Products and Resources Catalog

The January 2024 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: COVID-19 Impact on Substance Use Disorder and Recovery | Mental Health: Heart Disease and Mental Health Disparities in Black America | Prevention: Celebrating 20 Years of Prevention Excellence | ORN: ORN Consultant's guidance on Recovery Houses  Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.  Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox. 

Preventing Underage Alcohol Use (April 2023 Series) Part 1: Identifying and Understanding the Data Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip April 25, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of the current state of underage drinking and related prevention efforts. It will begin with a review of the most common data sources on underage alcohol consumption and discuss opportunities to improve and expand data collection. The webinar will then summarize the most recent data on alcohol use prevalence and patterns, as well as the consequences of use. It will also describe the research on risk and protective factors for use, including what is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, it will provide information on how the social determinants of health play a role in underage alcohol use rates. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe underage alcohol data sources and available opportunities to expand data collection Explain the scope of underage alcohol use and consequences Identify risk and protective factors relevant to underage alcohol use Recognize the effect of the social determinants of health on underage alcohol use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPPJosh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSEmily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.

Click Here to Download Webinar Handouts Translations Spanish Portuguese   Webinar Handouts Spanish Portuguese This was Part 1 of a 3-Session Virtual Learning Community. This series on Understanding, Going Through, and Managing Loss, Grief, and Bereavement takes a critical look at how Latino men manage and go through loss, grief, and bereavement during this Covid-19 pandemic. Learning Objectives: Understand the overall impact of loss and differentiate between grief and bereavement Describe the pandemic in regard to the type of deaths (unattended, for example), social changes, the sheer volume, and displacement (new roles imposed on people due to loss) Understand the specific ways that Latino men are affected by death and loss in the context of cultural expectations that they must be strong and evaluate their own (or loved ones) behavior in this regard Having a different perspective on the “the fear of death” Integrate the possibility that Latino men can apply lessons from understanding their own grief journeys in order to play a proactive role (and find heroic meaning) by becoming grief leaders for their families, loved ones, friends, and society at large. Draw from the information given, options to identifying their personal losses and identify options on how to manage their experience.   About the Presenter: Elizabeth Robles, LPC, CT, EOLD Elizabeth Robles works in the El Paso region as a behavioral health care professional specializing in life changes, trauma, grief, and loss. Elizabeth is Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement through the Association of Death Education Counseling (ADEC). Her treatment approach offers patients the hope and strategies to facilitate continuous emotional renewal in the face of life’s constant changes. In addition to her private practice, Elizabeth serves as Clinical Director for the MYC Institute of Integrative Health, an El Paso nonprofit organization which advocates for body/mind/spirit approaches to wellbeing. In 2020, Elizabeth became a Certified End of Life Doula.

Click Here to Download Webinar Handouts This was Part 2 of a 3-Session Virtual Learning Community. This series on Understanding, Going Through, and Managing Loss, Grief, and Bereavement takes a critical look at how Latino men manage and go through loss, grief, and bereavement during this Covid-19 pandemic. Learning Objectives: Understand the overall impact of loss and differentiate between grief and bereavement Describe the pandemic in regard to the type of deaths (unattended, for example), social changes, the sheer volume, and displacement (new roles imposed on people due to loss) Understand the specific ways that Latino men are affected by death and loss in the context of cultural expectations that they must be strong and evaluate their own (or loved ones) behavior in this regard Having a different perspective on the “the fear of death” Integrate the possibility that Latino men can apply lessons from understanding their own grief journeys in order to play a proactive role (and find heroic meaning) by becoming grief leaders for their families, loved ones, friends, and society at large. Draw from the information given, options to identifying their personal losses and identify options on how to manage their experience.   Additional Resources Spanish Translation Portuguese Translation About the Presenter: Elizabeth Robles, LPC, CT, EOLD Elizabeth Robles works in the El Paso region as a behavioral health care professional specializing in life changes, trauma, grief, and loss. Elizabeth is Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement through the Association of Death Education Counseling (ADEC). Her treatment approach offers patients the hope and strategies to facilitate continuous emotional renewal in the face of life’s constant changes. In addition to her private practice, Elizabeth serves as Clinical Director for the MYC Institute of Integrative Health, an El Paso nonprofit organization which advocates for body/mind/spirit approaches to wellbeing. In 2020, Elizabeth became a Certified End of Life Doula.

