Products and Resources Catalog

Documents in this collection provide an overview of each step and the guiding principles of SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).

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.    

This document was created to assist new substance misuse prevention practitioners in finding prevention resources to broaden their understanding of the prevention field. The resources compiled within this guide include links to the source content. (Updated March 2025.)

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.    

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.

Pre-Session Learning Activity: 30 minutes In-Class Learning Activity: 50 minutes Instructor Packet Student Packet Slide Deck   Purpose To create a dynamic and engaging learning experience where students can explore, discuss, and apply their understanding of the factors influencing substance use and misuse through individual and interactive activities.   Learning Objectives Define Modifiable and Nonmodifiable risk and protective factors. Identify the four levels in the CDC’s Social-Ecological Framework for Prevention. List at least four research-based risk and protective factors for substance misuse across the lifespan    

Pre-Session Learning Activity: 30 minutes In-Class Learning Activity: 30 minutes Instructor Packet Student Packet Slide Deck   Purpose To enable students to understand the significance of substance use prevention, categorize prevention approaches, understand the spectrum of behavioral health care services, and apply the concepts through individual and interactive activities.   Learning Objectives Categorize the four types of behavioral health services by each of the Spectrum of Mental Emotional and Behavioral Health. Characterize Universal, Selective, and Indicated prevention services through an application activity.    

Pre-Session Learning Activity: 30 minutes In-Class Learning Activity: 30 minutes Instructor Packet Student Packet Slide Deck   Purpose To help students define substance misuse prevention by distinguishing between upstream and downstream approaches and then applying these concepts through a combination of individual and interactive activities.   Learning Objectives Distinguish Substance use prevention from substance use treatment. Explain the shift from “downstream” to “upstream” approaches to public health    

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

Practical Skills in Prevention: A Series Focused on Soft Skills When it comes to building workforce capacity, some fields overlook the importance of practical or “soft skills” as they are not as tangible as technical or “hard skills.” Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others. Soft skills are transferable, and useful in every domain of life. Soft skills enable you to collaborate, build relationships, and enhance productivity. For prevention professionals, strong communication skills instill confidence to engage with communities, foster meaningful connections and strengthen relationships. Developing soft skills may take time but is essential for advancing in the modern prevention workforce.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides Exploratory Questions to Increase Contact Worksheet (Prosper & Partners) Identifying Group Belonging Worksheet (Prosper & Partners)   Session 1: Nurturing a Sense of Belonging The goal of this webinar is to explore the concept of belonging in our communities and its application in the prevention field. Dr. Kelly-Ann writes that a sense of belonging, "is a fundamental human need that predicts numerous mental, physical, social, economic and behavior outcomes." If this is true, do we have a responsibility to make sure everyone in our communities feels like they belong? What's the individual community member's responsibility? This interactive session explored these questions and how forms of exclusion can lead to substance use/misuse. Participants were placed in breakout groups to discuss and brainstorm strategies to recruit and retain diverse community members to lead prevention initiatives.   Learning Objectives: Define what is meant by "a sense of belonging" Analyze past recruitment and retention efforts and their effectiveness  Design a preliminary recruitment action plan   Presenter: Colber Prosper, M.S. Colber Prosper, M.S., is the CEO of Prosper & Partners International Consulting Firm, LLC and authored the book title, No Entry Examining the Powers that Undermine our Full Potential. Colber is an expert in various areas like education, organizational development, community public health and prevention. However, all of this work is centered around building community and creating inclusive spaces for all. He is passionate about spirituality, social justice, humans and South Florida sport teams.      

Recording: A Focus on Coalition Best Practices    This 90-minute webinar will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how and why we use coalitions in substance misuse prevention efforts. We will focus on research-based best practices for coalition functioning, structure, membership, and leadership.  Participants will engage in discussion on their experiences, successes, and challenges in community coalition work in their area.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define coalitions Describe why coalitions are essential to prevention List research-based best practices for coalitions Understand the importance of a diverse coalition that reflects the community population   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.   Michelle Majeres  Michelle Majeres is a senior prevention specialist with over 18 years in the field and lives in South Dakota. She is an experienced trainer in substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention and mental health promotion. Michelle is trained to deliver several evidence-based prevention programs.  She brings extensive experience as a trainer and technical assistance (T/TA) provider. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Social Work and Human Resources from South Dakota State University. She is also a Certified Prevention Specialist.  

