Products and Resources Catalog

  How can we prevent substance misuse unless we understand what places kids at greater risk of misusing drugs? During this webinar, we will explore the risk factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse, as identified by the Social Development Research Group through systematic reviews of the research literature. Time will be spent exploring each risk factor to ensure that preventionists understand the meaning of each factor in order to address them effectively. This training will build on the information shared during the Great Lakes PTTC webinar on the importance of protective factors (October 23, 2024).   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the importance of focusing on both increasing protective factors and decreasing protective factors List the criteria used to identify factors that place youth at greater risk of substance misuse Understand the nuances that exist for each risk factor Put the risk factor framework into action in their communities   PRESENTER: Kris Gabrielsen, MPH, CSP Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.   The Great Lakes PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intersection of youth mental health and substance misuse. Presenters outline effective strategies and interventions that prevention professionals can implement to improve mental health and reduce substance misuse among youth. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Handout 1 HHA Risk-and Protective Factors Handout 2 NAMI Resource Guides to Support Individuals Handout 3 New Starting the Conversation Guide Handout 4 New Youth MH Disparities Framework Reducing Youth Substance Misuse PPT   PRESENTERS Cindy Rivera Change Consultant, Project Director specializing in early childhood and mental health across the lifespan. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience working at the community level to implement programming to meet identified needs. She worked across communities from Tennessee to American Samoa on issues ranging from community volunteerism to chronic disease prevention. Cindy believes when community members are seen as experts, organizations may begin to support innovative solutions to complex challenges. Cindy holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Mexican American studies from the University of Arizona. She is originally from Arizona, however, has spent the past 9 years zigzagging the country as military spouse. Currently, she resides in Fort Moore, Georgia, but will always call Southern Arizona home. “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”  – Fred Rogers    Since 1996, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sectors. He serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6.   As a veteran's counselor and advocate, Mr. Newby gained experience with the impact of federal programs on communities after working as a special assistant to a member of Congress. He then worked as the Program Coordinator in Arkansas for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center for 15 years, facilitating the education of providers interested in increasing their capacity to provide comprehensive services related to HIV including testing and treatment. 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 for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.   Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in education.    

COURSE DESCRIPTION This training explores innovative approaches and evidence-based strategies for preventing the spread of emerging drugs within communities. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Identifying and Address Emerging Trends in the SSW Region PPT Cannabis Handout 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.   Olivia Stuart, LMSW, is a Research Assistant with Carnevale Associates, LLC. She has experience researching, writing, and presenting on a wide variety of topics in the fields of behavioral health and criminal justice. She provides programmatic support and training and technical assistance (TTA) for SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) and the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), wherein she provides expertise in substance use prevention and mental health. Ms. Stuart is also a licensed master social worker in the state of Virginia.

COURSE DESCRIPTION As cannabis laws continue to evolve across the country, prevention professionals and community stakeholders are faced with new challenges and opportunities in addressing youth substance use and promoting public health. In this recording, we explore practical strategies and best practices for responding to cannabis legalization at the grassroots level. From community education and policy advocacy to youth prevention programs and enforcement efforts, this training provides valuable insights and actionable steps for effectively addressing the impact of cannabis legalization on their communities.  Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. Navigating the Green Wave Presentation_PPT Navigating the Green Wave Resources PRESENTERS Mariah Flynn is a Certified Prevention Specialist who has worked in the substance misuse field in Vermont for 23+ years as a counselor, a case manager, and for the last 16 years as the Director of the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community, a substance misuse prevention coalition serving Burlington, Vermont. She is a founding member of Prevention Works! Vermont, the Chittenden Prevention Network, and the Northwest Regional Prevention Network; statewide and regional efforts to coordinate substance use prevention resources and strategies for the areas, and she serves on the Steering Committee of Prevention Works! VT. Mariah also previously served as the Coordinator of the Tobacco Free College Campus Initiative for the state of Vermont and the Co-Chair of Smart Approaches to Marijuana-Vermont. She completed two Fellowships with the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center to develop a toolkit for Vermont prevention professionals and communities working on cannabis related policy improvement to use to help support prevention and public health at a community level. In addition to spending as much time with her two teenagers as they will let her, Mariah is also passionate about building communities that provide youth and families with the skills and environment that supports healthy choices.    

