Products and Resources Catalog

Begin Your Data Journey and Ditch the Discomfort Are you curious about what you need to know as a prevention professional to participate in data-based decision-making? Have you been working with a prevention grant that requires you to conduct a needs assessment or an evaluation? If you are relatively new to prevention or new to using data, this series is for you! In this five-part series, Dr. Hayden Center will take you on a data journey, from providing an overview of the basic components of data literacy to then taking a deeper dive in parts two through four to learn more about data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and finally visualizing and communicating data to your partners. During this journey, there will be discussion and practical tips from Dr. Center; who has worked with local community prevention organizations to build capacity around working with data. Part 1 - Ditching the Discomfort With Data Series: Overview Part 2 - Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series: Reading Data Part 3 - Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series: Working With Data Part 4 - Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series: Analyzing Data Part 5 - Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series: Communicating and Visualizing Data  

Prevention Talks, Dr. Rodney Wambeam and leading experts share strategies and innovations in substance misuse prevention. In Episode 2, Dr. Wambeam talks with Carla Ritz, General Manager of the Montana Institute. They discuss the Positive Social Norming and Positive Childhood Experiences as effective prevention strategies. LISTEN HERE Our Guest: Carla Ritz Carla Ritz is the Managing Director of The Montana Institute.  In her role at the Institute, Carla keeps the authentic practice of the Science of the Positive at the forefront of the Institute’s internal work culture, ensuring that the team lives what they learn and lead. Carla also delivers presentations and keynote addresses on the science of positive experiences and related topics. Carla’s journey with The Montana Institute began as a client in her previous work in early childhood advocacy, prevention, and systems change.

This brief was created through a literature review to help substance misuse prevention practitioners understand what research has shown are ineffective approaches to substance misuse prevention.  

Webinar 3: How to Effectively Implement an evidence-based program. January 15, 2025   Webinar Series Description: The Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series is designed to enhance substance misuse prevention efforts through a structured three-part webinar series.   Webinar Description: The third and final webinar in this training series will focus on five best practices for evidence-based program (EBP) implementation. The presenters will provide research-based tools and strategies for assuring you maintain the core elements of the program needed to achieve positive outcomes while also adapting the non-core elements to enhance fit with your target audience. Through the presentation, we will reflect on how these best practices help promote health in the implementation of substance misuse prevention programs. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Learn key terms, theories, and best practices for evidence-based program implementation. Learn how to apply research-based tools and strategies to assure you maintain the core elements of the program needed to achieve positive outcomes while also adapting the non-core elements to enhance fit with your community. Webinar Recording and Slides: Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series -Webinar 3 - Recording Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series -Webinar 3 - Slide Deck Additional Resource: EBP Webinar 1-3 Additional Resources Presenters: Brittany Cooper is Associate Professor of Human Development and graduate faculty in the Prevention Science PhD program at Washington State University. She also co-leads the Northwest PTTC and is President of the Society for Prevention Research. Dr. Cooper’s research, teaching, and outreach centers around the translation of prevention science for public health impact. For over a decade, she has collaborated with federal, state, and other community leaders to improve the field’s understanding of how best to support evidence-based prevention programs in diverse community settings. Kat Bruzios is a postdoctoral scholar across University of Washington’s School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) and the ALACRITY Centers. She earned her PhD in Prevention Science from Washington State University. She has training and experience in identifying effective prevention strategies. Dr. Bruzios has expertise in the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs and using implementation strategies to achieve positive behavioral health outcomes for youth, families, and communities in various settings. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.    

