time will be spent exploring each risk factor to ensure that preventionists understand the meaning of each factor in order to address them effectively. This training will build on the information shared during the Great Lakes PTTC webinar on the importance of protective factors (October 23, 2024).   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the importance of focusing on both increasing protective factors and decreasing protective factors List the criteria used to identify factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse Understand the nuances that exist for each risk factor Put the risk factor framework into action in their communities   PRESENTER: Kris Gabrielsen, MPH, CSP Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   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.

The goal of this 1 hour presentation is to effectively introduce the MY-SBIRT Project and outline the main components & best practices for implementing universal substance use screening for adolescents using the CRAFFT 2.1 + N and Rapid Assessment for Adolescent Preventive Services tools. While this presentation is specific to the screening protocol developed for School-Based Health Centers through the MY-SBIRT Project, the key elements for administering screening, engaging adolescents in motivational interviewing & brief negotiated interview techniques, and best practices for connecting individuals identified as higher risk to appropriate support & treatment can be applied to any clinical environment that serves adolescents.  

Our guest on this episode is Georgina Lafoe who is on staff at the Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State University and represents their Prevention Initiatives. Her story begins as a drug endangered child but today her life is thriving and demonstrates resiliency. She loves to build relationships with people who love to help people. Outside of CEI, Georgina enjoys traveling and visiting new cultures and cities. She adores her two nephews and spending time watching them encounter this world as new. Georgina also loves a good movie every now and then (preferably scary). Email: [email protected] Website: https://communityengagementinstitute.org

A Potentially Deadly Intersection: Social Media, Substance Use, and Mental Health Rikki Barton, MAPS, IC&RC July 25, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Social media is a permanent fixture in our world and while there are positive aspects to it, there are also negative and potentially deadly effects related to substance use and mental health. Community coalitions need to be aware of those effects and work to address risk and protective factors around the intersection. This session will discuss emerging data related to the intersection of the three topics, as well as delve into ways to utilize the prevention model to address risk and protective factors and incorporate strategies to strengthen individuals and communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore the emerging data connecting social media, substance use, and mental health. Discuss how the prevention model can make an impact around the intersection, including brainstorming what risk and protective factors are at play. Identify and incorporate effective strategies into a coalition’s current prevention work to address this evolving issue. PRESENTERS Rikki Barton, MAPS, IC&RC, has a passion for communicating essential messages to move individuals and communities onward in their goals. She is the Founder/Lead Consultant of Onward Consulting and holds the Missouri Advanced Prevention Specialist certification as well as international IC&RC certification. Rikki has nearly 15 years of prevention field experience and currently serves as a consultant to assist organizations, coalitions, and state/federal agencies in the areas of substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. She has extensive experience working with community coalitions, providing training, grant writing, managing funding sources, and leading a team of preventionists. Rikki trains for several national organizations including National Council for Mental Wellbeing, CADCA (youth and adult programs), and the National Coalition Institute. She also volunteers with a human trafficking prevention and awareness coalition, serving on leadership for the last 12 years, with particular focus on empowering youth to stay safe on social media and teaching adults how to protect young people from online grooming. Rikki holds a Bachelors degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters degree from Liberty University.  

From Tokenism to Empowerment: Building a Sustainable Youth Coalition Rikki Barton, MAPS, IC&RC July 23, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Effective community prevention work involves youth engagement at all stages of the Strategic Prevention Framework – that is, Assessment, Capacity, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. Unintentional tokenism is a barrier to youth reaching their full potential with prevention work; instead, youth can and should be engaged in leadership opportunities, strategic discussions, and solutions to the identified problems. An effective way to engage youth in prevention is to build a youth coalition that empowers them to take the lead for their peers and the community. This interaction session will help you understand the essential nature of youth involvement, how to make prevention work attractive to youth, and practical steps to building a youth coalition. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand why youth involvement is essential for substance use prevention work. Build skills around recruiting, retaining, and appropriately engaging youth in prevention work. Implement practical steps to building a sustainable youth coalition. PRESENTERS Rikki Barton, MAPS, IC&RC, has a passion for communicating essential messages to move individuals and communities onward in their goals. She is the Founder/Lead Consultant of Onward Consulting and holds the Missouri Advanced Prevention Specialist certification as well as international IC&RC certification. Rikki has nearly 15 years of prevention field experience and currently serves as a consultant to assist organizations, coalitions, and state/federal agencies in the areas of substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. She has extensive experience working with community coalitions, providing training, grant writing, managing funding sources, and leading a team of preventionists. Rikki trains for several national organizations including National Council for Mental Wellbeing, CADCA (youth and adult programs), and the National Coalition Institute. She also volunteers with a human trafficking prevention and awareness coalition, serving on leadership for the last 12 years, with particular focus on empowering youth to stay safe on social media and teaching adults how to protect young people from online grooming. Rikki holds a Bachelors degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters degree from Liberty University.  