Click Here to Download Webinar Handouts This was Part 3 of a 3-Session Virtual Learning Community. This series on Understanding, Going Through, and Managing Loss, Grief, and Bereavement takes a critical look at how Latino men manage and go through loss, grief, and bereavement during this Covid-19 pandemic. Learning Objectives: Understand the overall impact of loss and differentiate between grief and bereavement Describe the pandemic in regard to the type of deaths (unattended, for example), social changes, the sheer volume, and displacement (new roles imposed on people due to loss) Understand the specific ways that Latino men are affected by death and loss in the context of cultural expectations that they must be strong and evaluate their own (or loved ones) behavior in this regard Having a different perspective on the “the fear of death” Integrate the possibility that Latino men can apply lessons from understanding their own grief journeys in order to play a proactive role (and find heroic meaning) by becoming grief leaders for their families, loved ones, friends, and society at large. Draw from the information given, options to identifying their personal losses and identify options on how to manage their experience.   Additional Resources Spanish Translation Portuguese Translation About the Presenter: Elizabeth Robles, LPC, CT, EOLD Elizabeth Robles works in the El Paso region as a behavioral health care professional specializing in life changes, trauma, grief, and loss. Elizabeth is Certified in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement through the Association of Death Education Counseling (ADEC). Her treatment approach offers patients the hope and strategies to facilitate continuous emotional renewal in the face of life’s constant changes. In addition to her private practice, Elizabeth serves as Clinical Director for the MYC Institute of Integrative Health, an El Paso nonprofit organization which advocates for body/mind/spirit approaches to wellbeing. In 2020, Elizabeth became a Certified End of Life Doula.

The Ongoing Opioid Epidemic Part 1: The Current Landscape Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip June 7, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of opioid trends in the Central East region and nationwide, including what is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will review changes in use and consequences, and ongoing shifts in substance preferences. As part of this, the webinar will discuss the increasing frequency of polysubstance use and its impact on prevention. Lastly, the webinar will review the latest research on the social determinants of health and other risk and protective factors. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Summarize the latest opioid use and consequence data Explore the known impacts of COVID-19 on opioid trends Highlight the latest information on polysubstance use Review research on opioid risk and protective factors PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

Preventing Underage Alcohol Use    (April 2022 Series) Part 1: Identifying and Understanding the Data Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip April 6, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of the current state of underage drinking and related prevention efforts. It will begin with a review of the most common data sources on underage alcohol consumption and discuss opportunities to improve and expand data collection. The webinar will summarize the most recent data on alcohol use prevalence and patterns, as well as the consequences of use. It will also discuss the research on risk and protective factors for use, including what is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it will provide a discussion on how the social determinants of health impact underage alcohol use rates. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine how prevention science can be described and provide a shared definition Understand the research and theories behind prevention science Review how prevention science is applied to substance use prevention and its impact Discuss some of the challenges to incorporating prevention science and provide a research agenda for expanding future efforts PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

Prevention and the COVID-19 Pandemic Part 2: Preparing for the Future and Learning Lab Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip February 2, 2022, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will begin by discussing what lessons learned the prevention field can take from the COVID-19 pandemic, what the 2020 substance use trends discussed in Part 1 may mean for the future. It will include an overview of what steps prevention organizations can take to best address these trends as well as to be better prepared for any future societal-wide impacts. The webinar will also provide a learning lab portion with question prompts for small group discussion, allowing participants to share their own lessons learned and plans for the future with each other. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review lessons learned for prevention from the pandemic Facilitate participant discussion of shared experiences and future plans Discuss recommendations for improving services post-COVID PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