COURSE DESCRIPTION Part 1 of this series delves into the multifaceted impact of military installations on community health and prevention efforts by studying the use of both quantitative and qualitative data for decision making.   Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. 2020-State-Data-Sheet-Arkansas 2021-State-Data-Sheet-Louisiana 2021-State-Data-Sheet-New-Mexico 2021-State-Data-Sheet-Oklahoma 2021-State-Data-Sheet-Texas Handout-data-sources-military-partnerships PPT-Data-Driven-Military-Partnerships-P1 PRESENTER Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain, co-author of Evaluation Time: A Practical Guide for Evaluation, formerly served as the epidemiologist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology and Transfer Center Region 6, with over 30 years of experience in technical assistance and training, evaluation, research, and quality improvement processes. She has expertise in process and impact evaluation, quality improvement studies, research methodology, and project management. Dr. Triana-Tremain is experienced in providing high-impact training and technical assistance services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders. Dr. Triana-Tremain provides training and technical assistance on data-driven public health interventions and effectively communicating data to stakeholders in order to improve understanding in various populations. She has worked across the public and private sector for over 50 organizations to develop quality improvement plans in the areas of workforce development, public health improvement, and community impact. She also has extensive project management experience, particularly developing logic models that focus stakeholders on intentional project outcomes. A certified Lean Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt, Dr. Triana-Tremain received her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University in community health, with a public health concentration. She also has a master’s from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

COURSE DESCRIPTION Part 2 of this series explores the role military prevention professionals play in fostering healthier communities and how to effectively partner with them to mutually improve outcomes through data sharing.   Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. PPT-Understanding-Militarys-Role-in-SU-P2 PRESENTER SMSgt Amy Beth Thomas serves as the Drug Demand Reduction Outreach Manager for the Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Program, located in New Orleans, Louisiana. In this role, she works with military and civilian drug prevention entities across the state of Louisiana. SMSgt Thomas is a member on the Louisiana Governor’s Office Drug Policy Board. SMSgt Thomas participates in National and state drug prevention strategies. SMSgt Thomas collaborates across several Federal, State, and local anti-drug coalitions as well as in several schools across the state of Louisiana delivering drug prevention curriculum to the youth.  SMSgt Thomas entered the Air Force in July 2000. Following basic military training, she attended Command Post Controller training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi and graduated in November 2000. She spent the following nine years in the command post career field supporting homeland defense in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. As a command post controller, SMSgt Thomas assisted in several humanitarian efforts to include Hurricane Katrina. Following Hurricane Katrina, she was assigned to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, where she conducted emergency support functions during state disasters. In 2006, she was selected to serve full time with the Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Task Force as the Joint Substance Abuse Coordinator for both the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard. In 2009, she was assigned as Command Support Staff in the 159th Fighter Wing Commanders office and attended Personnel School at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi in September 2009. In July 2011, SMSgt Thomas was assigned to the 159th Fighter Wing Equal Opportunity Office. In 2014, SMSgt Thomas was assigned to National Guard Bureau as a Regional Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager from October 2014 until July of 2018. While assigned to National Guard Bureau’s Joint Substance Abuse Program, she assisted with national instruction, program implementation and evaluation, regulations and policy rewrites, as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of Airmen. Currently SMSgt Thomas is assigned as the drug demand reduction outreach program manager for the Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Program. Prior to her military assignment, the senior master sergeant served her community as a law enforcement officer for over five years and currently volunteers as a counselor in behavioral health.  

  Developing innovative and proactive steps to establish best practices for online data collection is essential given that our environment is in a constant state of change. This resource provides prevention practitioners with links to resources that will strengthen online data collection, build trust, and maintain a solid reputation for organizations in an ever-changing environment. Resources for Online Data Collection The Pacific Southwest PTTC is dedicated to providing training and technical assistance services to the substance misuse prevention field. For more information about our services, please reach out to us at [email protected].

In this comprehensive 1-hour course, professionals in substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery will gain essential skills in finding, analyzing, and utilizing data to inform decision-making and create impactful stories. We'll explore various data sources, including public health databases and community surveys, and teach you practical strategies for collecting and organizing data. You'll learn to interpret data accurately and draw meaningful conclusions to assess prevention programs, identify trends, and evaluate treatment outcomes. Additionally, we'll focus on presenting data clearly and engagingly, making it accessible to stakeholders and the broader community. By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to leverage data to enhance your work and advocate for evidence-based approaches in substance misuse prevention and recovery. This course offers a certificate of completion.

