Products and Resources Catalog

The December 2019 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Recovery During the Holiday Season | Mental Health: Supporting Student Mental Health | Prevention: Prevention During the Holiday Season | ORN: Family Peer Recovery Specialist certification.  Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.        

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 1: Overview of the Strategic Prevention Framework and the Importance of Ethics in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 3, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part one of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION With the many substance use challenges facing the U.S. today, it is more important than ever for there to a well-developed and educated prevention workforce to address the causes behind substance use. This webinar is the first in a six-part series developed by the Central East PTTC to support the prevention workforce by detailing in-depth the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. This webinar will overview the five steps of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework, as well as discuss the importance of following ethical guidelines to prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the goals and structure of this webinar series Discuss the importance of using evidence in prevention Overview the five steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework Describe what ethics in prevention means and why it is important 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. 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.           

Produced in partnership with Chase Brexton's LGBT Resource Center, these three fact sheets serve as a resource for Prevention Professionals working with LGBTQ Communities. They highlight risk and protective factors unique to these communities.    Please download the Youth and Vaping, LGBTQ Suicide Prevention, and LGBTQ Substance Misuse Prevention Strategies Fact Sheets using the download link above. Check out our recorded webinars for additional information on these topics! Vaping and LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention and LGBTQ Communities Prevention Strategies to Engage the LGBTQ Community

The November 2019 Dialogue, features articles on: Addiction: National Rural Health Day | Mental Health: School Mental Health | Prevention: Engaging Primary Care Providers | ORN: Adolescent Prevention | FindTreatment.gov.  Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.          

This document is intended to support substance use prevention stakeholders in improving their cultural competency and capacity to serve minority and vulnerable populations. It was created through a literature review of recent academic journal publications and evidence-based resource databases.   Readers will learn about: Resources and recommendations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to improve outreach and communication with minority and vulnerable populations The impact cultural competence can have on reducing behavioral health disparities among minority and vulnerable populations Evidence-based strategies and conceptual frameworks for implementing organizational change to improve cultural competence

COURSE DESCRIPTION The lecture will provide an understanding of the current opioid epidemic and the confluences of factors that paved the way for our current state of unprecedented high rates of overdose deaths. The course will discuss and define harm reduction, and focus on one tool that is currently being employed to reduce overdose among people who use drugs (PWUD). Ultimately, the course will discuss data from studies that demonstrate PWUDs’ ability and implementation of novel life saving methods. LEARNING OBJECTIVES To learn about the phases of opioid epidemic, that resulted in the current state of a highly adulterated drug market. To understand harm reduction as a holistic response to the overdose epidemic. To learn about the history of drug checking, validated technologies, and the evidence that supports acceptability among people who use drugs. Learn about the policy barriers and facilitators of implementing drug checking as a part of a holistic response to the opioid epidemic. PRESENTER Dr. Susan Sherman is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Behavior and Society.  She is a social scientist whose focuses on the documenting and intervening on structural drivers of HIV/STIs and violence among people who use drugs and engage in sex work. She has conducted extensive research in India, Thailand, and Pakistan examining the role of microeconomics and peer influence on reducing HIV risk among people who use drugs and women who sell sex.  She is the Co-Director of the Baltimore HIV Collaboratory as well as the Addiction and Overdose focus area of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative.  She has recently examined the validity, acceptability, and implementation of several fentanyl testing technologies. That study led to a change in the law in Maryland regarding the legality of drug checking and informed programs  throughout the U.S.                  

The October 2019 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: National Addiction Treatment Week | Mental Health: Mental Illness Awareness Week | Prevention: Substance Abuse Prevention Week | ORN: Increasing Treatment Providers | Vaping. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.          

Central East Webinar Series: Emerging Drug Trends Part 3: The Life Cycle of Epidemics and the Roles of Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September, 26, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part four of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on emerging drug trends. Prevention stakeholders often face many competing needs and have limited resources to address them. It can be difficult to find the appropriate balance of focuses and strategies that maximizes successful outcomes for their communities. This webinar reviews strategies for expanding prevention capacity, discusses the importance of setting prevention priorities, and walk throughs techniques for establishing priorities in group and individual settings. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the importance of engaging in capacity-building activities Examine the need to balance prevention priorities amid limited resources Walk through techniques for setting prevention priorities 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. 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.           

