Products and Resources Catalog

Cannabis Pharmacology for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners is a 4.5 hour self-paced course that provides important information on what prevention professionals need to know about cannabis. Dr. Hayden Center presents the following 3-part series: 1. The Effects of Cannabis. 2. Cannabis and the Adolescent Brain. 3. Cannabis Pharmacology. The ideal audience for this training is prevention organizations/coalitions and the prevention professionals serving at the local, state, regional and/or national levels that would like to learn and/or review updated and science-based information on cannabis to be better equipped to serve their communities.This can include coalition members, agencies, sector representatives and partners, volunteer staff, and other key partners, stakeholders, and collaborators. This training can also be appropriate for the broader public, with interest in the role cannabis policies is impacting, informing, influencing and shaping changes in their communities. Certificate of Completion Available

Description: This two-hour training explores Harm Reduction strategies, or interventions aimed at reducing negative consequences related to substance use or other risk behaviors. Session reviews misunderstandings and barriers to helping people who actively use substances and informs on the 8 principles of harm reduction and how they apply in behavioral health." Presenter: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.

The purpose of the PTTC, MHTTC, and ATTC network’s glossary is to promote clear and consistent communication and understanding among professionals, service providers, policymakers, and the general public by providing definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts related to prevention, mental health, and addiction. This glossary is valuable in promoting effective communication and collaboration, leading to better-informed decisions and improved prevention and treatment outcomes. Additionally, a prevention and behavioral health glossary is an essential asset for individuals seeking information and support, helping to increase awareness and understanding of the prevention, mental health, and addiction fields and promoting a more informed and empathetic society. This glossary contains both words that help us understand concepts related to equity, diversity, and culture, as well as words that help us understand the impact that those concepts can have on our health. This is not intended to be comprehensive list, but rather to provide definitions for some terminology that you may encounter in your work. The document is formatted in 2 sections. The first section is intended as an addition to terms defined in A Comprehensive Culturally Responsive Glossary: Concepts to Increase Awareness Towards Health Equity, originally published in September 2021. The second section provides cross-cultural translations of common terminology for mental health, substance use, medical care, health access and diversity for English and Portuguese speakers. The Spanish edition is coming soon! This product was a collaborative effort of the PTTC, MHTTC, and ATTC Networks. PORTUGUESE: O objetivo do glossário da Rede de Centros de Transferência de Tecnologia de Prevenção (PTTC), Rede de Centros de Transferência de Tecnologia de Saúde Mental (MHTTC) e Centro de Transferência de Tecnologia de Dependência Química (ATTC) é promover uma comunicação e compreensão clara e consistente entre profissionais, prestadores de serviços, formuladores de políticas e o público em geral, fornecendo definições e explicações de termos-chave e conceitos relacionados à prevenção, saúde mental e adicção. Este glossário é valioso para promover uma comunicação e colaboração eficaz, ajudando as pessoas a tomar decisões informadas produzindo melhora nos resultados de prevenção e tratamento. Além disso, um glossário de prevenção em saúde é um produto essencial para indivíduos que buscam informação e apoio, ajudando a aumentar a conscientização e compreensão nas áreas de prevenção, saúde mental e adicção e promovendo uma sociedade mais informada e empática. Este glossário contém tanto palavras que nos ajudam a entender conceitos relacionados com a cultura, a equidade, e a diversidade. Essas palavras nos ajudam a entender o impacto que esses conceitos podem ter em nossa saúde. O glossário não pretende ser uma lista abrangente, mas sim, fornecer definições para algumas terminologias que você pode encontrar em seu dia a dia. O glossário está formatado em duas seções. A primeira seção pretende ser um acréscimo aos termos definidos em Um Glossário Compreensivo e com Sensibilidade Cultural: Conceitos para Aumentar a Conscientização Sobre a Equidade em Saúde, publicado originalmente em setembro de 2021. A segunda seção fornece traduções transculturais de terminologia comum para saúde mental, uso de substâncias, cuidados médicos, acesso à saúde e diversidade para as pessoas que falam português.

This webinar focuses a roundtable discussion on sustaining collaborator relationships for preventionists, followed by a question and answer portion.  Featured speakers are Capetra Parker, Dan Fitzgerald, Bethanie Rado, and Amy Mellick-Wetzel.

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].

Increase your health equity impact in prevention by elevating your objectives from “SMART” to “SMARTIE!” In this brief, high-impact Prevention PowerByte session, participants will learn how to develop Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable (SMARTIE) objectives to drive impactful prevention strategies. This micro-training offers practical tips along with a worksheet to help professionals craft clear and actionable objectives. Perfect for busy practitioners, this micro-training delivers all the SMARTIE essentials in under 10 minutes!   Worksheet: SMARTIE Objectives Creating SMARTIE Objectives to Achieve Big Goals Recording   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].

Equity in Action: Crafting Inclusive Prevention Communication How to incorporate racial and cultural equity into prevention messaging, training, and other communication.   This interactive skill-building workshop will explore the use of culture in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) prevention communications. We will explore how the enhanced National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standard – Communication and Language Assistance provides guidance on improving: Trust Among Various Populations Participant Comfort and Satisfaction Program Effectiveness Positive Participant Outcomes   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides Resource Handout   Learning Objectives: Review Cultural Humility. Explore the enhanced National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standard – Communication and Language Assistance. Learn how to incorporate racial and cultural equity into prevention messaging, training, and other communication. Practice methods to incorporate racial and cultural equity into prevention messaging, training, and other communication. Develop a plan to incorporate racial and cultural equity into prevention messaging, training, and other communication. Share experiences and learn from others.   About the Workshop: It is an interactive, educational, and mutual learning session designed to create specialized results and products. This 3-hour workshop is longer than the typical webinar and requires more preparation beforehand. This workshop will include collaborative activities, allow for time to work on your community’s issues, and participants will work on a process that will generate a product that can be used in their communities. Participants are urged to participate as a team (at least two members of a program) to ensure that the workshop will lead to the desired result. There are hands-on interactive activities.   Presented by Michael Browning: Michael Browning, nationally recognized public health and Substance Use Disorder program developer, policy analyst, and trainer, has a passion for constituent-led community advocacy. He has provided support to several governmental agencies by providing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention proven practices in capability building, training, and day-to-day technical assistance to assist the departments in planning, grantee support and technical assistance and community engagement. Including and not limited to: US Federal government, State of California, District of Columbia, Atlanta, County of Los Angeles, Kern County, the County of San Bernardino, and other CA counties. He is a proven grant writer and program developer. He was a senior administrative analyst for the University of California, Berkeley - Institute for the Study of Social Change (now: Institute for the Study of Societal Issues, Prevention by Design). He is currently the Interim president of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development. Browning was an executive director of a non-profit community coalition and deputy director at another. He has over 35 years of local, state, and national substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and tobacco control and prevention, early intervention and treatment, youth services, community organization, early childhood education, violence prevention, HIV/AIDS, public health, cultural proficiency development, program planning, development and evaluation, public policy advocacy, and strategic planning experience. His former employers include community-based programs in Pasadena, Inglewood, Los Angeles, and Michigan. Browning provided direct support to President Jimmy Carter’s “The Atlanta Project” and the Hilton Foundation’s Project Alert. Browning was a master trainer at CADCA for over 20 years. He is the former president of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council, member of LAPD’s Van Nuys Division Community Police Advisory Board, health chair of the San Fernando Valley NAACP, and chair of the USC COVID-19 Community Advisory Board. Browning is a graduate of the University of Southern California and was a fellow at Boston University.

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.  

Webinar Description: As prevention professionals, facilitation in both virtual and face-to-face spaces is an integral part of our work. The ability to convene partners -- whether in meetings, trainings or events – and lead them through collaborative decision-making and other processes is essential to the success of community-based change efforts. This session looked at the art and science of facilitation, the skills needed for successful facilitation and discussed real-world tips and techniques for consensus-building with groups and managing group dynamics. Session Learning Objectives included: Describing the facilitation skills prevention practitioners need Identifying techniques for managing group processes and dynamics Identifying strategies for handling challenging situations as a facilitation   Presenter Info: Sandra Puerini Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS is a consultant and master trainer in behavioral health and strategic planning for states and non-profits. For over thirty-five years, Ms. Del Sesto has provided training throughout the United States in all areas of prevention practice.   Jess Goldberg, MSW, MPH, CPS, is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with Education Development Center. She specializes in building capacity to improve behavioral health at the national, state, regional and local levels.

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

In this Issue The Importance of Accessibility: 5 Simple Steps Resources Highlighting Accessibility and Disabilities Epi Corner: Social Network Analysis: A Helpful Tool in the Prevention Toolbox What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Elevate Your Work: Accessibility for Prevention Professionals Webinar: Reducing Youth Substance Misuse by Implementing Mental Health Initiatives New From SAMHSA National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Get Involved with National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month - A Toolkit

In this Issue Systems Thinking for Prevention Professionals Epi Corner: Addressing Parental Loss in Children of Overdose Victims What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Elevate Your Work: Accessibility for Prevention Professionals Exciting Updates! HealtheKnowledge Online Learning Platform An Important Announcement from the Blueprints Registry New Products and Resources from the South Southwest PTTC New From SAMHSA

Stigma the Gift that Keeps on Giving: Residual Effects of Stress During the Recovery Process from Active Substance Use Part 1 Demetrie Garner, CPRS, and Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF June 11, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION While many intricate parts develop a positive outcome to recovery, identifying triggers that cause stress is the first step to a continuous, healthy recovery. Stigma can often become the conduit for environmental and emotional triggers. It is crucial to challenge and dismantle the stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs surrounding addiction and the recovery process. As we unpack the association of stress and triggers, we will close the loop on the missing link of dismantling the negative attitude of doubt facing the newcomer in recovery. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the importance of identifying triggers that cause stress during recovery. Recognize the role of stigma as a potential trigger for stress in individuals in recovery. Investigate the various ways in which stigma can act as environmental and emotional triggers. Consider how dismantling stigma can contribute to a healthier and more successful recovery. PRESENTERS Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF, has been working in the field of recovery professionally for 10 1/2 years at the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore City. He has been clean and sober for 13 years. Shawn loves being a Treatment Manager, Peer Specialist, Facilitator, and Treatment Coordinator! Shawn has a passion for assisting others toward a life of positive transformation out of the darkness of addiction!

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The June 2024 issue features content celebrating Pride Month, PTSD Awareness Month, and Intersection of Addiction and Racism: A Curated Bibliography‒a new comprehensive resource created by AMERSA, the ATTC NCO, and the PTTC NCO. You will also find links to upcoming trainings focused on the therapeutic benefits of humor in treatment and recovery, prevention efforts in rural communities, and trauma-informed care for transition-age youth. 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!

Working with Behavioral Health Providers to Address and Prevent Addiction Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, PS-A, LSW June 5, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, we will review evidence-based strategies for preventing opioid-related overdose death. We will review the role of safe storage of medication and illicit drugs in reducing deaths as well as proper drug disposal. We will examine how one behavioral health agency located in Central Maine, a rural community, implemented a systemic approach to screening, brief interventions, and Naloxone saturation as part of their CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic). LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify three evidence-based strategies for preventing opioid overdose. Understand one behavioral health agency's systematic approach to targeted Naloxone distribution. Understand the role of safe storage of medication in reducing overdose-related deaths, diversion of medications, and reducing access to lethal means of medication. PRESENTERS Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, LSW, PS-A, has worked with youth and families throughout Somerset and Kennebec Counties since 1994. Robert works for Kennebec Behavioral Health as Director of Substance Use Prevention and Grant Services. He worked with Somerset Public Health as the Drug-Free Communities Program Coordinator, completing ten years of coalition work. Robert is a certified Prime for Life instructor and the State of Maine certified Responsible Beverage Seller trainer for the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations. Robert also coordinates Respect ME, a Certified Domestic Violence Intervention Program for female survivors of domestic violence who used resistive violence with their intimate partners. Robert was appointed to the state Substance Abuse Service Commission, served by appointment on the state's Maine Opiate Collaborative Prevention and Harm Reduction team, served as Chair for the Maine Prevention Specialists Certification Board, and serves as a Maine representative on the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center’s Advisory Board. Additionally, Robert is on the Board of Directors for AdCare of Maine and Sunset Home, a non-profit assisted living facility for older women in Waterville, Maine. Robert is an Adjunct Professor of Substance Use Prevention at the University of Maine at Farmington. Most recently, Governor Mills appointed Robert to the State of Maine Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors and serves as the board's Chair. In 2021, Robert was awarded the Neill E. Miner Memorial Prevention Award, and in 2014 was awarded Prevention Provider of the Year by the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse.  

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 2: Strategies and Recommendations for the Field of Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW May 30, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide information on available evidence-based and culturally responsive prevention strategies for addressing youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use. It will cover both environmental and behavioral interventions, as well as opportunities to implement or expand policies that can address the social determinants of health. This will include reviewing opportunities to expand the role of prevention in legislative and regulatory decision-making related to these substances. Lastly, it will describe how to ensure cultural responsiveness is incorporated into youth substance use prevention efforts and programming. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize the importance of providing evidence-based culturally responsive youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use prevention strategies Describe evidence-based behavioral strategies for preventing youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use Describe evidence-based environmental strategies for addressing social determinants of health relevant to youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use Explain how to ensure cultural responsiveness in youth substance use prevention programs 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, MSW supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.    

Webinar Recording and Follow-Up Materials   Webinar Description What if college graduates entered the prevention workforce with basic knowledge of prevention science, the Strategic Prevention Framework, and the importance of evidence-based programs, practices, and policies? Despite the interdisciplinary nature of substance misuse prevention, traditional college courses often lack explicit content relevant to this critical field. To address this, the Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) developed curriculum infusion packages that can be easily inserted into existing college-level coursework to engage the pre-professional workforce. This webinar will explore the pressing need for capacity-building within the pre-professional workforce, guide participants through the Pacific Southwest PTTC’s curriculum infusion packages, “The Power of Prevention,” and discuss additional ways they can be utilized to develop knowledge and skills for coalition staff, volunteers, and partners. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Articulate the need to increase exposure to prevention science and application prior to entering the prevention workforce Describe the benefits of curriculum infusion packages as an innovative method of introducing core prevention concepts Discuss how curriculum infusion packages are useful and accessible across professional roles and can increase prevention knowledge regardless of educational background or status   Webinar Recording and Slides Power of Prevention Recording Power of Prevention Slide Deck   Presenters Michelle Frye-Spray, MS, CPS specializes in integrating prevention science, capacity-building, and workforce development to expedite the adoption and diffusion of evidence-based interventions that achieve intended outcomes. With over 30 years of experience in substance misuse prevention, including 15 years focused on managing and delivering Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) services to states, jurisdictions, and tribes across the western region, she has extensive subject matter expertise in designing and delivering learner-centered, skills-based training and consultations to secondary educators, prevention practitioners, pre-professionals, coalition members, including under-served populations and organizations, on the application of prevention science. As part of her work with SAMSHA’s Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), she has chaired and co-chaired the Cannabis Prevention and Community, Coalition, and Collaboration Workgroups, and as a member of the Prevention Workforce Development Workgroup contributed to updating the SPF Application for Success Training (SAPST). Britany Wiele, CPS is a Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Specialist for the Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), administered by CASAT at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). In this role, she provides direct TTA services to build state, jurisdiction, tribal, and community capacity in the application of data-driven decision-making to the selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based programs and practices to prevent substance misuse within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Region 9. Additionally, Ms. Wiele chairs the National PTTC Cannabis Risk Work Group. Prior to her work with CASAT, she served as Program Manager for Join Together Northern Nevada, a substance misuse prevention coalition serving Washoe County, NV where she implemented effective community-wide youth and adult substance misuse prevention programs, developed informational materials, and delivered presentations relating to prevention, drug trends, and other topics to diverse audiences.   Questions Contact Reagan Hart ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 1: Identifying and Understanding the Data Josh Esrick, MPP, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW May 28, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of the current state of youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use. It will begin by reviewing the most common data sources for youth substance use and discuss opportunities to improve and expand data collection efforts. The webinar will then summarize the most recent data on youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use prevalence and consequences at the national level and for the Central East region. It will also describe the research on risk and protective factors for youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use. Lastly, it will provide information on how the social determinants of health play a role in youth use of these substances. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe youth substance use data sources and opportunities to expand data collection Explain the scope of youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use and consequences in the Central East region and nationally Identify risk and protective factors relevant to youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use Recognize the effect of the social determinants of health on youth vaping, cannabis, and tobacco use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University. 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.    

Join the PTTC for an insightful session with leading public health experts on semi-synthetic cannabis products such as Delta-8 THC. The panel will provide information on recent shifts in the U.S. cannabis markets and their implications, harms from using semi-synthetic cannabis products, and laws needed to effective in mitigating these harms.

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 2: What Prevention Professionals and Others Can Do Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner, CPRS May 16, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review strategies for addressing and preventing stigma against people at risk for substance misuse, substance use disorders, and consequences of substance use. It will discuss strategies at multiple levels: 1) peers and individuals; 2) within prevention organizations; 3) among collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum; 4) throughout the community at-large; and 5) in society as a whole. Each of these strategy levels will be examined from the perspectives of both academic research and lived experiences. Additionally, the webinar will include a facilitated small group exercise on identifying potential strategies for addressing stigma. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe strategies for overcoming stigma when working with clients who use substances Identify strategies to avoid stigma within prevention organizations Recognize how prevention can work with collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum to address stigma Assess opportunities to address stigma in the community and across society 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. Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities  hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program Spring of 2022.

In this Issue A Focus on Tribal Behavioral Health Providers: The Need to Advocate for the Wellbeing of Generations Epi Corner: Building Resilience in Military Families New! Swimming Upstream with Data: Military Individuals and Families What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Charting Paths to Prevention: Mapping Social Vulnerability and Alcohol-Related Deaths Webinar: Principles for Prevention Professionals Across the Spectrum Free Logic Model Technical Assistance We're hiring: Data Training and Technical Assistance Specialist

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 1: The Impacts of Stigma Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner, CPRS May 14, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of stigma and the importance of addressing it through what the research says and what is known through lived experience. The webinar will define stigma and explain how it can manifest in various substance use prevention settings and on the road to recovery. It will address the similarities and differences between public-, self-, and institutional-stigma and the role of both intentional and inadvertent stigma. The webinar will also discuss how stigma impacts substance use prevention outcomes and people’s ability to recovery. Additionally, it will explain why prevention professionals, other stakeholders, and the community-at-large need to address stigma. The webinar will also include a facilitated small group discussion opportunity for participants to share their experiences finding and addressing stigma. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define stigma conceptually and from a recovered person’s perspective Identify the various forms of stigma and their effects on our ability to recover Recognize the impact of stigma on prevention outcomes Describe stigma’s ongoing impact on the road to recovery 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. Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities  hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program Spring of 2022.

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The May 2024 issue features content celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Hepatitis C Awareness Month, and National Prevention Week. You will also find links to upcoming trainings focused on the therapeutic benefits of humor in treatment and recovery, prevention efforts in rural communities, and trauma-informed care for transition-age youth. 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!

Webinar Description The association between chronic exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor behavioral health outcomes across the lifespan is well-established, but ACEs are preventable. This webinar will explore the evidence supporting upstream strategies that can prevent ACEs from happening in the first place as well as positive childhood experiences (PCEs) that can mitigate the harms of ACEs. Recent data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs at the state-level to guide prevention and evaluation activities will also be explored.   Webinar Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Explain the influence of ACEs and PCEs on risk behaviors using a lifecourse perspective; Describe primary prevention strategies that can prevent ACEs; Describe how PCEs can buffer the impact of ACEs on behavioral health outcomes; Identify state-level data sources that can be used to monitor ACEs and PCEs.   Presenters Amanda Haboush-Deloye earned her Ph.D. in experimental psychology and her Master of Arts in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Amanda's research background is on mental health in adolescent, adult, and older adult populations. She also has a particular interest in improving research methods to be more culturally competent. As a researcher at NICRP, she has designed and implemented many research projects regarding children's physical health, mental health, and education, as well as children's advocacy initiatives such as Every Child Matters in Nevada and Prevent Child Abuse Nevada. Being a Las Vegas native, Amanda aims to remain in Nevada and work with NICRP to create a healthy community where families and children are a priority.   Kristin Clements-Nolle received her MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Ph.D in Epidemiology, both from the University of California, Berkeley. Kristen is a nationally recognized adolescent health researcher and has published extensively on the impact of ACE exposure on health outcomes across the lifespan. She also investigates social, community, and family factors that can prevent ACE exposure and/or mitigate the impact on behavioral health outcomes. Kristen is currently a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health and the principal investigator for a five year grant funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will focus on preventing ACEs and promoting positive childhood experiences in Nevada.   Post Webinar Materials Preventing ACEs and Their Associated Harms Recording Preventing ACEs and Their Associated Harms Slide Deck   Questions Please email Reagan Hart at ([email protected]) for any questions.