Prevention and the COVID-19 Pandemic Part 1: Impacts of the Pandemic Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip January 26, 2022, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review all the known impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that are relevant to substance use prevention professionals. It will review impacts that directly affect prevention organizations including reduced surveillance capacity, lack of access to populations in need, and changes in staff professional and personal lives, among others. The webinar will also discuss the latest research on the impact of the pandemic on risk and protective factors for substance use. It will also discuss how the pandemic led to changes in state policies, such as expanding alcohol home delivery, that may become permanent and may impact substance use risk. Lastly, the webinar will review the available data on trends in substance use and its consequences since the start of the pandemic. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the impact of COVID-19 on the capacity of prevention Understand how the pandemic has increased risk of substance use Discuss the effects of state policy changes regarding legal substances Summarize the available data on substance use and its consequences in 2020 PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

In this Issue: Wellness Begins with Self-Care   More Resources on Self-Care and Wellness   Epi Corner: Understanding and Capturing the Impact of COVID-19 on Children   Share and Participate National Impaired Driving Prevention Month Knowledge to Action: Culturally Humble Leadership in Prevention   What's Happening Around the Region? Prevention Coalition Affinity Group Series Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series: Part One Overview Recording Available Self-Regulation and Grounding Practices   HealtheKnowledge Online Course Spotlight

Introducing: Opioid and Alcohol Misuse and Risk of Suicide: A Literature Review Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 8, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Suicide is one of the largest public health concerns facing the United States. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 10-34 and the tenth leading of death overall. Suicide and substance use share many risk factors and substance use, particularly of depressants such as opioids or alcohol, can increase risk of suicide. To support substance use prevention professionals, the Central East PTTC conducted a literature review of opioid and alcohol misuse and risk of suicide. The review sought to identify research on how and to what extent substance use increases risk of suicide and what evidence-based prevention strategies exist that address both the risk of substance use and the risk of suicide. The Central East PTTC created a new report, Opioid and Alcohol Misuse and Risk of Suicide: A Literature Review, summarizing and sharing its findings. This webinar will introduce the report, explain why it was created, explore the information it provides, and answer audience questions about it. The literature review is available here. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Summarize the importance of addressing suicide risk Discuss the connections between substance use and risk of suicide Overview evidence-based prevention strategies that address both substance use risk and suicide risk Explore ways to use the Central East PTTC Literature Review PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

  While COVID-19 pandemic has caused restrictions on many options for face-to-face meetings, events, and workshops, community engagement in substance misuse prevention efforts remains essential. This interactive webinar will provide substance misuse prevention practitioners with tools and strategies to increase community engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Both digital and nondigital strategies will be presented as options for increasing community engagement.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Define community engagement Describe the spectrum of community engagement List at least three non-digital strategies to engage your community in prevention under COVID-19 restrictions List at least three digital strategies to engage your community in prevention under COVID-19 restrictions   PRESENTER: KRIS GABRIELSEN, MPH Kristen Gabrielsen has worked in substance misuse prevention for over 30 years. She was the associate director of the Western CAPT, co-author of the SAPST, and co-author of the Substance Abuse Prevention textbook. Kris delivers trainings across the United States, focusing on bridging the gap between research and practice. She recently started an online course school to provide prevention practitioners and others with more flexible options to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.   The Great Lakes PTTC offered 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.