Fostering Dialogue: Exploring the Intersection between Prevention and Harm Reduction

Changing the Systems and Norms that Drive Stigmatization of Behavioral Health Disorders A Complete Guide to Developing and Delivering a Two-Day Convening and Preparing for Follow-Up To download click the link.  

Northwest PTTC Prevention Core Competency Resources Guide To view the resource guide, click here.  

Webinar Series Description The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) Team (HHS Regions IX & X) in collaboration with the Pacific Southwest and Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTC) cordially invite you to join our Regional Webinar Series, Tools for the Trade: Layering the Six CSAP Strategies for Impact. This series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your prevention programs. Participation in both webinars is highly recommended but not required. Part 1:  Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies to Address Community Prevention Needs As the saying goes, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is easy to treat everything as if it were a nail.” Understanding the purpose and function of CSAP’s six strategies enables prevention practitioners to select the right tool or set of tools to be more effective in their work. This webinar will explore the purpose and function of each of the six CSAP strategies in building a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to specific community needs. Participants will also learn about common misunderstandings of CSAP strategies and gain practical examples for aligning strategies with community needs and reporting requirements.   Post Webinar Materials Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 1 Recording Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 1 Slide Deck   Additional Resources Focus on Prevention Six CSAP Strategies with Examples Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) Website Prevention Research Center's Policy Studies Fact Sheet: Translating Research Into Information for Policy Makers, Public Health Officials, and the Public MayaTech Corporation Website   Presenter Susannah Burt has been working in substance abuse and mental illness prevention since 2001.  She has implemented the Strategic Prevention Framework since 2003 and has trained on the model since 2006. Professionally, it has been part of her responsibility to work with the evaluators and review data for state and local communities for assessments. She has worked to develop an evaluation plan for environmental strategies, including policies and campaigns. Ms. Burt is currently working on securing ongoing private and public funding for coalitions in her local area. Ms. Burt currently sits on her local Communities That Care coalition in Utah. She received her bachelor's degree from Weber State University and works for Weber Human Services.   Certificates of Attendance Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for each session of this 2-part live webinar series. The total possible certificate hours is 3 hours.   Questions? Please email Michelle Frye-Spray at ([email protected]) for any questions.

This webinar was designed specifically for substance misuse prevention professionals gearing up to take the IC&RC prevention certification exam. The webinar provides listeners with crucial test-taking tips and strategies for passing the exam. This session included an interactive experience with a live test question game, designed to boost confidence and readiness for the exam. Whether one is just beginning a prevention specialist certification journey or are brushing up before the test, this session provides invaluable insights and resources to help you succeed.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Name key strategies for effective test preparation and the multiple-choice questions. Apply practical tips and techniques to manage time and stress during the exam. Access and use resources to prepare for the prevention exam.   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: These additional resources were referenced during the webinar: Test Prep Resources for the IC&RC Prevention Certification Exam  6 CSAP strategies learning portal page Social Development Strategies webinar What Research Shows Does NOT Work in Substance Misuse Prevention Prevention Specialist Exam Guide, Nicole M. Augustine Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice, Julie Hogan, Kristen Gabrielsen, et al.   PRESENTER:  ES: Nicole M. Augustine, MPH, MCHES, PS  Nicole M. Augustine, Founder & CEO of RIZE Consultants Inc., embodies the spirit of innovation and advocacy in public health. With a vibrant career launched from Cornell University and propelled at George Washington University School of Public Health, Nicole has evolved from a campus harm reduction counselor to a beacon of prevention and equity in public health. In 2022, she authored the "Prevention Specialist Exam Study Guide," a key resource for substance use disorder prevention professionals.   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.

