Products and Resources Catalog

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The April 2024 issue spotlights content celebrating National Minority Health Month and Alcohol Awareness Month. It also features links to upcoming trainings focused on supporting Black students experiencing racial trauma, harnessing AI for substance misuse prevention, and process improvement. Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!

Access free, self-paced online courses through HealtheKnowledge to enhance your substance misuse prevention 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.  

Identifying and Addressing Substance Use Trends in the United States and the Central East Region Part 2: The Latest Emerging Substances of Concern Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip March 21, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar, part two in a series, will examine data on four primary emerging substance use trends in the Central East region and around the United States: Xylazine, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Hallucinogens. This presentation provides information on what these substances are, their health impacts, and available data on use and consequences. It will also discuss opportunities and strategies for prevention professionals to learn more about the scope of these and other emerging trends in their communities. The webinar will identify potential data sources and techniques for collecting primary data. Additionally, the webinar will summarize harm reduction strategies that may be helpful in addressing these emerging substances of concern. Lastly, the presentation will identify opportunities to improve the public health response to substance use trends. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe the available data on Xylazine, Nitazenes, Tianeptine, and Hallucinogens as well as their consequences Recognize data sources and primary data collection methods Identify harm reduction strategies related to substance use Explain strategies for developing a culturally responsive and relevant public health approach to substance use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.    

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The March 2024 issue spotlights content celebrating Women's History Month and National Social Work Month. It also features updated versions of the Sustainability Planning in Prevention Guidebook and Sustainability Planning in Prevention Toolkit, as well as upcoming trainings focused on provider well-being and culturally responsive services for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) clients. As always, you will also find links to all scheduled events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC! Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!

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

Webinar Description This interactive two-hour training discussed how cognitive bias develops, contributes to inequitable outcomes for persons of color, and informed on bias reducing techniques for enhancing the provider-client interactions and outcomes for marginalized communities.   Presenter Information Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

  Webinar Description This interactive presentation reviewed the dynamics of culture in substance use prevention and recovery support services. Additionally, content considered cultural humility key components and how they translate in practice for person-centered care and enhance the opportunities that build trust and rapport.   Presenter Information Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

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

Stigma and Bias in Behavioral Health Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW January 31, 2024, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Racial and use bias has been demonstrated in the research related to Behavioral Health and Medically Assisted Therapy. The conclusion that has been drawn is that even well-meaning providers and staff hold biases that impact how and to whom they offer care and medicinal support for Substance Use Disorder (SUD). This lecture explores this research and supports participants in reflecting on, identifying, and mitigating this reality so as to offer equitable respect and support for everyone living with SUD. A LEARNING OBJECTIVES List the ways in which bias affects Behavioral Health Treatment and intervention for people living with Substance Use Disorder. Define the difference between implicit and explicit bias, and how to identify them. Recite at least three ways to identify and address their implicit bias in relation to their work in Behavioral Health. PRESENTERS Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, 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.  

Syndemic Solutions Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW January 18, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The term “syndemics” describes the relationship between two or more epidemics which often cluster together (e.g., substance misuse and HIV) and have shared social and environmental drivers. When these epidemics interact, they mutually exacerbate the negative effects of each condition, thereby worsening health outcomes. The syndemics framework recognizes the importance of addressing these interactions and seeks to implement a whole-person, integrated model of prevention and care in collaboration with other health care providers. These services focus on equity by putting people first and providing the services that people express interest in receiving. It also seeks to address shared population-level risk and protective factors that influence the co-occurring epidemics that can lead to health inequities. While the concepts of co-occurring epidemics and social determinants driving health outcomes are not new to the field of prevention, syndemics is an emerging framework that many prevention practitioners may be unfamiliar with. This 90-minute webinar will provide participants with an overview of the syndemics framework and its growing use in the field of prevention. It will explain the relationship between the syndemics framework and a public health approach to prevention, the importance of leveraging policy as a public health tool to address syndemic risk factors, and how to build collaborative partnerships between prevention professionals and other health-focused entities to better address syndemics. It will also review the importance of the social determinants of health to syndemics and recommend strategies to support the prevention workforce in improving health outcomes. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define the concept of the syndemics framework and provide examples of different syndemics Explain how the syndemics framework is interrelated with a public health approach to prevention and the social determinants of health Describe how partnerships and collaboration can help prevention professionals adopt the syndemics framework Identify opportunities for prevention professionals to address syndemics PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

  Webinar Description SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) is a preventive public health approach used to identify and intervene with persons whose pattern of use put them at risk for, or who are experiencing, substance-related health and other psychosocial problems, such as HIV and HCV, or exacerbated mental health issues. Prevention with Latinx communities includes a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive framework conducive to screening and early intervention. The content will inform on how taking a few minutes to conduct a person-centered brief intervention can help motivate reduction of substance use with Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities. The approach further identifies those with high potential for a substance use disorder and opportunities for accessing culturally relevant resources.     Presenter Information Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.     Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