Description: State alcohol policy alliances are statewide coalitions that work to educate communities and policymakers about evidence-based state and local alcohol policies to reduce alcohol-related harms in communities. This webinar will describe how the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance uses technical assistance and information dissemination to ensure state alliances (1) have a meaningful voice in the state policy process and(2) are able to build the capacity of local coalitions to support local policy development. We will describe the steps involved in forming a state alcohol policy alliance and provide examples of the experiences in a few states.   Learning Objectives: Describe the mission, organization, and membership of the US Alcohol Policy Alliance Understand the roles state alcohol policy alliances play in state and local policy development Explain key steps and considerations in forming a statewide alcohol policy alliance   About the Presenters: Michael Sparks is an Alcohol Policy Specialist and the President of SparksInitiatives. His primary interest is working with communities to use policy to reduce alcohol-related problems. Michael currently serves as a consultant and trainer to communities across the country and is a trainer for Community Anti-drug Coalitions of America. He also works in a consulting role with Wake Forest University and Johns Hopkins University on alcohol policy issues. He has expertise in the alcohol policy field as well as in the areas of community building, using local control strategies to manage problematic alcohol and drug environments, the legislative process, and neighborhood revitalization. Dylan Ellerbee is an expert in community-level change, policy advocacy and excessive drinking prevention. Dylan has been a Research Associate at UNC Greensboro and Wake Forest School of Medicine; he has coordinated and worked on the North Carolina Preventing Underage Drinking Initiative for 15 years; serves as treasurer on the US Alcohol Policy Alliance Board of Directors; is a trainer for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA); and is the founder of the North Carolina Alcohol Policy Alliance. Dylan travels the country speaking and training on substance misuse prevention and public health. He holds a BA from Beloit College and a Masters in Political Management from George Washington University. Michael Mumper is Director of Programs at Fayette FACTOR, Inc. (part of the Georgia Family Connections Partnership) and its Drug-Free Fayette substance abuse prevention coalition, in Fayette County, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. He consults with SAMHSA’s Opioid Response Network, serves on the American Heart Association’s Advocacy Steering Committee in Georgia, catalyzed a “2019 Got Outcomes” award from CADCA, and was Let’s Be Clear Georgia’s 2020 Prevention Champion for work in marijuana prevention and policy.In2021, Michael helped launch the Georgia Alcohol Policy Alliance, a statewide collaborative aiming to bring public health balance to alcohol policy at the state and local level. Michael has an MBA from Emory University.

                                                          Using Data to Tell Your Story: Advancing Prevention Efforts into the Future SESSION 2  (WEBINAR) Josh Esrick, MPP, Jessica Goldberg, MSW, MPH, and Cory Morton, PhD, MSW October 19, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION As our country continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, communities are experiencing emerging and worsening substance misuse problems relating to it. Many of these issues—for example, easing retail restrictions for alcohol and marijuana and the devastating rise in fatal opioid overdoses nationally—we are aware of it. But, many we are not, in part because the pandemic has hindered our ability to collect data to better understand what is happening in our communities. We as prevention practitioners need to have data to tell the story of how the pandemic has affected substance misuse in our communities, and to use that data to bring partners to the table to plan, implement and support strategies to meet these new challenges. This four-part virtual learning event series, featuring two webinars and two interactive “learning labs”, will explore finding, collecting, understanding and, ultimately, using data to tell your community’s story through the covid-19 pandemic. It will provide you with the tools necessary to locate existing substance misuse-related data, fill in data gaps with local data collection, and troubleshoot issues relating to data quality. It will also highlight the importance of using data to create a compelling narrative about your community’s experience, interpreting data appropriately and framing it as a story that will resonate with your key stakeholders and the public alike. During the learning lab sessions, participants will have the opportunity to apply the information shared during the webinar sessions through hands-on activities and case study examples. Note: Recordings of the two interactive "learning labs" will not be posted. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of using data to tell your community’s “story” with regard to substance misuse Describe strategies for working with imperfect data to tell your community story List steps in the process of analyzing and using data to guide current and future prevention efforts Discuss ways to share your community story with key stakeholders to build prevention capacity PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics.   Jessica Goldberg, MSW, MPH  is a certified prevention specialist and highly skilled trainer, designs and delivers impactful learning events, consultation, and coaching support. For over a decade, she has specialized in building capacity to improve health, mental health, and behavioral health. She brings a deep commitment to health equity and mental health equity to her leadership of in-person and virtual training and technical assistance (TTA). Her areas of expertise include preventing youth substance use; promoting cross-sector collaborations; addressing health disparities; and supporting strategic planning, logic model development, and sustainability planning. Jess holds an MPH and an MSW from Boston University.   Dr. Cory Morton, Assistant Research Professor has over ten years of experience conducting research in the field of prevention science. His research investigates the community context of substance use—whether structural features of neighborhoods, such as access to substance use and social services, lessen substance related harms and support individual and family well-being. Cory’s coordinates the Northeast and Caribbean Prevention PTTC’s special focus on geospatial applications, providing webinars and technical assistance on using mapping to determine community need or to evidence change. Cory holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from Rutgers University.

