Products and Resources Catalog

Chicago Strategic Action Plan National Prevention Network Conference 2023 Poster Session, August 15, 2023   Tyiesha Trina, Great Lakes PTTC Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellow, worked closely with Chief of Staff, Rafael Rivera, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention on the Chicago Strategic Action Plan. This citywide initiative is focused on: Establishing a strategic action council comprised of prevention leaders, diverse youth, and stakeholders who share common objectives that promote the well-being for Chicago’s youth. Creating a portfolio of culturally responsive and trauma-informed strategies that demonstrate diversity, equity, inclusion, leveraged resources, braided funding, and other partnerships to maximize systemic impact. Developing guidance for local or affinity groups to create and implement collective impact strategic plan. Download the poster for more information.     Fellowship Description The Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellowship Program (PFP) is focused on increasing the number of prevention scientists working within Black/African American communities and building their capacity to identify and chronicle programs, practices, and policies proven effective in reducing substance misuse risk factors and consequences and promoting mental health and protective factors or assets in Black/African American communities. The 2023 BOLD Fellows received mentorship from prevention staff in the state, territory, jurisdiction, national organization, and/or federally-recognized tribe or other American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN/) community associated with their placement and were exposed to the day-to-day workings of the site. This was a paid fellowship. Fellows worked on projects as assigned by their placement approximately half of the time and dedicated the other half of their time to learning and capacity development activities coordinated by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) network.   Tyiesha Trina, Great Lakes PTTC Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellow  

The Importance of Cultural Humility in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 28, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Culture is integral to humanity, shaping who we are, what we value, and how we see the world. Because culture plays such an important role at all levels in society, it is important for prevention professionals to understand, value, and respect other cultures. The concept of “Cultural Humility” is a lifelong commitment to self-reflection about culture, addressing inequities, and developing non-paternalistic partnerships with communities. Prevention professionals should infuse the concepts of cultural humility into all aspects of their work. This webinar will delve into the concept of cultural humility and explain why it is important to prevention. As part of this, it will discuss how to engage in partnerships with diverse communities and how to implement and evaluate culturally responsive, evidence-based programs and interventions. Lastly, the webinar will highlight a case study example of a community seeking to follow the principles of cultural humility in its prevention services. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe the concept of cultural humility Explain why cultural humility is important to prevention Process an example scenario of cultural humility and accompanying case study 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 (TTA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of TTA 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 TTA, 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.  

Webinar Description Using equitable language is a skill that can be learned and applied in the work we do as prevention professionals, paving the way to greater successes at achieving our outcomes,   This interactive event included the following learning objectives:  • Defining “equitable language” to support prevention professionals’ efforts to reach their intended audience  • Learning about the benefits of using equitable language in communication tools and events  • Identifying strategies for using equitable language as part of a community engagement approach when building partnerships and sharing information with communities of focus    Presenter Information Sarah Gabriella Hernandez is an evaluator and researcher specializing in community-engaged and participatory approaches. She has collaborated with diverse organizations and community partners across Chicago to conduct mixed-methods research, culturally responsive and developmental evaluations, program development and coordination, community health assessments, and dissemination. Dr. Hernandez leads evaluation projects that focus on evaluation capacity building and improving equity in health and education. Her recent areas of work include substance use services and recovery, trauma-informed work, and health equity in education.    Ivy Jones Turner, MPA, CPS is an expert in behavioral and mental health promotion and prevention, as well as an experienced program leader, technical assistance (TA) specialist, applied researcher, and evaluator. Her expertise includes building the capacity of schools and organizations to research, implement, evaluate, and sustain interventions to prevent substance misuse, suicide, youth violence, and bullying, and to promote social-emotional and mental health. Ivy holds an MA in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and is a certified specialist in prevention and conflict mediation in Massachusetts.    Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer

Xylazine: Understanding the Latest Emerging Substance July 25, 2023, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Xylazine (or “tranq”) is a non-opioid sedative and tranquilizer only approved for use in veterinary medicine. However, over the past several years, human consumption of xylazine has begun rapidly increasing. Although initially only identified in illicit drug supplies in limited areas, xylazine has been found in 48 states as of April 2023. Xylazine is frequently, though not exclusively, used in conjunction with opioids, particularly fentanyl—due to xylazine’s ability to prolong their effects. Xylazine use presents many potential dangers to people, including increased risk of overdose and the development of necrotizing tissue damage. This webinar will bring together experts from across disciplines to discuss the history of xylazine use, what is known about its current scope of use and consequences, the effects of xylazine on people, and wound care and other harm reduction strategies. It will also offer an opportunity for participants to ask questions in a roundtable panel discussion format. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe Xylazine and its history of use and consequences. Explain how harm reduction strategies need to be adapted for complications in Xylazine use. Describe the current trends that detail the scope and the extent of the Xylazine issue. PRESENTERS Jason Bienert, RN, CWCN Josh Esrick, MPP   DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (DEA) GUEST:  Gail Poirier Section Chief, Strategic Intelligence Section (NIT) Jaclyn Iera Program Manager, Office of Forensic Sciences   SAMHSA:        Jeanne Tuono Assistant Regional Director (Region 3)      