Central East Webinar Series: Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Approaches Part 4: Engaging in Collaborative Prevention Efforts Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW September 19, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part four of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on implementing evidence-based prevention approaches. Implementing successful substance use prevention programming is often a time-intensive and resource-consuming process; one that can be too large a task for any single organization. This webinar focuses on strategies and tips for engaging in collaborative practices to leverage the resources and abilities of numerous prevention stakeholders. It discusses identifying opportunities for collaboration, reaching out to potential collaborative partners, improving processes for establishing and maintaining collaborative efforts, and evaluating collaborative efforts, among other topics LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the importance of collaboration in prevention Describe strategies for identifying and reaching out to potential partners Discuss the levels of collaboration and maintaining successful relationships Examine criteria for evaluating the success of a collaboration PRESENTER 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local level. 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.                 

Central East Webinar Series: Preventing Drug Overdoses Part 4: Addressing Risk Factors for Overdoses Josh Esrick, MPP & Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 10, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part four of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on preventing drug overdoses. The safest way to prevent a drug overdose from becoming fatal is by preventing the overdose from occurring at all. This webinar will overview upstream prevention strategies intended to address underlying risk factors for overdoses and reach the populations most vulnerable to experiencing them. This includes engaging in standard substance use prevention and understanding the many connections between substance use and overdose prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the key risk factors for overdoses Walk through key risk assessment questions for individuals Describe strategies to serve populations most vulnerable to overdoses Discuss potential harm reduction strategies for reducing overdose rates 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.   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.                       

COURSE DESCRIPTION Vaping, the healthy alternative to smoking! Or so manufacturer ad campaigns would like you to believe. Though breathing aerosol vapor is somewhat less harmful than the well-known lethal poison of traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals and nicotine that can lead to addiction and compromised health. LGBTQ youth are especially vulnerable to predatory ad campaigns and peer pressure. While vape makers advertise their candy-flavored chemical dependence with colorful cartoons, blatantly targeting youth as their next consumer market, vaping has serious impacts the developing brain. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the health impacts of e-cigarettes and vaping on adolescents. Increase awareness of the unique vulnerabilities of LGBTQ youth that may make vaping more prevalent and nicotine addiction more concerning. Consider the vaping industry’s claims that using e-cigarettes is effective harm reduction for smokers. Explore best practices to support LGBTQ young people in avoiding or quitting their use of e-cigarettes. PRESENTER Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.                 

The September 2019 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: National Recovery Month | Mental Health: Learning Collaboratives | Prevention: Prescription Opioid and Heroin Awareness | ORN: LGBT+ Long-term Recovery | Recovery Stories Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.       Recovery Stories: Two special guest contributors shared their recovery stories for Recovery Month in the September Dialogue.   Shirley J. Davis For many years, I ran from the realities of my past life and tried extremely hard to hide from the knowledge that I continually lost time and felt like “someone else,” until the winter of my thirtieth year. I went to bed one night and as soon as I turned off the light to go to sleep, I relived a horrible memory of rape. I immediately turned the lights back on and lay shivering in my bed waiting for daylight. It was then that I knew I had to get help. Continue reading Shirley's story.     Kathy Dorman I’m so grateful to be a recovering addict, to still be alive to give others hope, because I remember the life of hopelessness. My passion is to reach children and young adults who may feel hopeless or peer pressured into trying drugs. As a child, I was surrounded by family and friends who were caught in the disease of addiction. I tell people, yes, I may have had a choice, but literally I had no chance, at least that’s how I felt. Continue reading Kathy's story.

COURSE DESCRIPTION Though suicide touches every community, the stunningly disproportionate rate of self-induced deaths among LGBTQ individuals is an ongoing emergency. Family rejection, social stigma and discrimination, economic insecurity, and prejudice-related mental health concerns have enormous impact on suicidal ideation. This webinar will highlight some of the pressures that lead sexual and gender minority people to suicide, what factors elevate or lower self-harm risk, and interventions to help LGBTQ people build resilience in a hostile world. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the suicide epidemic among LGBTQ people, including prevalence, disparities, trends, psychosocial challenges, and help-seeking behaviors. Explore unique risk and protective factors for suicide among LGBTQ people. Increase awareness of culturally-specific prevention and support interventions. Highlight methods to boost LGBTQ resilience to suicide and suicidal ideation. PRESENTER Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.                 

COURSE DESCRIPTION As most individuals, both nationally and globally, have access to either a computer or smartphone, technology has evolved into a valuable preventionist tool. This webinar will explore the varied platforms and contexts in which technology can be applied in a preventionist setting. It will explore innovations in tele-health relative to substance use prevention and address common barriers in adopting technology based interventions. Additionally, strategies for utilizing technology in expanding prevention efforts are discussed. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the role of technology through a preventionist lens Discuss current developments in technology relative to substance use prevention and related legislation Identify common barriers to implementing technology based interventions Walkthrough best practices and strategies for expanding the reach of prevention efforts through technology 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.                 

