Products and Resources Catalog

  There is growing concern among prevention specialists and public health officials regarding older adults and substance use, misuse, and increasing substance use disorders. Substance use in older adults is complicated and is often overlooked, especially when individuals are experiencing other aging related health conditions. While the number of older adults experiencing substance use disorders dramatically increased in the last 20 years, prevention services have not been tailored to the needs of older adults. This webinar will highlight the growing problem, approaches to understanding the older adult population in your community, and available strategies. Additionally, we will hear directly from preventionists who are implementing programming with this population.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe how to assess the prevention needs of older adults in your community. Identify strategies to prevent substance misuse and promote the health and well-being of older adults. Understand approaches and barriers to engaging older adults in prevention efforts. Develop new partnerships that can work across sectors to engage older adults.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS: Presentation Recording, April 25, 2024 Presentation Slides, April 25, 2024   PRESENTER: Chuck Klevgaard, CSPS  Chuck Klevgaard is a nationally recognized expert in substance misuse prevention, public health, and school-based health. Drawing on his experience in collective impact and prevention-focused partnerships, he builds the capacity of states, tribes, schools, communities, and cities to use evidence-based substance misuse prevention and intervention strategies. He specializes in behavioral health support; training and technical assistance; and evidence-based alcohol, opioid, and substance misuse programs and policies. Nationwide, he provides trainings to prevent opioid overdose, including working with first responders to administer naloxone. As a consultant to Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center, Klevgaard provides training and technical assistance to substance misuse prevention entities within the Great Lakes region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio. Klevgaard, a Certified Senior Prevention Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc., holds a BSW from Minnesota State University Moorhead.   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.  

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.  

  Military-connected youth experience unique challenges that impact their educational and social-emotional learning, putting them at greater risk for substance use and behavioral health challenges. Increasing resiliency by cultivating a culturally competent, supportive environment in schools and communities helps mitigate these challenges. Participants will learn how to enhance existing infrastructure to deliver substance misuse prevention programs to military-connected youth.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the risk factors that make military youth more vulnerable to substance use and behavioral health problems compared to non-military-connected youth. Describe how to increase capacity and readiness to serve military-connected youth. Identify evidence-based practices that support and build resiliency within military-connected youth.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, April 11, 2024 Presentation Slides, April 11, 2024   PRESENTER:  Sarah Flowers, CPS Sarah Flowers, CPS, grew up in a military family outside the world’s largest naval base in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a Gold Star Sibling and military family member, she brings unique perspectives gained from her personal experiences to prevention, empowering individuals, and communities to create and promote healthy environments, lifestyles, and behaviors. She works with state, and national agencies and organizations to develop and coordinate evidence-based strategies to increase resilience within military and veteran families. She specializes in training and consultation on capacity building, community engagement and best practices working with military families.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  Social media can be a powerful tool in our substance misuse prevention work. The number of digital platforms continues to grow and the way they deliver content is ever-changing. Often, we have limited resources to implement social media plans. Competing priorities, minimal staff time, and an inability to keep up with the technology can make social media planning feel overwhelming. This 90-minute webinar will address ways to navigate these challenges. Join us to learn how to develop and implement manageable and effective social media plans. The session will introduce tools to help broaden reach and enhance engagement.  We will share tips for curating and creating engaging, original content for a variety of platforms. Additionally, we will explore ways to use social media advertising, scheduling, and insights.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Select practical tools, resources, and strategies to create social media content. Identify strategies to increase social media engagement and reach. Integrate social media plans as part of information dissemination, event promotion, and storytelling.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 28, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 28, 2024 PreventionFIRST! Canva Content Creation handout  PreventionFIRST! Making Content Creation Easier handout PreventionFIRST! Social Media content planning template handout PreventionFIRST! Thought Questions/Social Media Planning Strategies handout   PRESENTER:  Jennifer Bierer, BA Jennifer Bierer is the Director of Communications at PreventionFIRST!  At PreventionFIRST! Jennifer leads social media, public relations, and marketing strategies and coordinates problem gambling prevention strategies. Additionally, she provides training and technical assistance on sustainable, realistic communication strategies for community organizations and prevention professionals. She serves as a board member for the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. Jennifer is passionate about public health and has extensive health promotion experience in the areas of chronic diseases, obesity, traffic-related deaths/injuries, mental health, and substance use/misuse. She has also developed marketing strategies and branding for several worker-owned businesses. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in communication and public relations from Xavier University and is currently working on her Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist credential. Her life outside of work is filled with houseplants, home improvements, furry friends, human friends, family, and three college-age sons.   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 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.

