Products and Resources Catalog

Brian Williams, MD, is an assistant professor of internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He works as an adult and pediatric hospitalist. His academic interests include helping protect children from second and thirdhand smoke exposure as well as reducing adolescent vaping.          Jake Levinson joined Prevention First in 2019. Jake’s areas of expertise include planning and implementing youth prevention education, school-based communication campaigns, coordinating community coalitions, engaging stakeholders in community assessment and data analysis, and grants management. Jake earned his B.A. in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.      This webinar is a collaboration of Prevention First and the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  Intended Audience: ATOD prevention specialists; education administrators; teachers; community stakeholders PowerPoint: Vaping 101 Trends Among Illinois Youth Transcript: Vaping 101 Trends Among Illinois Youth

Presented by: TTC and ORN Representatives  Download the announcement flyer!  

Central East Webinar Series: Social Determinants of Health Part 2: A Prevention Approach to Working with the Social Determinants of Health Dawn M. Thomas, PhD, OCPC May 20, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part two of a two-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on social determinants of health. COURSE DESCRIPTION This is the second of a two-part webinar series developed by the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) that will increase the capacity of the prevention workforce to create innovative partnerships and collaborations through addressing the social determinants of health for improved population-level health. Participants will understand the significance of creating innovative partnerships to explore strategies for more collaborative approaches to address the social determinants of health within their current prevention efforts. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and discuss how SDOH impact overall community health, wellness and prevention efforts Understand the rationale and importance of addressing the Social Determinants of Health from a prevention perspective Discuss the need for cross-sector collaboration (public health professionals can’t do it alone) Describe and discuss a broad range of culturally appropriate engagement strategies for new and/or existing partners (utilizing cultural humility) PRESENTER Dawn Thomas, PhD, OCPC is currently a Prevention Systems Manager with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). She is highly experienced in event planning, program development, coordination and implementation as well as fostering and promoting close working relationships between state, county and local social service systems/agencies.She has more than 25 years of public service that has focused on prevention, training, mental health and other social services programming for adults as well as students. Dr. Thomas is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, with a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Cincinnati.Additionally Thomas she has served as a Consultant and presented numerous trainings and workshops at a wide array of venues and conferences that include but are not limited to: SAMHSA, The National Prevention Network Conference, and the Ohio Society for Public health Education.               

While evidence-based approaches to prevention are being strongly supported by policy makers of late, it isn’t always clear what this means and how it might relate to your own work in the field. This webinar is an overview of prevention science and how it has brought about the development not only of effective prevention programs but also to the planning and implementation of these. Evidence-based programs have been shown through rigorous research to be successful at reducing risky and unhealthy behaviors across the life span. This webinar describes how the science contributes to our understanding of the etiology and prevention of substance use and related behaviors, examples of some of the most effective interventions and policies.

Opioid and Alcohol Misuse: The Risk of Suicide Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip May 14, 2020, 1-2 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Substance use prevention efforts are part of a continuum of behavioral health services. It is important for prevention stakeholders to understand priority issues and activities across other areas of that continuum. Increasing awareness and understanding of how different areas of that continuum intersect and overlap enables stakeholders to identify shared issues and potential opportunities for collaboration. One such area is the issue of suicide prevention. The increasing rates of suicide across most demographics is a major public health concern. Research has shown that substance use, and in particular both opioid and alcohol misuse, can increase suicide risk. This webinar will discuss how, and to what extent, opioids and alcohol are connected to suicide risk. It will also cover identified evidence-based substance use prevention programs that also address risk of suicide, and what potential opportunities for further collaborations may exist. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the scope of suicide risk and the populations most at-risk for suicide Summarize the scope of substance use-involved fatalities and the impact of suicide Discuss the research on the connections between substance use and risk of suicide Overview evidence-based programs for preventing substance use and suicide, as well as other opportunities for collaboration 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.               