Webinar Description The association between chronic exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor behavioral health outcomes across the lifespan is well-established, but ACEs are preventable. This webinar will explore the evidence supporting upstream strategies that can prevent ACEs from happening in the first place as well as positive childhood experiences (PCEs) that can mitigate the harms of ACEs. Recent data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs at the state-level to guide prevention and evaluation activities will also be explored.   Webinar Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Explain the influence of ACEs and PCEs on risk behaviors using a lifecourse perspective; Describe primary prevention strategies that can prevent ACEs; Describe how PCEs can buffer the impact of ACEs on behavioral health outcomes; Identify state-level data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs.   Presenters Amanda Haboush-Deloye earned her Ph.D. in experimental psychology and her Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Amanda's research background is on mental health in adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. She also has a particular interest in improving research methods to be more culturally competent. As a researcher at NICRP, she has designed and implemented many research projects regarding children's physical health, mental health, and education, as well as children's advocacy initiatives such as Every Child Matters in Nevada and Prevent Child Abuse Nevada. Being a Las Vegas native, Amanda aims to remain in Nevada and work with NICRP to create a healthy community where families and children are a priority.   Kristin Clements-Nolle received her MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Ph.D in Epidemiology, both from the University of California, Berkeley. Kristen is a nationally recognized adolescent health researcher and has published extensively on the impact of ACE exposure on health outcomes across the lifespan. She also investigates social, community, and family factors that can prevent ACE exposure and/or mitigate the impact on behavioral health outcomes. Kristen is currently a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health and the principal investigator for a five year grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will focus on preventing ACEs and promoting positive childhood experiences in Nevada.   Post Webinar Materials Preventing ACEs and Their Associated Harms Recording Preventing ACEs and Their Associated Harms Slide Deck   Questions Please email Reagan Hart at ([email protected]) for any questions.

Nathan Wray a Prevention Coordinator for the Roane County Anti-drug Coalition in Tennessee. He’s also a highly sought after motivational speaker whose life story is nothing short of inspirational. Nathan speaks from the perspective of lived experience, in hopes of empowering youth, and his story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience. Nathan’s message combines his passion for change with a sense of humor that connects with the audience to make a lasting impact. In his spare time, he hangs out with his four kids and his beautiful life. Website: https://www.nathanwrayspeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatnathanwray/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwrayspeaks/