Webinar Series Description The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) Team (HHS Regions IX & X) in collaboration with the Pacific Southwest and Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTC) cordially invite you to join our Regional Webinar Series, Tools for the Trade: Layering the Six CSAP Strategies for Impact. This series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your prevention programs. Participation in both webinars is highly recommended but not required. Part 2:  Layering Evidence-Based Interventions with CSAP Strategies: Building Impactful Prevention Plans Building upon the foundation laid in Part 1, the second webinar will demonstrate how various interventions, from practices to policies, align with the CSAP six strategies to create a layered approach. Participants will receive tips for developing comprehensive prevention plans that thoughtfully incorporate CSAP’s six strategies to address identified needs and achieve desired prevention outcomes.   Post Webinar Materials Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 2 Recording Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 2 Slide Deck   Additional Resources Guide to Online Registries for Substance Misuse: Evidence-Based Programs and Practices Evidence-Based Practices to Promote Agency in Middle School Students: Simple Practices to Activate the Social Development Strategy in a School Setting Six Elements of Effective Coalitions Resource Toolkit   Presenter Susannah Burt has been working in substance abuse and mental illness prevention since 2001.  She has implemented the Strategic Prevention Framework since 2003 and has trained on the model since 2006. Professionally, it has been part of her responsibility to work with the evaluators and review data for state and local communities for assessments. She has worked to develop an evaluation plan for environmental strategies, including policies and campaigns. Ms. Burt is currently working on securing ongoing private and public funding for coalitions in her local area. Ms. Burt currently sits on her local Communities That Care coalition in Utah. She received her bachelor's degree from Weber State University and works for Weber Human Services.   Certificates of Attendance Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for each session of this 2-part live webinar series. The total possible certificate hours is 3 hours.   Questions? Please email Michelle Frye-Spray at ([email protected]) for any questions.

Webinar Series Description The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) Team (HHS Regions IX & X) in collaboration with the Pacific Southwest and Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTC) cordially invite you to join our Regional Webinar Series, Tools for the Trade: Layering the Six CSAP Strategies for Impact. This series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your prevention programs. Participation in both webinars is highly recommended but not required. Part 2:  Layering Evidence-Based Interventions with CSAP Strategies: Building Impactful Prevention Plans Building upon the foundation laid in Part 1, the second webinar will demonstrate how various interventions, from practices to policies, align with the CSAP six strategies to create a layered approach. Participants will receive tips for developing comprehensive prevention plans that thoughtfully incorporate CSAP’s six strategies to address identified needs and achieve desired prevention outcomes.   Post Webinar Materials Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 2 Recording Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 2 Slide Deck   Additional Resources Guide to Online Registries for Substance Misuse: Evidence-Based Programs and Practices Evidence-Based Practices to Promote Agency in Middle School Students: Simple Practices to Activate the Social Development Strategy in a School Setting Six Elements of Effective Coalitions Resource Toolkit   Presenter Susannah Burt has been working in substance abuse and mental illness prevention since 2001.  She has implemented the Strategic Prevention Framework since 2003 and has trained on the model since 2006. Professionally, it has been part of her responsibility to work with the evaluators and review data for state and local communities for assessments. She has worked to develop an evaluation plan for environmental strategies, including policies and campaigns. Ms. Burt is currently working on securing ongoing private and public funding for coalitions in her local area. Ms. Burt currently sits on her local Communities That Care coalition in Utah. She received her bachelor's degree from Weber State University and works for Weber Human Services.   Certificates of Attendance Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for each session of this 2-part live webinar series. The total possible certificate hours is 3 hours.   Questions? Please email Michelle Frye-Spray at ([email protected]) for any questions.

  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].