Additional Resources Download Presentation Slides Translations     This presentation will provide a clear understanding of the disproportionate impact substance abuse has on the Hispano/Latino populations. The role the faith community has to play is an integral part of a successful prevention program in a community. In our work with the community, we find that spirituality/religion is a significant protective factor in addressing substance abuse. Learning objectives: Spirituality is an important protective factor against substance abuse and an important support for persons in recovery. Religious people are less likely than others to use drugs and less likely to experience negative drug related consequences. Clergy are the first professionals many people with serious personal problems, like substance abuse, contact for help. Clergy could more fully use the resources they have—sermons, members who are helping professionals like social workers and nurses, and their buildings—to educate members of their congregations and communities about substance abuse, and to support individuals and families experiencing substance-related problems.   About the Presenter Harry Montoya, MA Harry is internationally recognized as an authority on substance abuse prevention. He has traveled with the US State Department and the US Department of Commerce in an official diplomatic capacity to Argentina and Mexico. He has also consulted across the United States with state and local governments, community groups and private nonprofits, and is published in textbooks and multiple peer-reviewed academic journals. He’s served on the national board of the Arlington, VA-based Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the National Drug Prevention League.

The Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) distributed a survey to determine the information, training and resources needed to address the challenges prevention professionals are encountering during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The survey was open from April 3, 2020 to April 24, 2020, receiving 177 responses.

In response to new challenges experienced by the prevention workforce resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) facilitated four listening sessions over video conference with 111 prevention practitioners joining. Listening sessions were conducted at various times throughout the day on April 15, 16, 21, and 22. Participants represented Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as well as a few participants from outside of the Pacific Southwest region. The listening sessions opened up a conversation about the specific challenges practitioners are facing with doing their work in prevention; what training and resources the PTTC could provide to address these challenges; and where are they finding new opportunities for their work. During the listening sessions, spontaneous peer-sharing and crowdsourcing of resources naturally occurred. This document briefly summarizes the conversations held across these four sessions and includes various links to resources as they relate to various topics that emerged during these conversations.

Spending too much time in meetings sharing updates and not moving to action? This lab will show you how to design meeting agendas that keep your project on task and people on track.

The Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) is offering a new product line for prevention practitioners and other key stakeholders called Best Science Slide Decks for Prevention Professionals, or slideDecks4U for short. These slide decks are intended to highlight a topic in 10 slides or less. The purpose of this slide deck is to provide prevention practitioners with researched and vetted tools they can feel confident in using in their prevention presentations. All slide decks include presenter notes and full references.  This slide deck introduces basic definitions of stigma and discusses the role substance misuse prevention practitioners plan in reducing stigma.  USE: These slides can be used as a stand-alone overview of the topic or  incorporated into other presentations or materials. Citing the Pacific Southwest PTTC as the author of these slides is greatly appreciated. Each slide deck includes presenter notes to guide the speaker on presenting the information contained in the slides. The slide deck also include the references to all of the literature used to source the information presented. NOTE: Please do not alter any of the slides. If you need additional information, please contact the Pacific Southwest PTTC, email [email protected]  or call toll-free: 1-833-9SW-PTTC.

As people stay at home and alcohol sales increase, concerns escalate among prevention professionals and public health officials around the emotional and mental risks of substance misuse amid the outbreak. We understand that economic dislocation, job loss and fear of death by disease can be triggers for substance use, which heightens the risk of other issues like suicide and domestic violence.  This webinar will be a starting point for a regional dialogue as we prepare for recovery and the important role that prevention professionals will play in the response. Transcript Presentation Power Point Speakers: Jennifer Myers, MA Training Development Manager Violence and Trauma Team at EDC   Jennifer Myers, M.A. is a mental health professional, consultant, and trainer who has worked to create trauma-sensitive systems throughout her career. She is currently the Training Development Manager for the Violence and Trauma team at Education Development Center (EDC). Jennifer is a thought leader and content expert developing violence prevention, resiliency, and trauma-informed resources and trainings across the prevention spectrum nationally and internationally. She has advised and guided community, school, and health systems in the areas of violence and suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and resilience. She has over 18 years of mental health, crisis response, and substance misuse counseling experience in a variety of settings working with diverse populations including university students, veterans, and LGBTQ individuals. She is a master trainer for Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk and H.O.P.E. Suicide Prevention for Crime Victims. Prior to joining EDC, she was the Assistant Director of Mental Health Initiatives and the Coordinator of Suicide Prevention at the University of South Carolina. At the University, Jennifer led the mental health response to critical incidents including natural disasters and campus violence. Jennifer holds an MA in Counseling and a BS in Psychology from Ball State University. Chuck Klevgaard, BSW Chuck Klevgaard  delivers training and technical assistance to support substance misuse prevention throughout the Midwest. Klevgaard has supported communities and health agencies as they adopt evidence-based alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse programs or policies. Klevgaard also serves as a prevention manager to the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. Klevgaard earned his BSW from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is a Certified Senior Prevention Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc.

