Products and Resources Catalog

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!

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.

In this Issue Collegiate Network Aims to Reduce Substance Misuse on Arkansas Campuses Epi Corner: Youth in the Juvenile Justice System What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model Technical Assistance Webinar: Mobilizing Marginalized Communities to Prevention Substance Misuse What's New? Using Artificial Intelligence in Prevention

This 90-minute webinar will explore national and state level data points from middle and high school youth to make the case that Prevention Works!  We will discuss the need to maintain, expand, and sustain our efforts of implementing tested and effective substance misuse prevention programs. The session will also focus on areas where we have not seen prevention success and a call for action to improve prevention among 18-25-year-old young adults.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Explore Monitoring the Future and some state trend data that have demonstrated decreasing overall trends in substance use among high school age youth. Identify three websites that provide information on the tested and effective prevention programs Identify areas of focus for the prevention field that need attention based on state and national data points   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 20, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 20, 2024   PRESENTER Kevin P. Haggerty, MSW, PhD, is an emeritus Professor of Prevention at the University of Washington School of Social Work. He is the former director of the Social Development Research Group where he specialized in the delivery of prevention programs at the community, school and family level. For over three decades, he has focused on developing innovative ways to organize the scientific knowledge base for prevention so that parents, communities and schools can better identify, assess, and prioritize customized approaches that meet their needs. He has served as principal investigator on a variety of intervention-focused federally funded grants.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The March 2024 issue spotlights content celebrating Women's History Month and National Social Work Month. It also features updated versions of the Sustainability Planning in Prevention Guidebook and Sustainability Planning in Prevention Toolkit, as well as upcoming trainings focused on provider well-being and culturally responsive services for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) clients. As always, you will also find links to all scheduled events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC! Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!

Behavioral Health Services for Criminal Justice-Involved Populations Part 2: Evidence-Based Strategies and Recommendations for Providing Services Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW March 9, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will explore the evidence base around effective behavioral health interventions for criminal justice-involved populations. It will discuss substance use, overdose, and suicide prevention and treatment services for both the juvenile and adult justice systems. As part of this, the webinar will review the evidence base for drug treatment courts as an alternative to continued justice system involvement. The webinar will also provide strategies for improving collaborative efforts between the behavioral health continuum of care and criminal justice system organizations. Lastly, the webinar will introduce resources that behavioral health professionals can use to learn more about these topics. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain how prevention and treatment strategies can be applied to criminal justice-involved populations Describe the evidence base of effective behavioral health interventions for these populations, including drug treatment courts Identify potential strategies and partners for expanding the reach of behavioral health services in the criminal justice system List resources to learn more about serving criminal justice-involved populations PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Lauren Pappacena, MSW is a Research Associate with Carnevale Associates. Lauren has a background in criminal justice and juvenile justice research specifically as it relates to evidence-based programs and practices spanning criminal justice topics, including corrections, law enforcement, reentry, and courts. Currently, she assists with training evaluations for NADCP and the PTTC, where she brings her experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis and data visualization. With a strong interest in policy analysis, research translation, data collection, and analytic writing, Ms. Pappacena is published in the Journal of Human Rights and Social Work for her analysis of national early-release laws.

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 4: Practicing Your Data Skills Learning Lab Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, Olivia Stuart, LMSW, Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C, and Robin Carr, PS-C March 7, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The final part of the series is an interactive, collaborative learning lab. It will provide participants with opportunities to practice some of the information and skills learned over the course of the series. This learning lab will be structured around a series of group breakout sessions, where participants will work through exercises to address an example community scenario. Participants will be able to practice skills for finding, understanding, and sharing data ethically and effectively. Please note: Participant engagement is expected and encouraged for this learning lab. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify opportunities for obtaining data Interpret and prioritize data findings Create data visualizations to support data stories Effectively and ethically frame and share data 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. 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. Jamie Comstock and Robin Carr founded Info Inspired in 2014, after many years of designing and giving presentations with no formal training in this area, and watching their public health colleagues struggle with the same skills gap. Both are certified prevention specialists with 30 years’ combined experience in the field. They’ve spent the last several years researching and testing ways to not only capture and hold an audience’s attention, but to also inspire audiences. They’ve spent countless hours refining the presentation planning process, identifying free resources, and learning how to maximize the tools they already had. It’s also important to know that they aren’t graphic designers, artists, or especially tech savvy. Everything they do, you can do too. They’ve presented at the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America’s Leadership Forum, the Maine Public Health Association Annual Meeting, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, the New England School of Best Practices, and provided training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations throughout New England. They have been featured on the Organizing for Change podcast and have an on-demand webinar available through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  