  This 90-minute webinar that will provide peer recovery specialists with an introduction to the field of substance misuse prevention. In this interactive session, we will demystify what primary prevention is and is not, introduce the Strategic Prevention Framework, and uncover evidence-based strategies that have proven effective for primary prevention, while debunking those that fall short. This training was created for peer recovery specialists who would like to make a difference in the primary prevention field.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define primary prevention Explain the 5 steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework Understand how risk and protective factors impact individuals and communities Identify evidence-based approaches that can be used to prevent substance misuse in communities   PRESENTERS:  Kris Gabrielsen, MPH, CPS Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years, has a Master of Public Health degree, and is a Certified Prevention Specialist. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   Kris Kelly, PRS Kris Kelly is a Project Manager at the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence, leading the RCO capacity-building team through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over a decade of experience in the in the recovery field, Kris has worked with a wide variety of systems and settings designing and implementing strategies to empower people with lived experience to lead the process in systems change, integrate peer services, and develop recovery-oriented practices. Prior to joining UW, Kris was a director of a Minnesota RCO where she facilitated Recovery Coach training, supervised peer programing, and supported Minnesota’s efforts to grow the Peer Recovery Specialist workforce. She has a passion for holistic wellness in her own recovery journey and has dedicated her personal and professional life to ensuring those who struggle have the opportunity to get well without judgement, without having to jump through countless hoops, and with choice and dignity throughout the process.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

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

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.    

This 90-minute webinar will explore national and state level data points from middle and high school youth to make the case that Prevention Works!  We will discuss the need to maintain, expand, and sustain our efforts of implementing tested and effective substance misuse prevention programs. The session will also focus on areas where we have not seen prevention success and a call for action to improve prevention among 18-25-year-old young adults.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explore Monitoring the Future and some state trend data that have demonstrated decreasing overall trends in substance use among high school age youth. Identify three websites that provide information on the tested and effective prevention programs Identify areas of focus for the prevention field that need attention based on state and national data points   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 20, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 20, 2024   PRESENTER Kevin P. Haggerty, MSW, PhD, is an emeritus Professor of Prevention at the University of Washington School of Social Work. He is the former director of the Social Development Research Group where he specialized in the delivery of prevention programs at the community, school and family level. For over three decades, he has focused on developing innovative ways to organize the scientific knowledge base for prevention so that parents, communities and schools can better identify, assess, and prioritize customized approaches that meet their needs. He has served as principal investigator on a variety of intervention-focused federally funded grants.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 5: Data Storytelling Josh Esrick, MPP March 15, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 5 COURSE DESCRIPTION Learn the crucial skill of turning raw data into compelling narratives. From structuring your story to visualizing data, this session will empower you to communicate your research findings in a way that captivates and resonates with your audience. 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.  

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 4: Environmental Scans and Asset Mapping Josh Esrick, MPP March 14, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 4 COURSE DESCRIPTION Navigate the landscape of environmental scans and asset mapping as a tool for getting to know your community, while also discovering assets that can be leveraged during the implementation and sustainability phases of your prevention efforts. 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.    

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 1: Facilitating Focus Groups Sandra Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS March 11, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 1 COURSE DESCRIPTION Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. PRESENTERS Sandra Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS has worked over 35 years in prevention, though her work spans the continuum of care from prevention to treatment to recovery. In Rhode Island, Sandra was the founder and past executive director of Initiatives for Human Development, the only statewide prevention agency. She is a faculty member and on the board of directors for the New England School of Addiction Studies. She has worked extensively at both the community and state levels developing strategic prevention and behavioral health care plans. Sandra is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and is the Prevention Committee's co-chair.  