  Webinar Description This interactive four-hour workshop reviewed how mitigating factors such as stress, discrimination, microaggressions and societal attributions influence racial stigma and differential prevention services. The intersecting challenges of social drivers of health and development of racial trauma in communities of color will also be explored. The content will offer bias reducing strategies that help mitigate stigma and benefits of integrating culturally responsive care to help attain and retain highest levels of person-centered care for people of color and other marginalized communities.     Presenter Information Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.     Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer  

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (2023 Series) Part 3: Incorporating Environmental Strategies into Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 6, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss several types of environmental strategies that can address the social determinants of health and provide examples for each. It will also examine the critical role collaborative partners play in the success of implementing and sustaining environmental strategies. As part of this, it will review what kinds of partner can support the implementation of environmental strategies and describe how to build effective partnerships. Additionally, the webinar will review best practices for sustaining collaborative partnerships. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Compare and contrast the types of environmental strategies that may be most appropriate for their communities Identify collaborative partners that can support the implementation of environmental strategies Describe partnership best practices to sustain collaboration PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.    

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (2023 Series) Part 2: Using a Public Health Approach to Address the Social Determinants of Health Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 30, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The webinar will describe how to pursue a public health approach to prevention. Through this, it will provide recommendations on how to address the social determinants of health. The webinar will introduce the concept of environmental strategies, describe how they function, and discuss their ability to expand the reach of prevention services. By using environmental strategies, prevention professionals can begin to address the determinants that influence substance use risk. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe a public health approach to prevention Recognize the role of environmental strategies in a public health approach to prevention Define environmental strategies and their relationship to the social determinants of health PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION Participants who attended, Supporting Immigrant, Refugee, and Asylum Seeking Individuals Through Prevention, joined a peer sharing session to delve deeper into the questions raised and revisit the practical steps for preventing substance misuse and promoting secure and healthy communities while considering the needs of immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeking individuals.  The View Resource button above include the PowerPoint from the session and other helpful resources.   PRESENTERS Since 1997, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sector. In 2017, he was selected for a position with the University of Arkansas Little Rock and served as a Program Coordinator with MidSOUTH Center for Prevention and Training where he served for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.  He currently serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6. Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby is a certified prevention consultant who earned his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas Little Rock.         

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (2023 Series) Part 1: Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Health in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 28, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will introduce and discuss the social determinants of health. It will explain which determinants have been found to be significantly linked to substance use risk, and how they are linked to inequity and health disparities. The webinar will also provide recommendations on how prevention professionals can begin thinking about ways to address the social determinants of health. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand what the social determinants of health are and how they relate to the socio-ecological model of prevention Identify the social determinants of health linked to increase risk of substance use Describe how racial and ethnic inequities influence substance use risk and services PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

Cultural Humility in Prevention: Integrating It into Our Work Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 21, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Culture is integral to humanity, shaping who we are, what we value, and how we see the world. Because culture plays such an important role at all levels in society, it is important for prevention professionals to understand, value, and respect other cultures. The concept of “Cultural Humility” is a lifelong commitment to self-reflection about culture, addressing inequities, and developing non-paternalistic partnerships with communities. Prevention professionals should infuse the concepts of cultural humility into all aspects of their work. This webinar will describe the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics within prevention. It will review how these concepts intersect and how they build upon each other to work towards a more equitable field of prevention. It will also delve into how cultural humility fits into SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The webinar will discuss how the core tenants of cultural humility can be found across each step of the SPF and provide examples of how prevention professionals can incorporate cultural humility best practices into those steps. The webinar will also highlight a sample case study of a community seeking to incorporate the principles of cultural humility in its prevention services. Lastly, the webinar will describe how to adapt prevention programming using a cultural humility lens and provide examples of successfully adapted programs. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics in prevention Recognize how cultural humility is infused throughout the strategic prevention framework Compare an example scenario of cultural humility in action and accompanying case study Describe how to adapt programs using cultural humility PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