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!

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 3: Formulating Questions Nicole Augustine, MPH, MCHES, CPS, and Kristen Kidd, MA, CPS March 13, 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 3 COURSE DESCRIPTION Craft questions that go beyond the surface and extract meaningful information. Explore the art and science of question formulation, ensuring your queries lead to insightful responses. Community change and impact starts with being able to understand the root problem, so that we can work alongside communities to create solutions. PRESENTERS Nicole Augustine, MPH, MCHES, PS is the owner of RIZE Consultants, a business focused on providing consulting services to businesses and community organizations. Nicole received her B.A. in Sociology from Cornell University and her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health. Throughout her career in public health, she has focused her work on understanding health disparities and social inequality. She’s a passionate public health consultant with experience providing strategic planning services to address community substance misuse issues.   Kristin Kidd MA, CPS, is the Co-Coordinator of the Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine where she manages the Center’s training and technical assistance for the substance misuse prevention professionals. Her focus area is on environmental strategies, specifically local policy change. Kristin is also the Principle Investigator for the North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative which partners with nine NC community agencies to improve health disparities at the local level. Prior to her employment with Wake Forest, Kristin was the Director of the Tobacco Control Training and Technical Assistant Team at the Colorado School of Public Health in Denver. There her team was charged with providing state-wide advocacy and policy guidance to local health agencies to eliminate tobacco disparities. Kristin partnered with multiple Colorado communities to successfully pass local tobacco control policies such as retailer licensing and expanded smoke-free/vape-free ordinances.  

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 2: Facilitating One-on-One Interviews Dorothy Chaney March 12, 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 2 COURSE DESCRIPTION Dive into the art of conducting one-on-one interviews. Discover techniques for building rapport, active listening, and probing for deeper insights. This session will equip you with the skills to conduct impactful individual interviews. PRESENTERS Dorothy Chaney, M.Ed., is the Founder of Wisconsin Community Health Alliance, an organization committed to supporting coalitions, agencies, and individuals to improve the health of their communities and the environments in which they live. Dorothy is committed to equity in community health and works with communities both nationally and internationally to address health disparities and support the development of local solutions to complex problems. For more than 20 years, Dorothy has worked with community-based coalitions to address the impact of substance use on youth and families. Dorothy has also served on many state level work groups and advisory committees in Wisconsin. Chaney also works with communities to implement collective impact approaches to improve community health.

Webinar Recording and Follow-Up Materials This presentation focuses on the intersection of adolescent substance use and gun violence in metropolitan, suburban, and rural communities. Along with substance use, 15 additional risk factors for gun violence will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed upon protective factors which help buffer the impact of risk factors. We will also discuss prevention and intervention strategies.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: Articulate the relationship between substance use and gun violence. Recognize 15 risk factors for adolescent gun violence. Describe how protective factors can help reduce the risk of substance influenced gun violence. Name prevention and intervention strategies that address adolescent gun violence.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 12, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 12, 2024    PRESENTER:  Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is Illinois state project manager for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. He is an international speaker in the behavioral health field whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and British Virgin Islands. A partial list of clients include General Motors Corporation, Xerox Corporation, Northwestern University, and the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The author of five books, Mark has had two stories published in The New Times bestselling book series, Chicken Soup for The Soul. He has taught at the University of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and Illinois State University's schools of social work. Mark’s three decades of experience as a direct service Licensed Clinical Social Worker provide the foundation for his presentations.   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.