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 3: DIY Data for Prevention Professionals Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C, and Robin Carr, PS-C February 29, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Looking for tips and tricks on how to present your data in a way that catches people’s attention and is easily understood? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the Five C’s of Data: Chart, Color, Context, Clutter, and Composition. Through learning about the Five C's, participants of this virtual training will gain skills to present data in a manner that best resonates with their audiences. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Choose the most effective chart for their data Use color for emphasis and action Show data in context for maximum (and realistic) impact Reduce clutter so data insights can be easily understood PRESENTERS Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C and Robin Carr, PS-C founded Info Inspired in 2014, after many years of designing and giving presentations with no formal training in this area, and watching their public health colleagues struggle with the same skills gap. Both are certified prevention specialists with 30 years’ combined experience in the field. They’ve spent the last several years researching and testing ways to not only capture and hold an audience’s attention, but to also inspire audiences. They’ve spent countless hours refining the presentation planning process, identifying free resources, and learning how to maximize the tools they already had. It’s also important to know that they aren’t graphic designers, artists, or especially tech savvy. Everything they do, you can do too. They’ve presented at the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America’s Leadership Forum, the Maine Public Health Association Annual Meeting, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, the New England School of Best Practices, and provided training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations throughout New England. They have been featured on the Organizing for Change podcast and have an on-demand webinar available through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  

Join the Implementation Science work group for a webinar that addresses a common overarching question in prevention: "how can an evidence-based intervention  (EBI) be delivered with fidelity to its scientific components, while also responding effectively to changing real-word conditions?” Mindful of the public health adage, “one size doesn’t fit all,” how can intervention delivery staff respond effectively to these conflicting demands? This session will summarize major challenges and their resolution as illustrated by the “Fidelity-Adaptation Dilemma.” A general prevention science goal is to effectively disseminate, adopt, implement, improve, and sustain relevant EBIs to benefit residents from a local community. Strategies for addressing this dilemma across diverse real-world settings will be discussed. This webinar is designed to compliment the Implementation Science Work Group's four-module course on selecting evidence-based programs and interventions, available on HealthEKnowledge.  It is recommended that participants are familiar with the contents of that course prior to attending this webinar, but not required.   Slides: Download

    Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 November 7, 2023   Webinar Description During this one-hour webinar, participants will develop a better understanding of why logic models are essential to those in the field of substance abuse prevention/substance misuse prevention or intervention. Participants will leave the first part of this training with an understanding of the essential components of a logic model, how logic models can help make the prevention specialist's job easier and more sustainable, and the role that the theory of change plays in creating a usable logic model.     Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:  Identify the benefits of using logic models. Define the key components of a logic model. Describe why a theory of change should be embedded into the logic model.   Learning Session Recording and Slides Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 Recording Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 Slide Deck (PDF)   Presenter   Kyle Barrington, Ph.D., serves as the Principal Investigator on multiple projects related to substance abuse misuse, substance abuse treatment, and suicide prevention. For the past 23 years, as the Principal Investigator for Zajonc Corporation, he has served as a subject matter expert and supported the development of training on topics ranging from implementing evidence-based programs, using evidence-based programs to reduce risk-taking behaviors on college campuses, sustaining effective practices, and evaluating environmental strategies. In addition, he has utilized research results to help secure over $650 million in funding for rural and low-income communities.    Questions Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this learning session.

In this Issue:   The Power of Community Advocacy Additional Policy and Advocacy Resources Epi Corner: Using "Big Data" and other Digital Methodologies to Monitor Substance use Disorders (SUDs) What's Happening Around the Region

Evaluations are an important tool for improving prevention programs and the health and wellbeing of communities. Prevention professionals can use evaluations to gather and analyze data about programs and their impacts. This product explains the importance of evaluation and summarizes the four principles of evaluation. It also describes the key steps of an evaluation and provides examples of questions to ask yourself when planning an evaluation.