Practical Skills in Prevention: A Series Focused on Soft Skills When it comes to building workforce capacity, some fields overlook the importance of practical or “soft skills” as they are not as tangible as technical or “hard skills.” Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others. Soft skills are transferable, and useful in every domain of life. Soft skills enable you to collaborate, build relationships, and enhance productivity. For prevention professionals, strong communication skills instill confidence to engage with communities, foster meaningful connections and strengthen relationships. Developing soft skills may take time but is essential for advancing in the modern prevention workforce.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides Leading Community Change Handout (Prosper & Partners) Discussion Prompts for Leading Community Change Worksheet (Prosper & Partners)   Session 2: Contagious Leadership! If there is such a thing? Join us for an engaging webinar addressing burnout and high turnover in the prevention field. Prevention leaders face the challenge of attracting and retaining talented professionals in a competitive job market, where expectations are ever-changing. This interactive webinar covered the transformational leadership model and how it can improve team morale and personnel retention. Participants had the opportunity to discuss a case study, which allowed them to actively apply the leadership model and explore its potential applicability within their own work context.   Learning Objectives: Explore the challenges of retaining prevention professionals Define transformative leadership  Brainstorm strategies to motivate and engage prevention professionals   Presenter: Colber Prosper, M.S. Colber Prosper, M.S., is the CEO of Prosper & Partners International Consulting Firm, LLC and authored the book title, No Entry Examining the Powers that Undermine our Full Potential. Colber is an expert in various areas like education, organizational development, community public health and prevention. However, all of this work is centered around building community and creating inclusive spaces for all. He is passionate about spirituality, social justice, humans and South Florida sport teams.  

Prevention Spotlight: Empoderando Familias - Notó Que Traduciendo Materiales no es Suficiente para la Comunidad (En Español) 15 de noviembre de 2023 Descripción del Seminario El acceso equitativo a la educación para la prevención del uso de sustancias es muy importante en el trabajo de prevención, pero no es fácil. Eres una coalición buscando una forma como interactuar con la población de Latinx. ¿Usted está en un programa de prevención que tiene mínimo éxito con la población de Latinx, y necesita un poco de guía? ¿ Es suficiente de traducir materiales directamente de inglés a español? En este curso, el equipo de EF hablar de las técnicas y métodos innovadores EF utilizó para movilizar los esfuerzos de educación para la prevención del uso de sustancias.   Objetivos del Seminario Enumeran tres errores comunes que las coaliciones y los hablantes de ingles cometen sin querer y que debilitante a los grupos Latinx Identificar al menos dos estrategias efectivas para aumentar la participación de las familias Latinx   Grabación y presentación de diapositivos Empoderando Familias-Notó Que Traduciendo Materiales no es Suficiente para la Comunidad (En Español) grabación de diapositivos Empoderando Familias-Notó Que Traduciendo Materiales no es Suficiente para la Comunidad (En Español) plataforma de diapositivas (PDF)   Presentadoras Marysol Jiménez, MA, CADC II Marysol Jiménez, CADC II, es terapeuta de adicciones en Portland, Oregón, y se especializa en terapia y asesoramiento sobre las adicciones. Actualmente es consejera del equipo de servicios de uso de sustancias del departamento de salud y éxito estudiantil en las Escuelas Públicas de Portland. Marysol Brinda consultas, asesoramiento y apoyo individualizado a los estudiantes y familias de PPS.   Terry Quinones, B.S. Health Science, CHW Después de obtener mi licenciatura en Ciencias de Salud, Educación para la Salud Comunitaria de la Universidad Estatal de California en Long Beach, me entusiasmó trabajar con latinos en las comunidades para ayudarlos a expresar sus preocupaciones con respecto al abuso de sustancias. Creo que todos tienen la capacidad de marcar la diferencia en su comunidad y mi objetivo es reducir la barrera del idioma en Oregón. Además de mis funciones laborales principales, trabajé para obtener mi CHW (Trabajador de salud certificado). Fuera del trabajo me pueden encontrar jugando fútbol o tomando una taza de café en una cafetería local reuniéndome con el equipo de Empoderando Familias.   ¿Preguntas? Si tiene alguna otra pregunta, comuníquese con Kathy Gardner en inglés ([email protected]).