Youth Gaming and Gambling, Is It a Problem? Heather Eshleman, MPH, and Kenneth Crawford, CPRS March 5, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION With the expansion of gaming and gambling activities in communities and on-line, how will it impact youth and young adults? This population is affected by gaming, gambling, and activities that include a mix of both in their daily lives. Discuss youth gaming, gambling, and the warning signs of problems with these activities. An overview of strategies to prevent youth problem gaming and gambling behaviors that have been adapted from alcohol and substance misuse prevention will be presented. Hear a story of recovery and learn of resources for help. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Increase your knowledge of youth gaming and signs of gaming problems in youth. Discuss youth gambling and signs of gambling problems in youth. Examine how youth gaming and gambling behaviors connect. Review prevention strategies that have worked to prevent alcohol and substance misuse that could work to prevent youth problem gaming and gambling behaviors. Learn about gambling recovery and resources for help. PRESENTERS Heather Eshleman, MPH, is the Prevention Manager at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. She works collaboratively with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to prevent underage and problem gambling as well as oversee special population and youth grants. She currently leads the Center’s efforts in compiling an underage and problem gambling prevention needs assessment to provide baseline data to guide future prevention strategies. She served as the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health from 2006-2019, overseeing the Substance Abuse Prevention coalitions, the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program, the Strengthening Families Program, the Fatal Overdose Review Team, and Coordination of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapters. Before becoming Supervisor, from 2002-2006, Heather was a Grants Administrator at Anne Arundel County Department of Health. Heather received her Masters in Public Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health and her Bachelor’s degree in School and Community Health Education from Towson University. Heather served in the United States Peace Corps in Morocco, North Africa, as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer, working on hygiene promotion and pre-natal care for two years.   Kenneth (Kenny) Crawford is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist with the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center). As a Peer for the Center, Kenny assists individuals within Maryland struggling with problem gambling and gambling addiction to navigate recovery treatment resources and helps remove any barriers to recovery. He has dedicated his life to helping others with gambling problems by sharing his story of recovery. Kenny has a great passion for the outdoor life, boating, fishing, hiking, and can capture the tranquility of nature thru his photography. For him, this is a great form of meditation and has helped him thru his recovery process and he would be happy to share his techniques on meditation. Kenny comes from a background in Carpentry and is grateful to help others achieve a balanced life through his extensive training in Peer Recovery Support training.    

​COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar draws from both historical perspectives and recent events, along with research findings, to unveil the alcohol industry’s role in creating and perpetuating social, economic, and health inequities. Additionally, it examines evidence-based alcohol policies aimed at alleviating inequities and addressing social justice issues. The session is designed for community coalition coordinators and members who are prepared to engage in policy and social change, ultimately transforming the community's relationship with alcohol and those who profit from its production and sale. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and link to the PowerPoint below. Alcohol and Social Justice PPT PRESENTER Dr. Jernigan is best known for his action-research approach to the issue of alcohol advertising, marketing, and promotion and its influence on young people. His work has led to better advertising regulations and a clearer understanding of the evolving structure of the alcohol industry. His work is policy relevant and scientifically rigorous. Dr. Jernigan has been very active in translating research findings into policy and practice. He testifies regularly at city, state, and national levels around alcohol advertising and youth, alcohol availability, and taxation. He also trains advocates around the world using the best evidence.       ​