                                                          Using Data to Tell Your Story: Advancing Prevention Efforts into the Future SESSION 1  (WEBINAR) Josh Esrick, MPP, Jessica Goldberg, MSW, MPH, and Ivy Jones Turner, MA October 5, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION As our country continues to grapple with the Covid-19 pandemic, communities are experiencing emerging and worsening substance misuse problems relating to it. Many of these issues—for example, easing retail restrictions for alcohol and marijuana and the devastating rise in fatal opioid overdoses nationally—we are aware of it. But, many we are not, in part because the pandemic has hindered our ability to collect data to better understand what is happening in our communities. We as prevention practitioners need to have data to tell the story of how the pandemic has affected substance misuse in our communities, and to use that data to bring partners to the table to plan, implement and support strategies to meet these new challenges. This four-part virtual learning event series, featuring two webinars and two interactive “learning labs”, will explore finding, collecting, understanding and, ultimately, using data to tell your community’s story through the covid-19 pandemic. It will provide you with the tools necessary to locate existing substance misuse-related data, fill in data gaps with local data collection, and troubleshoot issues relating to data quality. It will also highlight the importance of using data to create a compelling narrative about your community’s experience, interpreting data appropriately and framing it as a story that will resonate with your key stakeholders and the public alike. During the learning lab sessions, participants will have the opportunity to apply the information shared during the webinar sessions through hands-on activities and case study examples. Note: Recordings of the two interactive "learning labs" will not be posted. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss substance use and misuse-related problems and related behaviors (e.g., changes in substances used, ways in which substances are used, consumption and consequence rates, relevant risk and protective factors) that have emerged in the past year List key considerations for collecting substance misuse-related data to develop your community story Identify strategies for filling data gaps caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic Explore common issues associated with the quality of collected data PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics.   Jessica Goldberg, MSW, MPH  is a certified prevention specialist and highly skilled trainer, designs and delivers impactful learning events, consultation, and coaching support. For over a decade, she has specialized in building capacity to improve health, mental health, and behavioral health. She brings a deep commitment to health equity and mental health equity to her leadership of in-person and virtual training and technical assistance (TTA). Her areas of expertise include preventing youth substance use; promoting cross-sector collaborations; addressing health disparities; and supporting strategic planning, logic model development, and sustainability planning. Jess holds an MPH and an MSW from Boston University.   Ivy Jones Turner, MA , an expert in behavioral and mental health promotion and prevention, is an experienced program leader, technical assistance (TA) specialist, applied researcher, and evaluator. Her expertise includes building the capacity of schools and organizations to effectively research, implement, evaluate, and sustain interventions to prevent substance misuse, suicide, youth violence, and bullying, and to promote social-emotional and mental health. Ivy delivers culturally competent, comprehensive support that helps EDC’s federal, state, community, and school district clients address system-level issues, incorporate evidence-based practices, monitor progress, and support staff in achieving program goals. Ivy holds an MA in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and is certified in Massachusetts as a specialist in both prevention and conflict mediation.