As sheltering in place becomes the new normal in many areas of the US, millions are experiencing isolation, financial insecurity, and unprecedented levels of stress—at a time when physical distancing separates people from the support systems they need most.   And as we move into the planning for our response, let’s remember that prevention practitioners have a proven track record of success in coordinating local public health responses to health emergencies. National emergency epidemiologic data demonstrate that state and local prevention efforts work: the overall prevalence of drinking among 12- to 20-year olds has declined by 32.9 percent since 2004, due in part to effective prevention initiatives.   

May 1, 2020    Description  Maintaining social interactions and relationships are essential for youth and young adults’ mental health and resiliency during COVID-19 quarantine. This online event provides prevention practitioners with an opportunity to discuss and share strategies for how to effectively promote youth engagement and wellness in a virtual setting. The event concludes with suggestions for how prevention staff can improve self-care and wellness during remote work.    Key Discussion Questions  What strategies are you using to engage youth?  What prevention activities are you using to promote wellness?  How can interventions such as social media campaigns support wellness?  How can prevention staff practice wellness for ourselves?    Presenters  Jessica Goldberg - Jess is a training and technical assistance specialist with nearly a decade of supporting prevention efforts at the national, state, regional and local levels, as well as an accomplished designer and deliverer of in-person and virtual trainings that address topics ranging from collaboration across health sectors to identifying and addressing health disparities. Her past experience includes serving as a community health specialist with the Massachusetts state technical assistance system, supporting communities in needs assessment, strategic planning and creating logic models to guide change efforts, and then with the Center for the Application for Prevention Technologies or CAPT, and now with the PTTC, where she works closely with states and community coalitions to adopt and apply data-driven prevention planning processes and implement evidence-based and promising prevention practices  Ivy Jones Turner - For over 20 years, Ivy has provided organizational capacity assistance on health promotion and prevention in substance abuse, suicide, violence, injury, and mental health with nonprofit and community-based organizations, state and faith-based agencies, and school districts. Her capacity building skills include program evaluation, training and technical assistance in program design and implementation, organizational development, partnerships/collaborations, and grant management. Ms. Jones Turner is a Certified Prevention Specialist and holds an MPA from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.          Supplemental Materials Presentation Slides Summary Notes: Promoting Youth Engagement & Connectedness in a COVID-19 World  Promoting Youth Engagement & Connectedness in a COVID-19 World Selected Resource List Session Transcript */ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->*/ /*-->

During these unprecedented times resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are feeling overwhelmed with long work hours, caring for family, and frequently changing information. As people try to manage uncertainty about the future, health concerns, financial instability, and access to resources, it becomes imperative to take time for self-care. The Pacific Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) has summarized recommendations and compiled a list of resources for self-care from reputable sources for you to practice and take care of YOU!   Recommended Tips to Take Care of Yourself Physical Health Fuel your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Aim to get regular sleep and rest (at least 7-8 hours) Exercise every day. Taking care of your body helps you feel better mentally, too. While sheltering in that doesn’t mean your exercise routine needs to end, it may just need to be different. Take a family walk after dinner, but follow social distancing guidelines. Do some stretches at your desk while you’re working from home. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which are the natural substances that help you maintain a positive attitude. Take deep breaths and stretch often. Avoid risky behaviors, such as misusing alcohol and other substances, and ignoring public health recommendations. Mental Health Create a sense of structure and routine in daily life. Focus on things you can control. Use technology to maintain social connections with your loved ones. Consider a regular check-in schedule to give you something to look forward to. Engage in relaxing activities. Listen to music, read books, or try a new hobby. Consume reliable news sources that report facts, and avoid media that sensationalizes emotions. Lean on your personal beliefs and faith for support.   How can I stay informed without becoming anxious? Take a Break from the News Media. While it is important to stay current about the public health emergency, avoid excessive exposure to media coverage. This includes watching, reading or listening to news stories, even on social media. Limit yourself to a single credible source such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1] Access Hotlines and Help.1 If you are feeling anxious, considering self-harm, or concerned about yourself or others  in your household being harmed, several hotlines are available to help: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 / 1-800-846-8517 (TTY) or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273- 8255 / 1-800-799-4889(TTY) National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 / 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-762-8483   Resources to Support Self-Care Strategies and Practices   PTTC Network The PTTC Network has gathered resources for prevention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic   SAMHSA SAMHSA COVID-19 resources and information   The World Health Organization Health parenting during COVID-19   CDC Ways to cope with stress and take care of yourself and your community during COVID-19   Prevention Institute Resources for health, safety, and wellbeing during COVID-19   National Association of Social Workers Self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic   National Council of Urban Indian Health COVID-19 Resource Center   Colorlines Self-Love in the Time of COVID-19   ReachOut 10 Ways to take care of yourself during COVID-19   National Institute for Health Care Management Managing loneliness Vulnerable populations and COVID-19 Activities that support elder well-being during isolation or quarantine   Mayo Clinic Kids coping with COVID-19 pandemic Maintaining human connection in time of social distancing   Washington State University Wellbeing Online Stress relief & mindfulness workshops   US Department of Veteran Affairs Resources for managing stress   [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April 2020, Take care of yourself and your community.

Toolkit for Parks and Recreation Departments: Preventing Youth Substance Use and Addressing Substance Misuse   Substance use disorders are a community problem that require a community response. While it will take many sectors of the community to solve this problem, Parks and Recreation Departments (referred to as P&R Depts in this document) have a unique role to play in preventing substance use disorders and in addressing substance misuse in New England communities. Many P&R Depts offer before and afterschool childcare, summer, and sports programming for young people, and play a large role in building healthy communities through the oversite of parks and playgrounds and holding public events. This toolkit offers P&R Depts some guidance and resources for implementing research-based strategies to help prevent youth substance use and address substance misuse. 

  10 Reasons Why You Need a Needs Assessment Josh Esrick, Senior Policy Analyst at Carnevale Associates, walks us through the top 10 reasons why substance misuse prevention efforts should begin with a needs assessment.     > Download Companion Document: Needs Assessment Infographic        

Central East Webinar Series: Social Determinants of Health Part 1: Examining the Social Determinants of Health: A Prevention Perspective Dawn M. Thomas, PhD, OCPC April 22, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part one of a two-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on social determinants of health. COURSE DESCRIPTION Participants will understand the basic tenets of the social determinants of health and its impact on behavioral health, prevention, and wellness efforts. Participants will critically examine the role of neighborhood conditions, education, socio-economic, and socio-political climate. This training will strengthen participants understanding of the social determinants of health and their role in shaping the prevention efforts of diverse populations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Provide an overview of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH Define and differentiate health equity terminology Review the five areas of the Social Determinants of Health and how they impact health outcomes Review and summarize the significance of SDOH to increase health and wellness PRESENTER Dawn Thomas, PhD, OCPC is currently a Prevention Systems Manager with the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). She is highly experienced in event planning, program development, coordination and implementation as well as fostering and promoting close working relationships between state, county and local social service systems/agencies.She has more than 25 years of public service that has focused on prevention, training, mental health and other social services programming for adults as well as students. Dr. Thomas is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, with a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Cincinnati.Additionally Thomas she has served as a Consultant and presented numerous trainings and workshops at a wide array of venues and conferences that include but are not limited to: SAMHSA, The National Prevention Network Conference, and the Ohio Society for Public health Education.               