Webinar Series Description The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC) Team (HHS Regions IX & X) in collaboration with the Pacific Southwest and Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTC) cordially invite you to join our Regional Webinar Series, Tools for the Trade: Layering the Six CSAP Strategies for Impact. This series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance your prevention programs. Participation in both webinars is highly recommended but not required. Part 1:  Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies to Address Community Prevention Needs As the saying goes, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is easy to treat everything as if it were a nail.” Understanding the purpose and function of CSAP’s six strategies enables prevention practitioners to select the right tool or set of tools to be more effective in their work. This webinar will explore the purpose and function of each of the six CSAP strategies in building a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to specific community needs. Participants will also learn about common misunderstandings of CSAP strategies and gain practical examples for aligning strategies with community needs and reporting requirements.   Post Webinar Materials Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 1 Recording Mastering the Six CSAP Strategies Part 1 Slide Deck   Additional Resources Focus on Prevention Six CSAP Strategies with Examples Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) Website Prevention Research Center's Policy Studies Fact Sheet: Translating Research Into Information for Policy Makers, Public Health Officials, and the Public MayaTech Corporation Website   Presenter Susannah Burt has been working in substance abuse and mental illness prevention since 2001.  She has implemented the Strategic Prevention Framework since 2003 and has trained on the model since 2006. Professionally, it has been part of her responsibility to work with the evaluators and review data for state and local communities for assessments. She has worked to develop an evaluation plan for environmental strategies, including policies and campaigns. Ms. Burt is currently working on securing ongoing private and public funding for coalitions in her local area. Ms. Burt currently sits on her local Communities That Care coalition in Utah. She received her bachelor's degree from Weber State University and works for Weber Human Services.   Certificates of Attendance Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance for 1.5 hours for each session of this 2-part live webinar series. The total possible certificate hours is 3 hours.   Questions? Please email Michelle Frye-Spray at ([email protected]) for any questions.

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intersection of youth mental health and substance misuse. Presenters outline effective strategies and interventions that prevention professionals can implement to improve mental health and reduce substance misuse among youth. Select View Resource to watch the recording. Below are the training materials. PPT Reducing youth substance misuse HHS Risk and Protective Factors MHTTC School Mental Health initiative Highlights 2022-2023   PRESENTERS Cindy Rivera Change Consultant, Project Director specializing in early childhood and mental health across the lifespan. With over 20 years of nonprofit experience working at the community level to implement programming to meet identified needs. She worked across communities from Tennessee to American Samoa on issues ranging from community volunteerism to chronic disease prevention. Cindy believes when community members are seen as experts, organizations may begin to support innovative solutions to complex challenges. Cindy holds a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Mexican American studies from the University of Arizona. She is originally from Arizona, however, has spent the past 9 years zigzagging the country as military spouse. Currently, she resides in Fort Moore, Georgia, but will always call Southern Arizona home. “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.”  – Fred Rogers    Since 1996, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sectors. He serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6.   As a veteran's counselor and advocate, Mr. Newby gained experience with the impact of federal programs on communities after working as a special assistant to a member of Congress. He then worked as the Program Coordinator in Arkansas for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center for 15 years, facilitating the education of providers interested in increasing their capacity to provide comprehensive services related to HIV including testing and treatment. 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 for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.   Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in education.    

  In 1981, the U.S. Congress included in legislation 6 primary prevention strategy categories, commonly known as the “6 CSAP Strategies.” Since 1981, much knowledge has been gained through research on effective and ineffective substance misuse prevention strategies. This 90-minute webinar will present the evidence for the six categories, as well as explore the spectrum of strategies that fall into each category, focusing on our current knowledge of effective and ineffective prevention strategies within each of the six categories.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List the 6 CSAP primary prevention strategy categories Describe the evidence base for each CSAP strategy category Describe current evidence regarding effective and ineffective prevention strategies in each CSAP strategy category   GUIDE: What Research Shows Does NOT Work in Substance Misuse Prevention This guide was created to help substance misuse prevention practitioners identify ineffective approaches to substance misuse prevention   PRESENTER:  Ashley Bodiford Ashley Bodiford is the Director of Prevention at LRADAC where she develops, implements, and maintains effective prevention services for Richland and Lexington counties. Mrs. Bodiford has been in the field of substance use prevention since 2010 and is skilled in universal, selective, and indicated prevention strategies. She enjoys bringing insight to the field of Prevention through innovative techniques and collaborating with community partners. Ashley has provided training and technical assistance in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, cultural diversity and competence, community coalition building, needs assessment, implementation strategies, and other prevention-related topics. Mrs. Bodiford holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Developmental Psychology, a Master in Public Health, and a Master in Human Services. In 2012, she was named the recipient of the Jan Oglietti Rising Star Prevention Professional Award for outstanding contributions to the field of prevention, and in 2016 was named the recipient of the Norman Peter Johnson Outstanding Prevention Professional Award. Most recently, Ashley was named as a Subject Matter Expert by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and was tasked with item writing for the Prevention Specialist credential exam.   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.