SAMHSA's National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification (Spanish Version)     This Spanish model standards guidance document, SAMHSA's National Model Standards for Peer Support Certification, is prepared in response to President Biden's 2022 Unity Agenda. This document outlines model standards for substance use disorder, mental health, and family/youth peer support certification.   Modelo nacional de normas para la certificación de apoyo entre pares El documento guía de modelo de normas de SAMHSA titulado, Modelo nacional de normas para la certificación de apoyo entre pares, ha sido preparado como respuesta a la agenda de unidad del 2022 del presidente Biden. Este documento delinea el modelo nacional de normas en el área del consumo de sustancias, la salud mental la familia así como también la certificación de apoyo entre pares jóvenes.     Publication ID: PEP23-10-01-002 Publication Date: September 2023 Originally published by SAMHSA, here: https://store.samhsa.gov/product/national-model-standards-for-peer-support-certification-spanish/pep23-10-01-002     

My Guest during this episode is Sierra Thomas. She is new to the prevention world, becoming a Community Prevention Specialist in June of 2023. She previously worked as a certified elementary school counselor and continues to love helping others grow in their mental health and wellness journeys. I met Sierra at a professional development workshop, and she shared with me one of her 28 in 28 goals is to be a podcast guest, so I invited her to the Prevention Perk to chat about her leap into the prevention workforce.  She currently resides in KCMO, but hails from small town South Dakota. During this conversation I hope to learn about, “why the leap into prevention” , “what she hopes from this career path”, and most importantly about her dog Harper." The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. To learn more visit www.samhsa.gov The 2023–2026 SAMHSA Strategic Plan presents a new person-centered mission and vision highlighting key guiding principles and presenting new priorities, goals, and objectives. To achieve its mission, SAMHSA has identified five priorities, including strengthening the workforce, to better meet the behavioral health needs of individuals, communities, and service providers. To view the strategic plan visit -  https://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/strategic-plan

My guest in this episode is Dave Closson, who many of our listeners may know as the previous project director here at region 7 PTTC. As the creator of DJC Solutions he continues his work in the field of prevention, developing people and products that meet the demands of today’s workforce. You can also hear Dave on the regular as the host of Prevention Leaders with Dave Closson. It’s always a pleasure to get a chance to speak with the man who lives by the belief that prevention is better together and together, we are stronger.

The success of prevention efforts in the community is dependent on a competent, well-trained, ethical and professional Prevention Specialist. Therefore, the purpose of this 3 hour training program is to enhance the quality of services provided as well as the knowledge and skills necessary to become a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS). Certificate of Completion Available

The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. During this episode we’re discussing The Eight Professional Competencies for Higher Education Substance Misuse Prevention. To download a copy of the guide visit www.preventioncompetencies.org    David Anderson, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, where he worked for 28 years; he served as Professor and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Health.  Prior to that, he served as a college administrator at The Ohio State University, Radford University and Ohio University. He has managed hundreds of national state and local projects while teaching graduate and undergraduate classes.  An active researcher and writer, he has decades-long research on college drug and alcohol issues, high school youth and community efforts. The focus of his work is upon practical applications for youth, young adults, and leaders at the campus, community, state and national level, and he continues with training, speaking and research.  His two most recent books are Leading Campus Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention: Grounded Approaches for Student Impact (co-authored with Thomas Hall; NASPA, 2021) and Leadership in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention: Insights from Long-Term Advocates (Routledge, 2020).  Other recent books include Health and Safety Communication: A Practical Guide Forward (2017), Wellness Issues for Higher Education (2015) and Further Wellness Issues for Higher Education (2016). He orchestrates the College Alcohol Survey, a triennial survey on campus strategies addressing drug and alcohol misuse, done since 1979 through 2021.  He serves on the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s National Advisory Council and the American College Health Association’s COVID-19 Task Force.  He is active as a community leader in Celebration, Florida, where he serves as a Director with the Celebration Residential Owners Association. ​​​​​​ To gain a deeper understanding of the subject we’re discussing with Dr. David Anderson, listen to the 8-part series about the Professional Competencies for Higher Education Substance Misuse Prevention. A link to the series is available at www.preventioncompetencies.org