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 3: DIY Data for Prevention Professionals Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C, and Robin Carr, PS-C February 29, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Looking for tips and tricks on how to present your data in a way that catches people’s attention and is easily understood? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the Five C’s of Data: Chart, Color, Context, Clutter, and Composition. Through learning about the Five C's, participants of this virtual training will gain skills to present data in a manner that best resonates with their audiences. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Choose the most effective chart for their data Use color for emphasis and action Show data in context for maximum (and realistic) impact Reduce clutter so data insights can be easily understood PRESENTERS Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C and Robin Carr, PS-C founded Info Inspired in 2014, after many years of designing and giving presentations with no formal training in this area, and watching their public health colleagues struggle with the same skills gap. Both are certified prevention specialists with 30 years’ combined experience in the field. They’ve spent the last several years researching and testing ways to not only capture and hold an audience’s attention, but to also inspire audiences. They’ve spent countless hours refining the presentation planning process, identifying free resources, and learning how to maximize the tools they already had. It’s also important to know that they aren’t graphic designers, artists, or especially tech savvy. Everything they do, you can do too. They’ve presented at the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America’s Leadership Forum, the Maine Public Health Association Annual Meeting, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, the New England School of Best Practices, and provided training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations throughout New England. They have been featured on the Organizing for Change podcast and have an on-demand webinar available through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 2: Collecting, Prioritizing, and Managing Your Data Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW February 27, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The webinar will describe how to obtain and begin using data. It will identify data collection methods and sources, as well as important strengths and potential challenges for prevention professionals. The webinar will also provide recommendations for overcoming these challenges, including explaining the importance of culturally sensitive data collection instruments. It will also introduce and explain data prioritization techniques to begin integrating data into strategic planning. Lastly, the webinar will describe how prevention professionals can use data to improve strategic planning, community outcomes, and health equity. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify data sources and data collection techniques Recognize common barriers to data collection and strategies to overcome those challenges Describe and contrast different data prioritization techniques Identify how data can improve key components of the prevention field 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.   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.  

In this Issue: Substance Misuse Through the Lens of Black History Month Alcohol Availability is a Social Justice Issue Epi Corner: The Syndemic Framework: Enhancing Understanding of the Root Causes of Disease What's Happening Around the Region? Free Logic Model TA Webinar: Alcohol, Equity, and Social Justice: Breaking the Silence What's New?

Webinar Description This interactive two-hour training discussed how cognitive bias develops, contributes to inequitable outcomes for persons of color, and informed on bias reducing techniques for enhancing the provider-client interactions and outcomes for marginalized communities.   Presenter Information 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.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

  Webinar Description This interactive presentation reviewed the dynamics of culture in substance use prevention and recovery support services. Additionally, content considered cultural humility key components and how they translate in practice for person-centered care and enhance the opportunities that build trust and rapport.   Presenter Information 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.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

Webinar Description Tailored for early career practitioners looking to elevate their prevention practice, this session explored the foundational prevention competencies that every prevention professional should build toward, where to find professional development opportunities to support growing those capacities, and best practices for planning your personal approach to professional development. Appropriate for individuals intending to pursue prevention certification, are seeking career advancement or simply want to improve their skills and abilities. Our presenters shared practical insights and valuable resources to support the professional development journey. Session Learning Objectives included: Defining key foundational competencies important for early prevention practitioners to develop Listing sources (e.g., organizations, websites) providing professional development opportunities for prevention professionals Describing the process for developing a personal approach to professional development   Presenter Information 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. She is a member of the advisory boards of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), the National Latino PTTC and the New England School of Addiction Studies. Sandra serves as the RI delegate to the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Jessica Goldberg is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with Education Development Center. For over a decade, Jess has specialized in building capacity to improve behavioral health at the national, state, regional and local levels. Her areas of expertise include preventing youth substance use; promoting cross sector collaborations; addressing health disparities; strategic planning, logic model development, and sustainability planning. Jess is a Certified Prevention Specialist and holds an MSW and an MPH from Boston University.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer Personal Professional Development Action Plan Starter

Webinar Description This 1.5 hour interactive session looked at cultivating community support for prevention coalitions and explored how to transform local leaders to prevention champions. As managing a coalition effectively is an art, it requires excellent communication skills and the ability to build both individual and organizational prevention capacity. It also involves establishing and maintaining close working relationships with community members and collaborating with them to select and implement community and culturally appropriate substance misuse prevention interventions. In a post-Covid world, the ways in which we work and communicate have shifted in meaningful ways, but the fundamental principles informing that work remain the same. Learning Objectives: Identify key organizational functions and resources necessary to support effective coalitions Discuss strategies to build organizational capacity Describe key strategies for a plan to continually monitor organizational capacity   Presenter Information Charlotte Carlton brings over 30 years of experience leading and implementing substance use prevention programs at the community, state, regional, and national levels. She is currently working with multiple Education Development Center (EDC) teams to provide support for prevention efforts in Health & Human Services Regions 1 and 2. Previously, she served as the Director of the Southeast Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) and as a Senior Program Director for the Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation (PIRE). She has done extensive research on the subject of program sustainability, most recently applying that research to the sustainability of community coalitions. She is the co-recipient of the 2002 Science to Practice award presented by the Society for Prevention Research and the 2001 Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to the prevention field from the National Prevention Network.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer Extra Resource - NeC-PTTC Resources Coalitions Post Covid Extra Resource - NeC-PTTC Coalitions Post Covid - Tips for Engagement

The Northeast and Caribbean Winter 2023 Newsletter (English | Spanish) is here. This issue highlights resources for strategic communication, as well as, our upcoming trainings. 