  The Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC are dedicated to integrating cultural responsiveness into all our training and technical assistance offerings. We aim to help develop workforce competencies to provide equitable and inclusive care to all. Download this guide to learn more about our growing inventory of evidence-based trainings designed to improve the delivery of culturally-responsive prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches!   If you have questions about the culturally-responsive trainings we currently offer or suggestions for additional culturally-responsive trainings that would support the behavioral health workforces in our region, please contact:  Alfredo Cerrato, Senior Cultural & Workforce Development Officer ([email protected])  

Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides   This presentation describes trauma's impact on communities and compelling reasons a community, and its prevention workforce, needs to become trauma informed and resilient focused. In sharing success stories from Northeast Tennessee in work she helped to pioneer, Becky also discussed practical steps communities can take to reduce the effects of toxic stress and childhood adversity and promote resilience.   Learning Objectives: Define trauma Describe trauma's impact on communities Explain the significance of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study Provide attendees with steps to build community resilience   About the Presenter: Becky Haas is an international advocate and trainer on using a trauma informed approach, the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) study. She is a pioneer in creating trauma informed communities.  The work she led while working for the Johnson City Police Department in Northeast Tennessee was recognized by SAMHSA in 2018 as a model for other cities to follow.  In 2019 she co-authored the "Building a Trauma Informed System of Care" toolkit for the TN Department of Children's services detailing a blueprint for creating community resilience.  This toolkit has been recommended as a “practical tool” in John's Hopkins, Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action.  Becky is the author of several sector specific professional development trainings with two receiving statewide accreditation in Tennessee as evidence-based training.  Among the diverse sectors of professionals, she has trained, she is uniquely distinguished for her work training police officers and others in the justice system to understand trauma.  In March of 2022, she was honored to receive the Friends of Children award from the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth for her work as a local, state, and national leader in implementation and support of trauma informed services and communities. Becky has a deep understanding of the importance for every professional sector to have intimate knowledge of healthy early childhood development and the potential for early adversity to disrupt that healthy development.  She is a founding member of the East Tennessee State University Ballad Health Strong Brain Institute and serves as a member of the CTIPP National Trauma Campaign strategy team and as a Strategic Partner for the Pathways to Resilience Program.   

How Past is Our Past? Unpacking and Mitigating the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use Part 2: How Should We Care About the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use? Anam Siddiqi, MPH May 22, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION As the nation moves more towards value-based care, it’s critical that public health officials, clinicians, behavioral health specialists, and other healthcare providers understand how to identify, prevent, and treat populations that have experienced structural racism. In Part 2 of the two-part webinar series, How Past is our Past? Unpacking and Mitigating the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use, we’ll examine racism as a seventh social determinant of health and how we, as healthcare providers, can prevent and treat substance use prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize how structural racism can manifest in the behavioral health setting. Develop tactics on how to prevent and treat substance use, as well as promote healthy coping mechanisms. List the risk and protective factors of substance use as it relates to structural racism. Understand how to implement and promote health equity, as well as how to keep developing their skills in the field. PRESENTERS Anam Siddiqi, MPH is a Research Program Manager at The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care. Ms. Siddiqi received her MPH in Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation from the University of Maryland. Her interests include reducing health disparities, advancing healthcare systems, and promoting community collaboration to improve health.  

How Past is Our Past? Unpacking and Mitigating the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use Part 1: Why Should We Care About the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use? Anam Siddiqi, MPH May 15, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Understanding the role structural racism plays in society and its relationship to substance use disorders is critical to prevention and promoting healthy behaviors. Part 1 of the two-part webinar series, How Past is our Past? Unpacking and Mitigating the Impact of Structural Racism on Substance Use, introduces a conceptual framework to link structural racism to substance use by identifying common systems, policies, and programs that negatively impact people of color and examining how stress from racism can lead to poor physical and mental health, which can in turn increase the risk for substance use. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define structural racism, recognize its historic roots, and understand how it impacts the present day. Explain the connection between racism, stress, and substance use. Explain why racism should be considered another component of the social determinants of health model. Recognize and mitigate their individual and organizational roles in upholding racist systems, policies, and institutions. Explain why public health officials, clinicians, behavioral health specialists, and other healthcare providers should care about the impact of structural racism on substance use. PRESENTERS Anam Siddiqi, MPH is a Research Program Manager at The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care. Ms. Siddiqi received her MPH in Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation from the University of Maryland. Her interests include reducing health disparities, advancing healthcare systems, and promoting community collaboration to improve health.  

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The July 2023 issue honors National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and World Hepatitis Day (July 28) by sharing events and resources on these topics. This issue also features newly released episodes from the Checking-In Podcast that focus on PTSD treatment providers' self-care and a new HealtheKnowledge course developed by the Great Lakes ATTC: NIATx Change Leader Academy: Rapid-Cycle Change for Teams.    As always, you will find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!      