  Use the attached fillable PDF to help develop your "why" and think of ways you can share it.     

The Advanced Ethics for Prevention Professionals course provide participants opportunities to:  Refresh their understanding of the six principles of the Prevention Code of Ethics Explore ethical issues related to prevention topics Practice applying the Prevention Code of Ethics to real-life situations using an ethical decision-making process   Who should take this course?  The course was designed for experienced prevention professionals who have previously completed a foundational prevention ethics course. If you have not yet completed a foundational prevention ethics course, it is recommended that you complete the free, 6-hour, moderated Ethics in Prevention Foundations course OR the 3-hour, self-paced Ethics in Prevention Foundations course located on HealtheKnowledge (HEK).   The course includes: Introduction Module 1: A review of the Six Principles of the Prevention Code of Ethics Module 2: Ethical Decision-Making Process Module 3: Applying the Prevention Code of Ethics and the Ethical Decision-Making Process in Real-World Situations     Create a FREE HealtheKnowledge.org account to access this course 24/7. Click below to get started: Create Account and Start Course Now or Later Complete the course at your own pace!   A certificate for one (2) contact hours (CEHs) is available upon completion. *See our Continuing Education page for more information   This eLearning course was developed by the Mountain Plains PTTC.

3-Part Webinar Series: Improving Workforce Retention in the Substance Misuse Prevention Field Series Information    Part 3: The Soul of Prevention - Identifying and Communicating the Spirit of Your Work June 1, 2023    Presented by: Jason Anderson, Senior Trainer @ The Montana Institute   The challenges that prevention professionals face can take their toll. Let’s sit down for a minute and gather ourselves. In this workshop, participants will be given the opportunity to reconnect to the underlying spirit of their work and discuss the impact of communicating who they are.   After this webinar, participants will be able to: Define and understand the Science of the Positive and the Cycle of Transformation. Discover the important distinction between honoring concerns vs. negativity. Rediscover and reinforce the rewards of prevention work.     Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording NO LONGER AVAILBLE Your WHY Matters (Fillable PDF) LINK #MyPreventionStory Fill-It-In Activity LINK  

3-Part Webinar Series: Improving Workforce Retention in the Substance Misuse Prevention Field  Series Information    Part 2: What Makes Them Stay? Help Write the Playbook for Prevention Workforce Retention May 25, 2023    Presented by: Jamie Comstock & Robin Carr @ Info Inspired, LLC   In this peer sharing session we’ll present a series of guided questions and facilitate a discussion to learn more about your ideas/thoughts concerning retention of prevention specialists with the goal of developing strategies to attract and keep a diverse, vibrant, strong and experienced workforce. This session is appropriate for the continuum of prevention professionals, ranging from new staff to seasoned supervisors. The discussion is designed to uncover needs of new employees in the field and strategies employed by experienced (and successful) supervisors - with the goal of supporting all in the prevention workforce.   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Retention Themes and Strategies Document LINK Webinar Recording LINK  