Prevention Spotlight: Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) November 8, 2023   Webinar Description Empoderando Familias (EF- Empowering Families)- when translating materials isn’t enough.  Equitable access to substance use prevention education plays a vital role in prevention work, but it is not easy.  Are you a coalition looking for another way of engaging with Latinx Populations?  Are you a prevention program having minimal success with Latinx populations and need some guidance? In this session, the EF team will discuss the innovative techniques and methods EF used to mobilize support from Latinx communities. Webinar Objectives In this webinar, participants will: Identify at least two (2) effective strategies for increasing participation from Latinx families. Understand the critical role that community plays in developing strategies. Identify at least one (1) factor, which underlies and contributes to non-participation from Latinx Families.   Webinar Recording and Slides Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) Recording Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) slide deck (PDF)   Presenters Trevor Higgins, MHPE Trevor Higgins, MHEP, is a Senior Program Planner in Clackamas County Oregon and is the Founder and Chair of the Empoderando Familias Planning Committee (EF). Trevor is a first generation Portuguese and is bilingual. Before coming to Oregon, Trevor worked in Washington as an Opioid Task Force Coordinator and in Utah as a prevention unit supervisor.  Trevor credits his time as a prevention unit supervisor in Utah as the place where he truly learned how to utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework to move communities towards action. Michelle Kutnyak, MPH, CPH Michelle is the Prevention and Policy Coordinator with the Vibrant Future Coalition. Her role involves coalition building, community outreach, and policy, emphasizing youth substance use prevention in Clackamas County. Michelle is passionate about the wellbeing of Clackamas County’s youth and believes that the best approach to substance use prevention and treatment involves community-wide efforts with an emphasis on the social determinants of health. Michelle received her B.S. in Public Health from Oregon State University and a Master’s of Public Health from the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State School of Public Health, with a concentration in Health Systems & Policy.  Briana Correa, MSW Briana Correa has her master’s degree in social work. Her professional background in using evidence-based approaches that will fit the best need for everyone, family, and communities. Being in the field for 5 years consists in working with children, adolescents, and families. Briana has worked in many communities supporting diverse and underserved populations. Briana always believes in putting together different jigsaw pieces that form a solution. The pieces include unique experiences, strengths, resources and skills of the adolescents, families, and the community, which they live in.  Briana is a first generation chicana that was raised in rural Oregon. She is a founding member of the Terrible Trio. Clair Raujol Clair Raujol-She/Her, Portland-native, go Grant Generals! I am the Big Village Coalition Director and my role is to assist our membership in developing and achieving their annual goals. I live on a small hobby farm in the metro area where my family raises sheep, mini cows and more chickens than can be counted. I enjoy spending time with my husband and obsessing over my border collie, Adley. Questions Contact Kathy Gardner ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Cultural humility is a lifelong process of learning, self-evaluation, and seeking to better serve others. Following the principles of cultural humility can help prevention professionals better overcome biases and implement culturally responsive services that improve health and wellness. This product explains the importance of cultural humility and illustrates the steps to pursuing cultural humility. It also provides examples of what having a mindset of cultural humility can look like in strategic planning.

Substance Misuse Prevention and Support for Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum-Seekers in the South Southwest Migration is a fact of life in the South Southwest region of the United States. Prevention professionals play a crucial role in delivering evidence-based and culturally tailored interventions to assist vulnerable immigrant populations. By doing so, they contribute to the promotion of community health, overall well-being, and the strengthening of social bonds. This document is designed to equip prevention professionals with valuable insights for their work with immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities. The Substance Misuse Prevention and Support for Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum-Seekers in the South Southwest: Offers definitions of key terms and groups Discusses the risk and protective factors for drug abuse among immigrant populations Provides information about the role of prevention in creating safe communities Suggests steps for selecting appropriate interventions and adapting programs for these populations Lists additional resources and tools for prevention practitioners    

Many prevention specialists may not have experience working with immigrant, refugee, asylum-seeking individuals. It is important to learn about these communities in order to deliver substance misuse prevention programs that are culturally responsive and effective. This guide and job aid were created to offer prevention professionals basic information that may useful when working with immigrant populations in the Great Lakes region (Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio).

Chicago Strategic Action Plan National Prevention Network Conference 2023 Poster Session, August 15, 2023   Tyiesha Trina, Great Lakes PTTC Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellow, worked closely with Chief of Staff, Rafael Rivera, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention on the Chicago Strategic Action Plan. This citywide initiative is focused on: Establishing a strategic action council comprised of prevention leaders, diverse youth, and stakeholders who share common objectives that promote the well-being for Chicago’s youth. Creating a portfolio of culturally responsive and trauma-informed strategies that demonstrate diversity, equity, inclusion, leveraged resources, braided funding, and other partnerships to maximize systemic impact. Developing guidance for local or affinity groups to create and implement collective impact strategic plan. Download the poster for more information.     Fellowship Description The Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellowship Program (PFP) is focused on increasing the number of prevention scientists working within Black/African American communities and building their capacity to identify and chronicle programs, practices, and policies proven effective in reducing substance misuse risk factors and consequences and promoting mental health and protective factors or assets in Black/African American communities. The 2023 BOLD Fellows received mentorship from prevention staff in the state, territory, jurisdiction, national organization, and/or federally-recognized tribe or other American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN/) community associated with their placement and were exposed to the day-to-day workings of the site. This was a paid fellowship. Fellows worked on projects as assigned by their placement approximately half of the time and dedicated the other half of their time to learning and capacity development activities coordinated by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) network.   Tyiesha Trina, Great Lakes PTTC Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellow