Products and Resources Catalog

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

The July 2024 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: A Syndemic Approach to Training and Technical Assistance in the Central East Mental Health: Supporting Mental Well-being within Minority Communities Prevention: Championing Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention: Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Month Opioid Response: Construction and Opioids Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.

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

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features Our Leaders, the Advanced Prevention Institute, awareness campaigns for June, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

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.    

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.    

A “syndemic” refers to two or more co-occurring epidemics that have shared causes and compounding negative effects. Addressing syndemics can help advance health equity and reduce the scope and impact of negative health conditions. This product explains what syndemics are, provides examples of syndemics that involve substance use, introduces the syndemic framework to prevention, and provides tips for addressing syndemics.

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!

"Where do you see yourself in 10 years?" We often ask young people to think about their futures, but the world we're asking them to think about living in is changing quickly. From screen time to social media to emerging substance use trends to being trauma-informed, preventionists have to stay up to date on the health of young people- so have you thought about climate change? Climate change is on the minds of upwards of 80% of young people, making it a standout issue. Increased stressors on communities, families, and individuals can mean increased mental health challenges, as well as other public health concerns, and people and communities will have different abilities to adapt to these changes depending on a host of socioeconomic factors. This training is designed as a conversation to help you begin to be climate-informed about these issues and more, so these subjects are familiar to you when bolstering youth and community resiliency, and helping young people find hopeful answers to the question, "Where do you see yourself in 10 years?"

The May 2024 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: From Stigma to Support: SUD and Mental Health Needs in AAPI Populations Mental Health: New Video Examines Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis Prevention: Empowering Communities: National Prevention Week Opioid Response: Observing and Celebrating Pride Month Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.

The Role of Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies in Helping Address Addiction Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, PS-A, LSW May 1, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, we will review evidence-based strategies for substance use prevention addressing alcohol, cannabis, vaping, and prescription drugs that local coalitions and prevention providers can implement in their communities. We will examine interest groups to collaborate and “work with” as we work on the prevention of substance use and discuss the importance of language in reducing stigma and bias related to substance use and the people impacted by the use of substances. LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Identify a minimum of 2 strategies for substance use prevention. (Substances covered include alcohol, cannabis, vaping, and prescription drugs.) - Identify a minimum of 3 interest groups to collaborate with on evidence-based prevention strategies. - Describe the importance of language in reducing stigma. 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.  

In this Issue Evidence-Based Strategies to Decrease Alcohol Consumption Epi Corner: The Value of Systems Thinking in Adolescent Overdose Prevention What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model Technical Assistance Webinar: Mobilizing Marginalized Communities to Prevent Substance Misuse What's New? New Prevention Data Source for Rural Communities

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The April 2024 issue spotlights content celebrating National Minority Health Month and Alcohol Awareness Month. It also features links to upcoming trainings focused on supporting Black students experiencing racial trauma, harnessing AI for substance misuse prevention, and process improvement. 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 Join us for a webinar highlighting the incredible work of the Help Enrich African American Lives (HEAAL) Coalition and Youth Taking Charge (YTC) in enriching the quality of African American lives through community engagement and collaboration. This presentation will focus on data-driven prevention strategies that have been successfully implemented to address and decrease youth substance use in urban and inner-city environments. Through the collaborative efforts of HEAAL and YTC, we aim to identify needs and develop prevention strategies that support healthy decision-making for better lifestyle outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about effective approaches to youth substance use prevention in our communities. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify evidence-based strategies used to address substance misuse in urban/inner-cities. Examine the individual and collective risk factors and analyze WIIFM's of youth in urban/inner-cities. Explore the What's In It For Me (WIIFMs) to engage youth participation in substance misuse prevention programs.   Webinar Recording and Slides HEAAL & YTC Webinar Recording HEAAL & YTC Webinar Slide Deck (PDF)   Presenters Clyde R. Miller Jr., a native of Washington DC, has been involved in the Phoenix community since 2000. Clyde has a made a lifelong commitment to the communities in Maricopa County and is actively engaged in making it a healthier and safer place to live, work and play. He is currently the Coalition Coordinator for the Help Enrich African American Lives (HEAAL) Coalition, an arm of Tanner Community Development Corporation (TCDC). Mr. Miller feels that it is important that we become involved in the business of AZ, the wellness of us together. Mr. Miller is married to Melonie Miller and a member of First New Life Church in Phoenix, AZ. Loren V. Grizzard is Program Manager at Tanner Community Development Corporation (TCDC) which is the nonprofit community outreach for Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church.  One of the programs in TCDC is the Help Enrich African American Lives Coalition (HEAAL), which provides adult/youth community education, and advocacy that increases the perception of harm of youth alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drug use/abuse.  These community-based prevention activities are planned by coalition volunteers and implemented through churches, schools, and community agencies targeting African American youth and communities at large in Maricopa County, AZ.  Loren has 15 years experience in substance misuse prevention for youth and caregivers. Loren has 20+ years of experience in the electronics industry working for Motorola, On Semiconductor, and Intel as a process engineering technician.  He also worked for the East Valley Institute of Technology as a state report coordinator and mathematics/reading enrichment support technician. Youth Taking Charge (YTC) is a youth subgroup of Help Enrich African American Lives (HEAAL) Coalition which is the substance misuse prevention program of Tanner Community Development Corporation (TCDC). YTC’s mission is to help inform youth about the risks of substance misuse, by identifying needs and developing strategies that support good decision making and better lifelong habits for healthier physical, mental, and emotional wellness.   Questions Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features a PTTC network event "Climate Change from a Prevention Perspective", Exploring Root Causes of Substance Misuse through Stories, Alcohol Awareness Month and awareness campaigns for April, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

Preventing Underage Alcohol Use Part 1: Identifying and Understanding the Data Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW April 9, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of the current state of underage drinking and related prevention efforts. It will begin by reviewing the most common data sources for underage alcohol consumption and discuss opportunities to improve and expand data collection efforts. The webinar will then summarize the most recent data on alcohol use prevalence and patterns, as well as the consequences of use, at the national level and for the Central East region (HHS region 3). It will also describe the research on risk and protective factors for alcohol use among young people. Lastly, it will provide information on how the social determinants of health play a role in underage alcohol use rates. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe underage alcohol data sources and opportunities to expand data collection. Explain the scope of underage alcohol use and consequences in the Central East region and nationally. Identify risk and protective factors relevant to underage alcohol use. Recognize the effect of the social determinants of health on underage alcohol use. 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.  

Understanding Addiction: Moving Throughout the Spectrum of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, PS-A, LSW April 3, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, we will review the Spectrum of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions with an emphasis on the transition from prevention to treatment. We will examine the signs and symptoms of substance use disorders through a review of the diagnostic criteria. We’ll look at how the brain is impacted by substance use and impairment at different developmental stages. Finally, we will discuss evidence-based Risk and Protective factors related to substance use and shared Risk and Protective factors. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify when my work as a prevention provider ends and referral to treatment begins. Recognize the diagnostic criteria, signs, and symptoms for substance use disorders. Identify a minimum of 3 Risk Factors for developing a substance use disorder and 3 Protective Factors for reducing the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Describe how the brain is impacted by substance use and impairment. 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.  

Identifying and Mitigating Vicarious Trauma and Staff Burnout Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW March 28, 2024, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Compassion Fatigue and Burnout not only increase the risk of Vicarious Experiencing challenges for our staff, they endanger those they serve. This event will support supervisors and managers in identifying and addressing the signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in an effort to safeguard their staff’s practice and clients’ well-being. This session will include information as well as practical suggestions for intervention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recite at least 4 ways in which Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma present in their staff working people living with Substance Use Disorder. Identify the importance of supervision in mitigating and supporting staff who may be experiencing Vicarious Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, or Burnout. Name at least 5 strategies for engaging staff in planning and utilizing Self-Management skills. PRESENTERS Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings. Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years. An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners. With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.