In this concise, high-impact micro-training, you will uncover the key criteria for selecting evidence-based interventions and learn how to conduct a side-by-side analysis using the Pacific Southwest PTTC’s Prevention Intervention Comparison Checklist to identify the best fit for your community. This Prevention PowerByte offers practical guidance as we walk you through the checklist, demonstrating how to use it with your planning team to choose the most effective interventions for supporting your community's substance misuse prevention efforts.   Tools for Selecting Best-Fit Interventions: A Checklist for Prevention Practitioners Recording Prevention Intervention Comparison Checklist 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].

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features Workforce Development, Announcing the 2024 Research and Design (RAD) Prevention Fellowship Products, awareness campaigns for August/September, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

The purpose of the National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference is to highlight the latest research in the substance use prevention field. It provides a forum for prevention professionals, coalition leaders, researchers, and federal partners to share research, best practices and promising evaluation results for the purpose of integrating research into prevention practice. The New England PTTC team presented, Wednesday, 8/14, 10:45-11:45 am - WS 3I: Tools for Practical Workforce Development, Kim Magoon, Megan Hawkes. PowerPoint Presentation Tools for Practical Workforce Development

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

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

This guide provides links to free, self-paced online courses through HealtheKnowledge to enhance substance misuse prevention professionals' pharmacology knowledge and skills.  Also included in the document are links to drug fact sheets for reference.  

In this engaging 1-hour course, professionals in substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery will gain a comprehensive understanding of evaluation practices and their crucial role in planning and success. We will demystify evaluation, making it accessible and encouraging its integration into your work. You’ll learn how planning and evaluation complement each other and discover the importance of monitoring as a distinct yet integral part of evaluation. The course will provide practical ideas on what and how to measure, along with sense-making guidelines. Additionally, you’ll explore the differences and similarities between impact evaluation and contribution analysis, understand the steps involved in contribution analysis, and see real-world examples of its application. Join us to enhance your evaluation skills and ensure your programs achieve their desired impact. This course offers a certificate of completion.

According to the U.S. Attorney General, “Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health.” This 90-minute webinar will explore the concept of social connectedness and its impact on our individual and community health. We will also explore what role we have as substance misuse prevention professionals to address the issue of social connectedness.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define social connectedness. List at least three impacts of a lack of social connectedness and loneliness. Identify the risk and protective factors for substance misuse that are impacted by social connectedness Name at least three actions that prevention professionals can take to increase social connectedness.   PRESENTERS:  Erin Ficker  Erin Ficker serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC. For more than 16 years, Erin has worked in substance abuse prevention supporting communities to use evidence-based strategies and data-driven processes in substance abuse prevention planning and implementation.  She works with community level prevention practitioners and schools in the development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of prevention interventions. Kris Gabrielsen 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.   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.

Developing Effective Substance Use Prevention Messaging Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW July 11, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Messaging describes different methods of communication that people can use to share information. When utilized effectively by the prevention field, messaging can help improve people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around substance misuse. Recent data suggests that the reach of prevention messaging has decreased among youth at the same time that perceptions of harm for many substances has also decreased. Effective messaging is a critical tool in preventing substance use among youth and adults. This webinar will help prevention professionals learn why messaging is important to the field, understand how prevention can utilize a variety of messaging tools, recognize the core elements of how to craft an effective prevention message, learn the best practices for creating a prevention campaign, and discover how to share prevention messages among different audiences. The Central East PTTC has created a new infographic product to further share this information which will be reviewed as part of the webinar. Lastly, participants will be able to put this information to use by working in small groups to develop a prevention messaging campaign based on a provided scenario. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the importance of messaging to prevention. Describe different types of messaging tools. Ascertain how to share prevention messaging with a variety of audiences. Utilize best practices for creating an effective prevention messaging campaign. Practice building a prevention message. PRESENTERS 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.