​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 Recording and Follow-Up Materials  January 23, 2024   Webinar Description According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the college years are a time when students may experiment with drugs for the first time. This is why college is the ideal setting for innovative, campus-wide programming aimed at preventing and reducing drug use among college students. This session will include an overview of current drug use rates among college students; the DEA’s updated strategic planning guide for preventing drug misuse among college students; successes and challenges experienced by colleges and universities applying the Strategic Prevention Framework to their efforts; seven keys to a successful prevention program; and DEA's resources for professionals working to prevent drug misuse among college students.     Webinar Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Discuss DEA's updated strategic planning guide to preventing drug misuse among college students Examine campus successes and challenges in applying the Strategic Prevention Framework to preventing drug use and misuse among college students Find DEA’s resources for professionals working to prevent drug misuse among college students   Webinar Recording and Slides Preventing Drug Misuse among College Students Recording Preventing Drug Misuse among College Students Slide Deck (PDF) Preventing Drug Misuse among College Students Planning Guide   Presenters Rich Lucey has more than three decades of experience at the state and federal government levels working to prevent alcohol and drug use and misuse among youth and young adults, especially college students. He currently serves as a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. Rich plans and executes educational and public information programs, evaluates program goals and outcomes, and serves as an advisor to the Section Chief and other DEA officials on drug misuse prevention and education programs. Rich formerly served as special assistant to the director for the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and worked as an education program specialist in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Erin Ficker, MPAff, CPRS, is an expert in substance misuse prevention, an accomplished training and technical assistance (T/TA) provider and a certified senior prevention specialist. She brings extensive expertise in supporting, designing, and delivering engaging professional learning, and providing comprehensive T/TA for states and community level prevention professionals. For over 18 years, she has built the capacity of clients to perform prevention work effectively using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She has in-depth knowledge and training experience in the SPF process, including specific work in evaluation, sustainability, assessment, and working with diverse populations. Erin currently serves as a regional director in SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) working to provide training and technical assistance to SAMHSA state and community grantees across HHS Regions 5 and 8. She also serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) providing services to a wide range of prevention and behavioral health specialists. Erin holds an MPA in Domestic and Social Policy from the University of Texas-Austin and a BA in Sociology from The Evergreen State College. She also holds a certification as a Senior Prevention Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board. Peggy Glider, PhD., has recently retired from the University of Arizona where she served as the Coordinator of Evaluation and Research for the Campus Health Service for 30 years. She has served as Principal Investigator, Project Director and/or Evaluator on multiple federal and state research demonstration grants in the alcohol, other drug, violence and mental health arenas within higher education. Dr. Glider and her team worked to increase evaluation capacity within Campus Health as well as with campus partners to ensure appropriate data was collected and utilized to improve programming and services for students. She has also served as the statewide evaluator for the Arizona Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)-Partnership for Success (PFS) grant. Under this grant, she trained each of the 12 subgrantees across the state in the SPF. She has presented many workshops and presentations at national meetings, focusing on program evaluation, often using the SPF as a guiding tool. Dr. Glider earned three degrees at the University of Arizona: a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.   Questions   Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

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.       

This one-page brief highlights some of the resources individuals can access to help them study for the IC&RC Prevention Certification exam. To learn more about the prevention certification requirements for your own state, visit the PTTC's Prevention Specialist Certification Requirements page.    

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

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

This brief compares and contrasts the mission, services and audiences of the PTTC Network and SPTAC, and describes how to take advantage of their excellent free prevention resources.

How can we prevent substance misuse unless we understand what places kids at greater risk of misusing drugs? During this webinar, we will explore the risk factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse, as identified by the Social Development Research Group through systematic reviews of the research literature. Time will be spent exploring each risk factor to ensure that preventionists understand the meaning of each factor in order to address them effectively. This training will build on the information shared during the Building Protective Factors Using the Social Development Strategy (Dec. 2023) webinar.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the importance of focusing on both increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors List the criteria used to identify factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse Understand the nuances that exist for each risk factor Put the risk factor framework into action in their communities   PRESENTATION RESOURCES Printable presentation slides Printable version of the participant workbook  Flipbook version of the participant workbook   PRESENTER 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. 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.    

In this Issue:   Advocacy is Not a Spectator Sport Additional Resources: Preparing to Meet Your Legislator Epi Corner: Xylazine: An Emerging Threat What's Happening Around the Region Job Announcements What's New at SAMHSA Wrapping up 2023

COURSE DESCRIPTION Whether you're a seasoned facilitator looking to refine your expertise, or beginning your journey as a trainer, this program is your gateway to excellence. Select Download at the top of the page to access the PowerPoint for the Art and Science of Facilitation training.  Marie Lindquist is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC). In that role, she builds the management skills of professionals through training and certification programs. In addition to leading the organization, Lindquist serves as the director of the Certified Group Facilitator Program. She teaches group facilitation, meeting facilitation, and strategic planning.    

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The December 2023 issue shares recorded content on wound care and xylazine, social media basics for preventionists, an infographic on providing behavioral healthcare to people living with HIV, and SAMHSA's tips for supporting your mental health through the holidays. As always, you will also find links to all upcoming 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!

  To prevent substance misuse among our youth, we must enhance protective factors and reduce risk factors. Join this webinar to learn how to build protective factors in the youth in a straight-forward, easy to implement way using the Social Development Strategy.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Name the elements of the Social Development Strategy Describe how the elements of the Social Development Strategy interact to create protective factors List a minimum of three ways that the Social Development Strategy can be incorporated into daily interactions and prevention strategies with youth   PRESENTATION RESOURCES Printable presentation slides SDS Assessment Tool Printable version of the participant workbook Flipbook version of the participant workbook    

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.