Xylazine: What We Know About the Latest Substance Trend Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Deborah Nixon Hughes, LCSW-C October 18, 2023, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Xylazine is an emerging issue across the United States, often used in conjunction with opioids and other substances. Public health professionals must be aware of Xylazine’s effects and how it complicates efforts to prevent and treat other substance use. This presentation summarizes the available research and data on xylazine use. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the available data on xylazine use and consequences in the United States Describe the impacts of xylazine use Explain harm reduction strategies related to xylazine use Recommend strategies for developing a culturally responsive and relevant public health approach to xylazine 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.         Deborah Nixon-Hughes, LCSW-C, is the Project Director for the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). She is responsible to use proven technology transfer strategies and practices to promote the adoption and implementation of evidence-based prevention and early intervention approaches. Debbie will be the spokesperson and liaison to federal, regional, state and local entities; academic institutions; and prevention, treatment, and/or recovery agencies. Deborah is responsible to identify prevention needs through engaging and collaborating with primary care providers; individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and their families; and other community stakeholders/systems. As a result, she recommends and coordinates workforce trainings and technical assistance initiatives that can address the needs identifies, and thus reduce the effect of mental and substance use disorders on the health of individuals, their families, and their communities.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION This interactive training session explores the power of Excel to analyze meaningful prevention program outcomes with pre- and post-test surveys. Excel is a practical and accessible tool for prevention professionals who may be analyzing survey data to demonstrate program outcomes, especially for prevention professionals who may not have access to expensive software packages. Participants will be guided through real-life examples of applying a step-by-step process using Excel to examine pre- and post-test results and interpret significant outcomes. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording. Below is the PowerPoint and handout for this webinar. PowerPoint Step-by-step Companion Training Instructions Training Data Examples   PRESENTER Nicole Schoenborn brings 20 years of award-winning public health experience to the South Southwest Prevention Technology and Transfer Center (SSW PTTC). She currently oversees all evaluation reporting and analysis and manages the evaluation database for the SSW PTTC. She plays a vital role in providing high-impact training and technical assistance (T/TA) services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders. Ms. Schoenborn develops innovative program evaluation so that state and community-level prevention practitioners can achieve successful outcomes. With a specific focus on addressing health disparities, she works with states and tribes to develop processes and programs that achieve long-term public health impact. Specifically, she collaborates with subject matter experts to guide states and tribes in the design of effective logic models, methods, and evaluation plans. Nicole works to create supportive and responsive research environments that interconnect services for historically underserved populations and reduce adverse public health outcomes. Ms. Schoenborn holds multiple certifications, namely, she is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist and an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Interface Certified Instructor. She received her master’s degree in experimental psychology and bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Over the past 20 years, kratom use has increased across the globe. This presents potential risks, including for children and youth. Adult kratom use for opioid craving and withdrawal self-management has also expanded alongside the opioid epidemic. This product provides information about kratom and the negative effects of kratom use. It also summarizes available data on the scope of kratom use and its legality in the United States.

Webinar Description This training looked at the importance of Data Informed Decision Making, or DIDM, in strategic prevention planning, and the value of using data within each step of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to identify priority needs and achieve prevention goals. During this webinar, presenters defined key data-related terminology, described the benefits of using a data-informed prevention planning process, discussed common challenges and barriers to using data to plan and examined data-informed decision making within each SPF step.   Presenter Emily Bhargava is a Training and Technical Assistance Associate with Education Development Center (EDC). She is skilled in facilitation, data literacy, strategic and sustainability planning, and evaluation design. For over 15 years, she has led community-level health promotion efforts. She is an expert in the prevention of substance abuse, violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, obesity, and HIV, guiding the planning and implementation of culturally and linguistically responsive community-level prevention and health promotion efforts across Massachusetts and the United States.   Additional Resources  Flyer  PowerPoint