I am not a photographer by education or formal training. I often describe myself as an “accidental photographer” since most of what I know is self-taught - born out of a pure love of the outdoors and the beauty of creation. My journey into photography began near the end of my career as a federal drug prosecutor where I supervised the Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force – a group of agents, analysts and prosecutors who investigated and prosecuted high-level drug trafficking organizations. During that time, I was an eyewitness to some of the darkest aspects of society. Although my legal career was exciting and challenging, the investigation of these cases put me in direct contact with all forms of greed, addiction, violence, abuse and neglect of children, and the loss of dignity, health, freedom, and even life itself. Without recognizing it, all of those things weighed on my heart, mind and soul in ways that I couldn’t imagine at the time. It took a mid-life crisis to bring me into the world of serious photography when I realized that decades of exposure to the darkest side of humanity had impacted my ability to recognize many of life’s simple pleasures. Up to that point in my life, my wife and I had experienced blessings that are found in a blur of family activities – ballgames, school, church, Scouts, camping, hiking, birthdays, holidays, and occasional vacations. But as our children left home to attend college and raise families of their own, I found myself working longer hours and enjoying life less. After our last child left for college, I reached a turning point with the realization that I needed a hobby, something that would help me focus my attention on more positive thoughts and experiences. My choice at the time was an inexpensive film camera. Although I initially lacked the skills necessary to successfully capture a beautiful image, the simple act of looking through the lens of a camera allowed me to re-discover everything that is wonderful in life – a world full of amazing people, beautiful landscapes, fascinating creatures, and boundless opportunities and adventures. Through the lens of a camera, I rediscovered a sense of joy that I recognized as a gift from childhood when the world was full of wonder and awe. Now, many years later, I am blessed with opportunities to speak and train at local, state, regional and national conferences on a variety of subjects relating to the law, law enforcement, drug education, building strong communities, protecting and nurturing children, and photography. Because of my law enforcement background, many of my presentations require me to describe the grim realities of bad choices that negatively impact children, families and communities, but these opportunities also allow me to provide positive messages and solutions that can overcome feelings of hopelessness, pain, surrender, and despair. This is especially important in working directly with youth (ranging from those who are severely “at risk” to kids who seem blessed with every opportunity in life). At both ends of this spectrum I find that young people are eager to be “seen” AND heard by adults, and when given the right information and encouragement, they become eager to serve AND to lead. Increasingly, my youth workshops include teaching about photography and the great outdoors. My best days involve a photography/nature workshop followed by an outdoor excursion with a busload of kids. The combination of my professional background and love of photography allows me to share real life experiences that provide a stark contrast between choices that bring misery and pain with choices that can lead to a fulfilling and joyful life. By sharing these images, my purpose is to encourage others to make good choices and live happy and healthy lives. By tapping into the sense of wonder we all experienced as little children, we can all rediscover a world that is infinitely more satisfying than anything offered by a popular culture that often leads people in the wrong direction. One of my favorite photographers, Galen Rowell once said: “You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either.” I hope that you enjoy each sunrise and sunset as you journey through a wonderful life. Website:  https://www.montestiles.com/Keynote-Presentations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montestiles/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montestiles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monte.stiles  

  Dive into the world of generative artificial intelligence (AI) with an engaging 90-minute webinar that demystifies Large Language Models (LLMs) and their practical applications. This webinar will offer a blend of theory and hands-on activities, including article summarization and brainstorming AI-driven intervention strategies for substance misuse prevention scenarios. It promises to enhance your understanding of AI's potential in substance misuse prevention work, while also highlighting the critical issues of misinformation and bias inherent in these technologies.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Experiment with generative AI to discover ideas for daily substance misuse prevention work Explain the basic operation of multiple, publicly accessible generative AI tools Describe types of misinformation that can arise through use of LLMs   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, April 18, 2024 Presentation Slides, April 18, 2024 Activity Handouts: Engaging youth as leaders and partners can improve substance use prevention: a call to action to support youth engagement practice and research A National Strategy for Prevention Substance and Opioid Use Disorders Through Evidence-Based Prevention Programming that Fosters Healthy Outcomes in Our Youth The Role of Law Enforcement Officers/Police in Drug Prevention within Educational Settings - Study Protocol for the Development of a Guiding Document Based on Experts' Opinions   PRESENTER:  Brian Klaas Brian Klaas is the Assistant Director for Technology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Teaching and Learning. He also has a faculty appointment in the School's R3 Center for Innovation in Science Education. As the architect for online learning technology at the School, he leads a team that designs and delivers custom online courseware to thousands of students around the world each year. He teaches graduate level courses on communications design and data visualization for non-expert audiences as well as applications of generative artificial intelligence in public health. Brian has presented on techniques for successful online learning delivery and UDL programs at conferences throughout the country, including Educause, OLC, TeachX, UBTech, APHA, TechEd, Syllabus, and CUE.   The Great Lakes A/MH/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.