  Pacific Southwest PTTC's Community Engagement During COVID-19: A Webinar for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners Webinar Date: September 22, 2021 Webinar Slides Webinar Slides for Community Engagement During COVID-19: A Webinar for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners Webinar Support Materials: The Center for Community Investment Strategy Triage Tool Jamboard What is Community Engagement YouTube Video Talk They Hear You PSA Example AAUW's How to Build a Phone Tree Overview While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused restrictions on many options for face-to-face meetings, events, and workshops, community engagement in substance misuse prevention efforts remains essential. This interactive webinar will provide substance misuse prevention practitioners with tools and strategies to increase community engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Both digital and non-digital strategies will be presented as options for increasing community engagement. Objectives By the end of this training, participants will be able to: Define community engagement Describe the spectrum of community engagement List at least three non-digital strategies to engage their community in prevention under COVID-19 restrictions List at least three digital strategies to engage their community in prevention under COVID-19 restrictions Audience Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level prevention practitioners and allied health partners and community members located in the Pacific Southwest states and jurisdictions of American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Presenter Kristen Gabrielsen, MPH, has worked in substance misuse prevention for nearly 30 years. She served as 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. She currently works with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice by assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness Webinar Recording View Recoding of Community Engagement During COVID-19: A Webinar for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners

Improving Prevention’s Reactivity to Emerging Trends Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW September 22, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss evidence-based strategies for substance use prevention professionals to respond more quickly to emerging trends. Prevention professionals face an ever-shifting landscape, with changes in prevalence trends potentially requiring changes in focus or strategies. Prevention needs to be able to react to these shifts. This webinar will overview ways to better accomplish this, including building epidemiological surveillance capacity, conducting resource assessments, and expanding the use of selective and indicated prevention services. The webinar will also discuss the implications of a post-COVID world on addressing emerging trends. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain how a fast prevention response can alter the course of an emerging trend Identify strategies for improving epidemiological surveillance Recognize how resource assessments can bolter capacity for addressing emerging trends Understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prevention’s capacity to address emerging trends PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Lauren Pappacena, MSW is a Research Associate with Carnevale Associates. Lauren has a background in criminal justice and juvenile justice research specifically as it relates to evidence-based programs and practices spanning criminal justice topics, including corrections, law enforcement, reentry, and courts. Currently, she assists with training evaluations for NADCP and the PTTC, where she brings her experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis and data visualization. With a strong interest in policy analysis, research translation, data collection, and analytic writing, Ms. Pappacena is published in the Journal of Human Rights and Social Work for her analysis of national early-release laws.  

Stress, Uncertainty and Mental Health in the Time of COVID: Navigating Realities of Client Reactivity and Organizational Functioning Laura Hinds August 11, 2021, 12:30-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION As we face the unknowns of the pandemic and attempt to instill hope, safety, and health- it can be a challenge navigating the heightened emotions and challenged functioning our clients and patients are presenting. This event was designed to help both mental health practitioners and medical providers better engage activated people in striving for their best health outcomes. By identifying the impact of dysregulated nervous systems and the barriers they pose to health, we can see how both Trauma Informed Interventions and supportive language can support the health outcomes of our most vulnerable patients. LEARNING OBJECTIVES To identify the ways in which the pandemic has de-stabilized mental health in many individuals, and how that has impacted health related access, utilization, and outcomes. To offer participants some insights and considerations re: how the principles of Trauma Informed Care and Trauma Informed De-escalation can support providers’ efforts at engaging activated clients and patients. To offer tips, scripts, and strategies for supporting clients and fellow colleagues in navigating this incredibly challenging and uncertain time. PRESENTER Laura Hinds is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings. Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years. An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners. With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.

Beyond the physical health crisis of COVID-19, we are also experiencing a mental health crisis. This has put significant strain on medical staff, both professionally and personally. By focusing on three areas, medical staff and organizations can increase success and collaboration. Making improvements within the spheres of (1) Practitioner Considerations, (2) Navigating Patient Behavior, and (3) Organizational Opportunities can support a sustainable model of patient care despite significant mental health challenges. This handout serves as a resource for prevention professionals.  