Central East Webinar: Opioid Overdoses and Suicides-Two Overlapping Public Health Crises Bobbi Jo Yarbourgh, PsyD, and Julie Richards, MPH August 8, 2019, 1-2 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Rates of both opioid-related overdoses and suicides are increasing in the U.S. These two adverse outcomes share common risk factors and many opioid-related overdose deaths labeled as accidents may actually be suicides. In this webinar, researchers will describe the context of the opioid crisis, identify links between opioid-related overdoses and suicides, and learn about how integrated screening and follow-up for depression, suicidal behavior, and substance use in primary care can help to identify opportunities for prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the current context of opioid prescribing in the U.S. and the risks of opioid-related harms including abuse, misuse, addiction, and overdose Understand the links between opioid-related overdoses and suicides Review an example of integrated screening/follow-up for depression, suicidality, and substance use in primary care PRESENTERS Bobbi Jo Yarbourgh, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and health services researcher working to improve care and outcomes among individuals with serious mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. Across both areas, her work has focused on consumer definitions of recovery and preferences for treatment. Dr. Yarborough’s current research on mental illness includes development of a community engagement intervention for individuals experiencing a first psychotic episode; evaluation of the implementation of the national Zero Suicide initiative across several health systems, including Kaiser Permanente Northwest; and integration of opioid-related variables into a previously-developed suicide risk prediction model in order to predict opioid-related suicide attempts and deaths. Her past work has included developing a lifestyle intervention (STRIDE) that helped adults taking antipsychotics to lose weight, improve glucose control, and reduce hospitalizations; and a study examining patterns and rates of preventive service use among patients with and without serious mental illnesses. In addition to her mental illness work, Dr. Yarborough has a thriving program of research on substance use, with a focus on opioid use. This research includes examining the incidence and prevalence of the risks of opioid abuse, misuse, and addiction among patients treated with opioids for chronic pain; an observational study designed to measure the incidence and predictors of opioid overdose and death using patient health records, insurance claims, and death records; a study examining long-term changes in function associated with opioid dose changes; and an examination of different models of treatment for opioid use disorders in primary care settings. Julie Richards, MPH has a particular interest in research designed to improve care for stigmatized conditions. She has applied these interests in a broad range of research projects related to sexually transmitted disease, depression, smoking cessation, and suicide and substance use. Julie is also currently enrolled in the University of Washington Health Services PhD program, concentrating in Health Systems Research, and planning to complete the program in 2019. Julie is currently engaged in research projects on suicide prevention as well as alcohol use, funded by NIMH, NIAAA, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She is a co-investigator on a project seeking to understand suicide attempts following patient reports of no ideation (SRG-0-150-13), and she helps manage Dr. Greg Simon’s large pragmatic trial of population-based programs to prevent suicide attempt (UH3 MH092201). She also manages Dr. Katharine Bradley’s recently completed trial of a collaborative care intervention for primary care patients with alcohol use disorders in the VA (R01 AA018702). Julie is also involved in a large-scale project evaluating the implementation of routine annual screening for depression, alcohol, marijuana and drug use across all 25 Kaiser Permanente Washington primary care clinics (funded in part by AHRQ R18 HS023173-01) and data analyses evaluating whether clinical alcohol screening can be used to monitor drinking outcomes in HIV+ patients (R21 AA022866-012015).             

The August 2019 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Naloxone | Mental Health: Children Helping Children | Prevention: Overdose Awareness | ORN | Region 3 Spotlight. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.

Central East Webinar Series: Preventing Drug Overdoses Part 3: Training and Collaborating with Professional and Lay-Person First Responders Josh Esrick, MPP & Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip August 1, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part three of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on preventing drug overdoses. Preventing drug overdoses in a comprehensive manner requires both expanding capacity to reverse in-progress overdoses and implementing strategies to prevent overdoses from occurring in the first place. Preventionists can make significant progress towards both these goals by working with professional and layperson overdose first responders. This webinar overviews the importance of post-overdose services, walks through the options and key considerations for training first responders about naloxone and post-overdose services, and discusses opportunities for prevention to further collaborate with first responders to prevent overdoses. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Overview the importance of post-overdose services for preventing reoccurring overdoses Describe overdose prevention training options for first responders Discuss other opportunities for prevention to collaborate with first responders 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.   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.                       

COURSE DESCRIPTION Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) clients are at markedly higher risk for addiction and mental health challenges than the general public. Evidence has shown that identity-targeted interventions can be effective in supporting wellness within these communities.  This webinar will describe these mental health disparities, explore what makes LGBTQ populations particularly vulnerable, and consider Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM)-targeted prevention frameworks and strategies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the impact of social determinants of health, including prejudice and discrimination, family rejection, trauma, and stress-related illness, on the substance use behaviors of Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) populations. Explore LGBTQ sub-cultural norms, attitudes, myths, and messages around substance use and misuse. Highlight three programmatic frameworks essential to effective work in LGBTQ communities: trauma-sensitive, sex positive, harm reduction approaches. Consider community-targeted intervention strategies to support SGM individuals struggling with substance use disorders. PRESENTER Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.                 