Rodney Wambeam, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Scientist at the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) of the University of Wyoming (UW). He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at UW. Dr. Wambeam completed his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska in 1999 and served as policy advisor to Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson. He was Director of the Evaluation Research Department at the Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse before moving home to Wyoming in 2002. At WYSAC, Dr. Wambeam and his team conduct numerous substance abuse prevention and treatment research projects in many states including Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. He currently leads the Federal Prevention Block Grant, State Opioid Response Grant, and National Opioid Litigation evaluations in Arkansas, as well as leading the Opioid/Fentanyl Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan in Wyoming. He has presented more than 50 keynotes across the country on substance abuse prevention with millennials and on the history of alcohol in America. His book “The Community Needs Assessment Workbook” from Oxford University Press came out in 2015. Email: [email protected] Website: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/people/rwambeam/ Book: The Community Needs Assessment Workbook

This brief provides links to free, self-paced online courses through HealtheKnowledge substance misuse prevention courses to enhance your knowledge and skills.  Upon finishing these courses, participants receive certificates of completion. Don't have a HealtheKnowledge account? Sign up for free and start browsing substance misuse prevention courses.    

  Military-connected youth experience unique challenges that impact their educational and social-emotional learning, putting them at greater risk for substance use and behavioral health challenges. Increasing resiliency by cultivating a culturally competent, supportive environment in schools and communities helps mitigate these challenges. Participants will learn how to enhance existing infrastructure to deliver substance misuse prevention programs to military-connected youth.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the risk factors that make military youth more vulnerable to substance use and behavioral health problems compared to non-military-connected youth. Describe how to increase capacity and readiness to serve military-connected youth. Identify evidence-based practices that support and build resiliency within military-connected youth.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, April 11, 2024 Presentation Slides, April 11, 2024   PRESENTER:  Sarah Flowers, CPS Sarah Flowers, CPS, grew up in a military family outside the world’s largest naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a Gold Star Sibling and military family member, she brings unique perspectives gained from her personal experiences to prevention, empowering individuals, and communities to create and promote healthy environments, lifestyles, and behaviors. She works with state, and national agencies and organizations to develop and coordinate evidence-based strategies to increase resilience within military and veteran families. She specializes in training and consultation on capacity building, community engagement and best practices working with military families.   The Great Lakes A/MH/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.

Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness. Web site: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/content/great-lakes-pttc Website: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/great-lakes-pttc/product/risk-factors-youth-substance-misuse-0 Website: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/great-lakes-pttc/product/building-protective-factors-using-social-development-strategy-0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLPTTC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glpttc/ The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Many factors influence a person’s chance of developing a mental and/or substance use disorder. Effective prevention focuses on reducing those risk factors, and strengthening protective factors, that are most closely related to the problem being addressed. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/20190718-samhsa-risk-protective-factors.pdf The Social Development Research Group is a recognized leader in the field of prevention. Their work is guided by the belief that many common behavior, health, and social problems can be prevented. They have studied the causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and their research has enriched lives, influenced policy, and strengthened communities across the United States and around the world. https://depts.washington.edu/sdrg/

This 90-minute webinar will explore national and state level data points from middle and high school youth to make the case that Prevention Works!  We will discuss the need to maintain, expand, and sustain our efforts of implementing tested and effective substance misuse prevention programs. The session will also focus on areas where we have not seen prevention success and a call for action to improve prevention among 18-25-year-old young adults.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explore Monitoring the Future and some state trend data that have demonstrated decreasing overall trends in substance use among high school age youth. Identify three websites that provide information on the tested and effective prevention programs Identify areas of focus for the prevention field that need attention based on state and national data points   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 20, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 20, 2024   PRESENTER Kevin P. Haggerty, MSW, PhD, is an emeritus Professor of Prevention at the University of Washington School of Social Work. He is the former director of the Social Development Research Group where he specialized in the delivery of prevention programs at the community, school and family level. For over three decades, he has focused on developing innovative ways to organize the scientific knowledge base for prevention so that parents, communities and schools can better identify, assess, and prioritize customized approaches that meet their needs. He has served as principal investigator on a variety of intervention-focused federally funded grants.   The Great Lakes A/MH/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.

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