Title: Conversando sobre Luto e COVID-19 na Comunidade Hispânica e Latina: Experiências de vida e Estratégias da Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso (This webinar was in Portuguese: Talking about Grief and COVID-19 in the Hispanic and Latin Community: Life Experiences and Therapeutic Strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) *** Please note: this live event was held entirely in Portuguese.  We will translate and re-record the event, so that information is also available in Spanish and English. Description: Since the beginning of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, we have collectively suffered drastic changes in our daily lives. We also have to deal with many individual losses including the illness or death of loved ones, friends or acquaintances and many new concerns such as our physical and mental health, uncertainties about the future, how to help ourselves, our relatives and friends bereaved, and how to feel safe again while maintaining hope and social responsibility. Considering that Familism is one of the strongest values and an important protective factor for the Hispanic and Latino community, this collective experience of grief, loss, and amplified homesickness, puts the physical and mental health well-being of our communities at risk. This webinar is an opportunity to open a safe space to validate our feelings and to reflect on how to experience the grieving process in the best possible way. We will be sharing stories of lived experiences, discussing how to deal with the new adjustments of the post-vaccination period, differences of opinion, substance abuse prevention and acceptance and commitment therapy strategies on how to navigate the grief processes maintaining a life that is meaningful to us.  Learning Objectives:  Describe the grieving process, individual and collective losses and its implications in the context of the pandemic. Discuss the new idea of normality in the post-vaccination period, preparation for returning to face-to-face activities and CDC recommendations; considerations of cultural values related to family and social life and living with divergent perspectives and expectations for the current moment. Review information and data on Substance Abuse and Mental Health in the context of the pandemic and prevention strategies with a focus on self-care and grief management Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Strategies in the process of experiencing grief   Additional Resources Presentation Slides   About the presenter Fabricia Prado, LCSW Fabricia Prado is a Trilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (English/Spanish. Portuguese) in the state of Georgia. She obtained her master's degree in social work from Kennesaw State University and completed her master’s degrees in Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, PUC-GO, Brazil She has been working with the Latino community in Georgia since the beginning of her graduate program in 2010, she has served in a variety of fields, including managing an Online Therapy program funded by the US Department of Mental Health Services Administration and Abuse of Mental Health Substances (SAMHSA) prioritizing Latinos in rural and underserved areas of Georgia to provide treatment for people suffering from substance use disorders and mental health. Fabricia has obtained her certification as an ACE Interface Master Trainer through the National Hispanic and Latino PTTC and is working to increase community awareness of the prevalence of ACEs and its public health impact utilizing evidence-based approaches for building resiliency in the Hispanic and Latino organizations and communities. Fabricia obtained specialized training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focused on trauma and Desensitization and Reprocessing through Eye Movements (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among others. Currently, Fabricia works in a private practice and has been working with the National Hispanic and Latino Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) and the National Hispanic and Latino Addiction Technology (ATTC) on their cultural and language efforts to expand training resources and conferences to offer presentations and translations into Portuguese.

Since the onset of COVID-19, many states and communities have loosened restrictions on alcohol and marijuana use and access, including restrictions on delivery, internet sales, takeout, and outdoor consumption. Justification for these changes includes economic relief for small businesses, COVID safety, and the accepted norm that substance use is a reasonable coping strategy. This document provides of overview of the resources presented in the accompanying webinar. 

  The Great Lakes PTTC offers this training to prevention practitioners in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. This training is offered in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders. Since the onset of COVID-19, many states and communities have dramatically loosened restrictions on alcohol and marijuana use and access, including restrictions on delivery, internet sales, takeout, and outdoor consumption. Justification for these changes includes economic relief for small businesses, COVID safety, and the accepted norm that substance use is a reasonable coping strategy.  The nature of alcohol and marijuana use has also changed since the start of COVID. More people are drinking or using marijuana in isolation or as a means of coping for depression, anxiety, or boredom.  This webinar will offer strategies for monitoring and mitigating the effects of these changes to ensure that they are temporary.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand what policies have changed during the pandemic Identify the implications of lessened restrictions on risk factors for alcohol and marijuana use List strategies for monitoring and mitigating the potential negative impact of policy change on community norms   Speaker:  Chuck Klevgaard delivers training and technical assistance to support substance misuse prevention throughout the Midwest. He has supported communities and health agencies as they adopt evidence-based alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse programs or policies. Chuck also serves as a prevention manager to the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center.