Central East Webinar Series: Emerging Drug Trends Part 3: The Life Cycle of Epidemics and the Roles of Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip July 25, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part three of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on emerging drug trends. The role of prevention has expanded in recent years. This has stemmed from research learning more about the risk and protective factors for substance use and the types of strategies that can be effective. As well as from the rising prevalence of issues related to substance use, such as overdoses, that prevention is often tasked with addressing. This webinar discusses the numerous roles that prevention can take and how they can change over the course of the life cycle of a substance use epidemic. It also reiterates the importance of having a holistic, comprehensive approach to prevention that attempts to address the underlying causes of substance use. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the stages of the life cycle of an epidemic Discuss how the role of prevention can change over time Discuss the importance of balancing these changes with maintaining a comprehensive prevention approach Walkthrough the importance of collaboration at all the stages of an epidemic 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. 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.           

Central East Webinar Series: Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Approaches Part 3: Selecting and Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MS July 18, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part three of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on implementing evidence-based prevention approaches. With the many substance use-related issues currently facing preventionists, and the often-limited prevention resources available, it is vital that stakeholders select and implement evidence-based prevention strategies to address them. This webinar describes and walks through the different kinds of evidence-based strategies, how to determine which strategies will be the best conceptual and practical fit for a community, and how to modify strategies during the implementation process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Overview the extent of evidence-based prevention strategies that exist Describe the key considerations for selecting a strategy to implement Walkthrough the implementation planning process and how to appropriately modify evidence-based strategies PRESENTER 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local level. 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. Emily Patton, MS 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.           

The July 2019 issue of The Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Benzodiazepine Awareness (#W-BAD) | Mental Health: More than a Hashtag | Prevention: SAMHSA Apps to Support Prevention | ORN Chronic Pain | Region 3 Spotlight. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. 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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.

From Evidence to Practice: How Good Health Policy Can Help You Meet Your Prevention Goals Ayelet Hines and Martha Ruffin June 26, 2019, 1-2 PM EST   | View all Central East webinars COURSE DESCRIPTION While many of us provide important services to individuals, people make choices about substance use within a landscape that is shaped by public policy. Policy is a way to prevent substance use population-wide. This webinar will discuss how good policy can augment prevention efforts in your communities.. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Introduction to why you should work on policy What best-practice environmental strategies are with respect to price, product, promotion and access, taken from the alcohol prevention field (but applicable to other drugs)? What you can and cannot do with federal funds The 10 Steps to Policy Change Why and how to build effective coalitions PRESENTERS Ayelet Hines, the director of the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, has three decades of experience working on campaigns for public health, workers' rights, the environment, human rights, public safety, gay rights, environmental justice, and political candidates in more than 20 states and internationally. She teaches Introduction to Campaigning & Organizing for Public Health and provides coaching, training and technical assistance in policy advocacy. Martha Ruffin is a Senior Research Program Coordinator with CAMY where she serves as part of the technical assistance team providing leadership and coordination for both the Maryland Collaborative partner schools and the nine Maryland Strategic Prevention Framework II (MSPF II) jurisdictions working to reduce underage drinking among 12-20 year-olds and binge drinking among 18-25 year-olds. Martha has spent much of her professional life working on policy initiatives related to health and human services. During her tenure with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Martha worked closely with strategic partners to promote the development and adoption of family strengthening and family economic success policies.                   

The June 2019 issue of The Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Men's Health and SUDs (#MensHealthMonth) | Mental Health: Data for Suicide Prevention | Prevention: Improving Prevention Outreach to Men | ORN Faith Community Lunch & Learn | Region 3 Spotlight and National Spotlight. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news.   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. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive the Dialogue, news, and training announcements, sign up here.

Central East Webinar Series: Preventing Drug Overdoses Part 2: Expanding Access to Overdose Reversal Medications Josh Esrick, MPP June 6, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View series page  |  View all Central East series COURSE DESCRIPTION This is part two of a four-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on preventing drug overdoses. Expanding access to naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, is essential to comprehensive opioid overdose prevention programs. This webinar will review the current status of naloxone access in the Central East region, strategies for expanding access to naloxone, and opportunities to support these strategies. It will also review the facts and common myths about the effects of naloxone. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand the importance of naloxone and address myths about naloxone Discuss the changing laws around naloxone access and their current state in the Central East region Walk through strategies for expanding access to naloxone Identify opportunities to implement strategies for expanding access to naloxone 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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local level. 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.