  IC&RC Prevention Specialist Certification: What, Why, and How A Panel Presentation May 10, 2023   Panel Presentation Description Regardless of the service, those seeking a provider want to be sure that that person is both competent and ethical. This is especially important when the services are human services, such as prevention of substance misuse and mental illness. The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium is the only organization that certifies prevention providers. Featuring a representative from each state or jurisdiction’s certification board, this panel presentation will discuss the need and process of becoming certified as a Prevention Specialist as well as highlight information about board-specific requirements and application procedures. By the end of this panel presentation, participants will be able to: Identify at least three reasons why certification of prevention specialists is important Outline the international process for certifying prevention specialists Describe the international prevention certification examination and its development List the certification requirements for their specific state or jurisdiction   Learning Session Materials IC&RC Certified Prevention Specialist Presentation Slides (pdf) IC&RC Certified Prevention Specialist Presentation Recording     Presenter Sandra Puerini Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS, is a consultant and master trainer who has provided community and strategic planning, program development, and capacity building in all areas of prevention practice throughout the United States. She was the founder and for 30 years the executive director of a statewide, multi-service prevention program and a founder of Rhode Island’s largest non-profit treatment program. In addition to her prevention work, she was the founding director of the Institute for Addiction Recovery at Rhode Island College. Sandra is a delegate to and the former Prevention Committee Co-Chair of the IC&RC. She is a member of the faculty and advisory board of the New England School of Addiction Studies, a member of the Advisory Board for the National Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), the National Hispanic/Latino PTTC and the New England PTTC. Sandra is a co-author of SAMHSA’s Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST) and its Basic and Advanced Prevention Ethics as well as many other courses and webinars. She has previously trained members of the US National Guard in prevention planning. Sandra received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston College (Newton), and her Master’s degree in counselor education from Rhode Island College. She also completed a certificate program in nonprofit management through Brown University in Providence. Ms. Del Sesto is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist. Certification Board Panelists Wayne Giles Arizona Board for Certification of Addiction Counselors Pete Nielson California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals Angela Bolan Hawaii Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division Britany Wiele (on behalf of Natalie Powell) Nevada Certification Board James Arriola Pacific Behavioral Health Council and Certification Board   Questions? Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

3-Part Webinar Series: Improving Workforce Retention in the Substance Misuse Prevention Field Series Information    Part 1: Prevention Career Roadmap May 18, 2023   Presented by: Erin Burnett (she/her), Co-Director @ New England PTTC, Senior Training & Technical Assistance Coordinator @  AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, and Chair @ Maine Prevention Certification Board   This webinar will provide an overview of the resources developed by the New England PTTC for the new and mid-level prevention specialist to aid them in their professional development and career growth in the substance misuse prevention field. After this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify the universal developmental training needs of the substance misuse prevention workforce. Determine where they are at on the Prevention Specialist career lattice and where they might be headed depending on their professional development goals. Establish their professional development goals for their career in the substance misuse prevention field. Learn about the importance of Prevention Specialist certification and the requirements for certification in their state.   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides with links to resources LINK Webinar Recording LINK  Professional Development Grid Fillable LINK

This resource is adapted by the Southeast PTTC from a resource created in partnership with the Maine Prevention Workforce Development Workgroup, convened by AdCare Educational Institute of Maine under contract with the Maine Center for Disease Control. It aims to meet universal developmental training needs of the substance misuse prevention workforce in the Southeast. This resource is not specific to any one funding source or program. This resource can be used by new or current prevention professionals entering the field working in any federal, state, or locally funded prevention coalition, organization, or initiative. The purpose of this resource is to provide an overview of, and orientation to, the field of substance use prevention. We hope that the information will assist new professionals to become successful and productive. It is likely that your specific initiative or organization has its own on-boarding process and tools. This resource is offered as a supplement to your training. This document is a living document that will change as the field of substance use prevention changes. The most current document can be found at the download link above.

  This training will lead you to better understand what drives motivation to engage and commit time, energy and resources to any initiative. By learning to understand this core value you can help facilitate increased engagement and minimize frustration. Unpack the concept of The Golden Circle from Start with WHY Share tools and the process to discover your individual WHY Work 1-on-1 to write your WHY statement Learn how to maximize the capacity of collaborations Identify the “Why” that brings people to the table and helps them engage This session is led by Dave Closson from DJC Solutions and Kari Ter from Hue Life. Be sure to download the workbook discussed in this training <here>