  Supplemental webinar resources: Webinar presentation MEE Productions Newsletter: Engaging and Mobilizing the Grassroots Community - How to Work with CBOs MEE Productions Newsletter: Tackling America’s Opioid Epidemic from the Ground Up MEE Productions Newsletter: Effectively Engaging Men and Fathers to Support the Health and Wellness of Their Families MEE Productions Newsletter: Community Engagement 101 Infographic: The Win-Win of Community Engagement Infographic: Framing of Opioid Misuse   Presented by: Ivan J. Juzang, MBA, Founder and President of MEE Productions Inc. Description: Many agencies and organizations are struggling to engage members of affected communities with opioid prevention, recovery and treatment messaging, due to stigma related to addiction, ineffective outreach and engagement strategies, low levels of trust in government institutions and other challenges. During this webinar, MEE will share how Coalitions or Collaborations in any size community can enhance their outreach, engagement and prevention efforts, with a focus on hard-to-reach audiences. These strategies and tactics will help them grow their presence in both digital (online) and grassroots (off-line) spheres to educate communities and to mobilize partners and stakeholders, increasing both impact and effectiveness of their opioid prevention and reduction efforts. Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will understand MEE's Adaptation of the SPF Model (By-and-For Processes) to engage communities from oral-based cultures 2. Participants will understand why a mix of strategies results in the Most Effective Community Engagement Efforts 3. Participants will learn How to Use Community-Engagement Tactics in their Substance Misuse Prevention Work to Counter a Lack of Trust About Ivan J. Juzang, MBA Ivan Juzang, MBA, Founder and President of MEE Productions Inc., is a leading expert in health communications and social marketing. He has over 25 years of first-hand experience working on health disparities and public health issues affecting low income, underserved and devalued communities across America. Mr. Juzang’s work focuses on how service providers, community-based organizations and the public health community can present trauma-informed and culturally-relevant health information in such a way that lifestyle changes are sustainable in the context of an economically-challenged and stressed-out life. MEE specializes in community-centered approaches that acknowledge the social determinants of health, honor personal assets and resiliency, infuse protective factors and embrace trauma-informed strategies. MEE has been engaged in substance abuse prevention work since 1991 in low-income urban communities across the country. Its specific opioid misuse work has been conducted in urban, suburban and rural communities over the last five years, in places that include Philadelphia, Baltimore and New Orleans, with Prevention Coalitions across Ohio and statewide agencies in Louisiana. Mr. Juzang was a member of the Advisory Committee on Public Issues for The Ad Council and a current board member of Power to Decide (formerly the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy). From 2003-2009, Mr. Juzang was a member of The Office of National Drug Control and Policy's Behavior Change Expert Panel. Mr. Juzang received his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie-Mellon University, and his MBA from The Wharton School of Business.  

Part 2 of the Alcohol Policy Series is presented by Kellie Henrichs (Prevention First) and Chuck Klevgaard (Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center). Lawmakers have developed, enacted, and applied a variety of policy strategies that target society- and community-level influences to reduce underage drinking and its associated consequences. This webinar will highlight Social Host Liability Laws aimed at decreasing social access to alcohol by underage youth and deterring underage drinking parties.   ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Transcript_Alcohol Policy Series (2) Social Host Liability Laws

New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) recognized the immediate need to provide information, training and resources to meet the challenges prevention professionals facing transition in service delivery as a result of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19). A survey to assess these needs was launched March 23, 2020 and closed April 3, 2020. A total of 144 people participated in the survey. Themes for open-ended responses are summarized below each question.