Preventing Adolescent Depression: Introduction to the Blues Program in the Context of COVID-19 Webinar Date: April 29, 2021 Webinar Description Adolescent depression has been of great concern to prevention practitioners especially given the challenges presented by the pandemic and the stress it has put on young people. This webinar will introduce the research base for adolescent depression prevention interventions. Dr. Paul Rohde will provide an overview of one intervention, the Blues Program, which applies a cognitive-behavioral approach to preventing adolescent depression. The webinar will also highlight how this program can be applied to individual settings. Objectives By the end of the webinar, participants will: Gain an understanding of the research base for adolescent depression prevention interventions. Obtain a solid introduction to a cognitive-behavioral indicated prevention depression group intervention (Blues Program). Consider how they can apply this intervention or components of the program to their specific settings. Presenter Dr. Paul Rohde is a Senior Research Scientist at Oregon Research Institute (ORI) and has over 30 years of experience as a research scientist with a focus on the etiology, treatment, and prevention of adolescent and young adult depression, eating disorders, and obesity. He has managed 8 federally funded research projects and been the Co-Investigator on an additional 20 federally funded studies. Most of these studies have been randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating prevention or treatment interventions in young people. He has published over 165 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and books and has served on several journal and federal grant review boards. Dr. Rohde has been a licensed clinical psychologist in Oregon since 1990.       Webinar Recording View Webinar   Webinar Slides Download Slides - Preventing Adolescent Depression: Introduction to the Blues Program in the Context of COVID-19  

The Double-burden: COVID-19 and Opioid Deaths De'Asia Harris, MPHc, and Leah Blackall, MPHc May 11, 2021, 12-1:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Before the U.S. entered the COVID-19 pandemic, it has long suffered the epidemic of opioid deaths. Opioid use disorder affects 40.5 million people worldwide, and with the pandemic, we have seen these numbers rise exponentially. This webinar will address the impact of COVID-19 on individuals who misuse opioids and how the sudden change in everyday life increases their usage. It will explore how the pandemic has exacerbated mental instability and caused interruptions in potential treatment for people who misuse opioids. In addition, the webinar will present methods and resources to mitigating the risk of opioid deaths associated with vulnerable populations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Introduce the background and history of the Opioid Epidemic, as well as the rise of opioid deaths during COVID-19 Discuss why individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection Understand how a disruption in access to opioid antagonist treatment can lead to harmful effects on the individual Discover the importance of harm reduction sites, syringe service programs, interventions, and access to treatment PRESENTERS De'Asia Harris, MPHc is a graduate student at the University of Maryland, with a Public Health Practice and Policy program concentration.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in May of 2017.  She is also a graduate research assistant for the Consortium on Race, Gender and Ethnicity (CRGE) at the University of Maryland. She currently works as a Medical Assistant at an Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Danya Institute's Central East Region Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). This summer, she will be partnering with the University of Miami's Minority Health Research Training (MHRT) program to research health disparities in the Dominican Republic. Upon completion of her MPH program, she plans to pursue her Ph.D. in Community Prevention. Her career goal is to pursue public health research focusing on economic stability and public health among underserved populations. Leah Blackall, MPHc is the Training and Technical Assistance intern for the Central East PTTC. Currently, an MPH candidate at the University of Maryland, focusing on Public Health Practice and Policy. Her ultimate goal is to find solutions to eliminate health disparities within the healthcare system and improve access and quality of care.