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 1: What Is Data and Why We Use It Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, Olivia Stuart, LMSW, Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C, and Robin Carr, PS-C February 22, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will introduce and discuss data concepts relevant to substance use prevention. Through the lens of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), it will introduce the different ways prevention professionals can use data. The webinar will also summarize the different types of data relevant to prevention efforts and explain why data is critical to building the field’s evidence base. Additionally, it will identify the elements and explain the importance of a comprehensive needs assessment. Lastly, it will introduce the importance of effective and ethical data communication by prevention professionals. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain how data supports prevention planning and programming Recognize the different types of data relevant to prevention Identify the elements of a needs assessment and their uses Understand the importance of data communication to the community and stakeholders 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.   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, LMSW  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.   Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C and Robin Carr, PS-C founded Info Inspired in 2014, after many years of designing and giving presentations with no formal training in this area, and watching their public health colleagues struggle with the same skills gap. Both are certified prevention specialists with 30 years’ combined experience in the field. They’ve spent the last several years researching and testing ways to not only capture and hold an audience’s attention, but to also inspire audiences. They’ve spent countless hours refining the presentation planning process, identifying free resources, and learning how to maximize the tools they already had. It’s also important to know that they aren’t graphic designers, artists, or especially tech savvy. Everything they do, you can do too. They’ve presented at the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America’s Leadership Forum, the Maine Public Health Association Annual Meeting, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, the New England School of Best Practices, and provided training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations throughout New England. They have been featured on the Organizing for Change podcast and have an on-demand webinar available through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  

The Ethics of Authentic Connections and Healing Boundaries Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW February 21, 2024, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION For many of us, Ethics and Boundaries have been taught, or interpreted, as walls of disconnection between providers and those they serve. However, we know that authentic connections and unconditional positive regard are both Trauma Informed and powerful offerings to people struggling with Substance Use Disorder. This conversation supports us in clarifying the definitions and applications of ethics and boundaries that can protect AND promote the health and well-being of those we serve. LEARNING OBJECTIVES List the examples of how ethics inform appropriate and strong boundaries in our work relationships with clients who experience Substance Use Disorder. Identify how the historic instruction on ethics and boundaries and how that teaching threatens clinical engagement and client outcomes. Name 5 ways a provider can hold appropriate and ethical boundaries. 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.  

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

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The February 2024 issue features content from the Great Lakes ATTC celebrating Black History Month, including our upcoming 2024 Black History Month Panel Presentation. It also features a new educational brief on health equity in crisis systems, upcoming prevention trainings on drug trends in the region, and updates to the Classroom WISE curriculum for 2024. As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!   Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features our latest product a harm reduction guide for prevention professionals, prevention success videos, resources for awareness campaigns for the month of February, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

COURSE DESCRIPTION This workshop explores the intricate web of social determinants of health and their profound impact on substance misuse. Designed for prevention professionals, this session unravels the complex connections between social determinants and substance misuse while providing actionable strategies for addressing these issues at the community level.  Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and link to the PowerPoint below. PowerPoint   PRESENTER Ben Stevenson II currently serves as the Prevention and Harm Reduction Manager for Montgomery County, MD. He is a seasoned prevention professional who has been in the substance abuse prevention field for over 15 years working with thousands of youth, professionals, and parents in various communities across the country.    Prior to his current role, Ben has served as Training Manager with CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) as well as served as a Training and Technical Assistance Associate with the SAMHSA’s CAPT (Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies) with the Southeast Resource Team working directly with states providing training and technical assistance. He has worked in various capacities across the continuum of care throughout his career working in treatment and recovery in addition to his prevention work.  Ben enjoys developing and facilitating prevention programs for youth and adults. He is very passionate about prevention and its ability to impact communities by promoting healthy lifestyles.    Ben is originally from Winston-Salem, NC and graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a BA in Political Science and minor in History. He also holds a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. Ben was first certified in prevention as a Substance Abuse Prevention Consultant in North Carolina and currently is a Certified Prevention Professional in Maryland. He previously served as the western region representative for MAPPA which is the Maryland Association for Prevention Professionals and Advocates.