The second edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month's edition features an update from the director, COVID-19 resources, regionally and nationally developed trainings and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. 

Date  April 1, 2020    Description  Understanding and evaluating past prevention efforts is integral to ensuring the success of future prevention. This webinar explores how to apply insights from past prevention efforts to current and emerging substance use trends. Co-presenters share real world experiences regarding addressing substance misuse and explore strategies for applying successful prevention practices to other urgent prevention areas within the community.    Key Webinar Features  Participants have an opportunity to pose questions, discuss challenges, and connect with other prevention professionals.    Presenters  Jessica Goldberg MWS, MPH, CPS - Jess is a training and technical assistance specialist with the Education Development Center (EDC).  Ivy Jones Turner MPA, CPS - Ms. Jones Turner is a training and technical assistance specialist with the Education Development Center (EDC).  Katiana Perez – Katiana serves as the Executive Director for the Alliance for a Drug Free Puerto Rico.  Alyssa Evans, LMHC – Alyssa serves as a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) for Columbia High School/Goff Middle School under Rensselaer County Mental Health.  Kim Favro, MA – Kim is a Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) for Averill Park High School through Rensselaer County Mental Health.     Supplemental Materials: Session slides Session transcript

  WEBINAR - The Positive Exists: Framing Communications Using Hope and Concern  Presented by: THE PACIFIC SOUTHWEST AND NORTHWEST PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER CENTERS   DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 2020   DESCRIPTION This webinar will help prevention practitioners improve communications around substance use prevention in their communities with the Science of the Positive, a framework that promotes protective factors, increases healthy norms, and positively transforms community cultures.  This webinar will provide attendees with a new communication skill that can be used immediately to address the very challenging issues of substance misuse prevention. After completion of the webinar, participants will: understand the Science of the Positive Framework; identify ways to use the Positive Community Norms Approach to correct misperceptions and impact behavior; and identify how to balance both hope and concern in communications.   PRESENTERS Dr. Jeffrey Linkenbach is the Founding Director and Research Scientist at The Montana Institute, who has developed national award-winning science-based programs to change norms.  He is one of the co-developers of Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) and serves as a Co-Investigator at the HOPE Center in the Tufts University Medical School. Jeff is an affiliate faculty member with the University of Montana – Mansfield Center and a Fellow with UM-Mansfield Academy for Global Leadership.  He is recognized for his pioneering development of the Science of the Positive Framework and the Positive Community Norms Approach which are being utilized by tribal, federal, state, and local organizations to achieve positive change and transformation around challenging issues such as child maltreatment, substance abuse, suicide, traffic safety, and community-engaged leadership.  Sara Thompson is a Senior Trainer with The Montana Institute who specializes in training and technical assistance with Positive Community Norms communications. She brings experience as a strategic marketing consultant who also serves large and small companies, non-profit organizations, cooperatives, festivals, and community events. Ms. Thompson was Introduced to Dr. Linkenbach’s work with the Science of the Positive and Positive Community Norms (PCN) frameworks in 2006 and these transformative new approaches challenged her perceptions, reignited her passion for prevention leadership, and renewed her energy for her work. She owns her own marketing firm specializing in working with community coalitions focused on positive prevention messaging and she has been privileged to work at The Montana Institute and collaborate with some of the most experienced prevention specialists, innovative thought leaders, and social science researchers in the country.   WEBINAR SLIDES Download Slides - The Positive Exists   OTHER RESOURCES Applying SOTP to Health & Safety Integrating Hope and Concern into your Communications Introduction to Positive Community Norms    

Evaluation is one area where it often makes sense to bring in outside expertise. It will save you considerable time and effort, as well as increase your probability of success. In fact, the assistance of an evaluator attuned to and practiced in the art and science of theory-based evaluation is often the key to getting evaluation results that are useful and credible. This toolkit is designed to help you select an evaluator whose skills match your programmatic needs—assuming, of course, that you don’t already have an evaluator on staff.