Media in Prevention: A three-part webinar series Webinar 1: Social Media Best Practices March 21, 2023   Series Description Effectively using social media platforms and being media literate is critically important in a digital age. Improving prevention practitioners’ media literacy and their use of social media platforms can enhance communication with key audiences and result in more effective prevention efforts. This three-part webinar series aims to do this by helping participants better understand core concepts such as media literacy, social media strategies, and the role of advertising in substance use, and develop skills to think critically about social media, its’ messages, and its role in prevention. Webinar Description The art of effective social media marketing requires that an organization be adept at creating targeted and tailored content that speaks to right person, in the right way at the right time. Social media campaigns are designed with a series of unique pillars in mind that are all vital when working in tandem with a broader communication strategy. In this session we will discuss six steps of social media strategy framework. The session will begin with an overview on social media strategy and continue through the steps. Interactive activities will be sprinkled throughout, as well as prompts for discussion and sharing. Objectives In this webinar, participants will explore: Understand six core principles of creating a social media strategy. Conceptualize what makes a social media campaign strategic with customer experience at the center.  Ability to apply learning to create a social media strategy framework for that includes a strategic approach to identifying audience, selecting platforms, designing content, amplifying distribution, campaign implementation, and metrics.   Webinar Recording and Slides Media in Prevention Webinar 1: Social Media Best Practices Recording Media in Prevention Webinar 1: Social Media Best Practices slide deck (PDF)   Additional Resources Alcohol Awareness Toolkit, Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center Not Your Mother's Scare Tactics, Prevention Solutions@EDC Recommended Reading & Resources from the Presenter Digital Campaign Planning Template Presenter Rebecca Cooney is a Scholarly Associate Professor of Strategic Communication at The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. Other roles include Director of Murrow Online Programs and Co-Investigator for the Center of Excellence for Natural Product-Drug Interaction Research. Rebecca is an educator in integrated marketing communication strategy, training facilitator, and entrepreneur specializing in multi-modal curriculum development and learning experience design (LXD). She teaches courses in branding and consumer behavior, advertising, and digital marketing strategy. She is professionally certified in LXD and holds a BA and MA in communication. Questions Contact Kathy Gardner ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Black Mothers: Intergenerational Systemic Trauma and Racism Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW March 16, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Whether it is cross-racial or as a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) provider, understanding the socio-emotional challenges and legacy of racism on Black Mothers is an imperative part of first doing no harm and empowering healing and well-being. This presentation honors the ways in which Black Mothers have inherited the pain and impact of racism, and how our systems and institutions have embedded those racial disparities at great cost to them and their children. Included will be points of consideration and action for providers toward solution-focused interventions for this important population. LEARNING OBJECTIVES To decipher the socio-emotional and biological impact of intergenerational experiences of racism and how they affect engagement, utilization and outcomes of Black Mothers in Behavioral and Medical Health To describe the principles of caring that can mitigate the impact of these realities on their efforts with these affected moms To recite understanding of and determine a course of action to disrupt systems of oppression and racism within health services that can de-rail the well-being of Black Mothers and their children 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 Description  This interactive four-hour workshop reviewed mitigating factors that influence differential treatment on stigmatized communities. Content unpacked racial perspectives and discussed factors that impact cross-cultural communications and interactions. Providers reviewed strategies to identify and reduce unconscious bias in care. Further, content informed on cultural humility for practice to help mitigate stigma and increase person-centered culturally appropriate care. The benefit of integrating cultural responsiveness helps to achieve and retain highest levels of prevention and recovery supports for persons of color and other marginalized communities. Presenter  Diana Padilla 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 provides training and technical assistance on implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Equity & Inclusion capacity building opportunities. Supplemental Material  PowerPoint Flyer 

Webinar Description  This interactive virtual training reviewed cultural humility as a practical strategy to help providers to identify and diffuse personal bias, to increase person-centered care through core communication skills, and to increase the potential to deliver culturally informed care for racial and ethnic populations. Providers also explored how cultural humility can also help support staff supervision.   Presenters  Diana Padilla 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 provides training and technical assistance on implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Equity & Inclusion capacity building opportunities.   Supplemental Materials  PowerPoint  Flyer 

*Also Available in Spanish!* This Issue: LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR A HARVEST AND HEALTHY YEAR This issue will bring a reflection by our Program Director, highlighting some of our accomplishments of the year and the 2022 National Latino Behavioral Health conference. Our Executive director wrote an article bringing awareness on Achieving Latino Behavioral Health Equity in America. Please read to learn more about the resources we are highlighting this quarter, our upcoming events and projects, and more. Please read to learn more about the resources we are highlighting this quarter, our upcoming events and projects, and more. In This Issue Our Mission Dicho of the Quarter Page 01 A reflection by our Director Page 02 NLBHA Highlights Page 04 Highlighting the experts Page 05 Quarterly Highlights and Celebrations Page 06 Article by Dr. Richard Cervantes, PhD Page 07 NHL Executive Leadership and Fellowship Program Page 10 Media Corner Page 12 Staff Contact information Page 13 [Español] Cimentando Las Bases Para un Año Saludable y de Buena Cosecha Esta edición traerá una reflexión de nuestro Director de Programa, destacando algunos de nuestros logros del año y la Conferencia Nacional de Salud Conductual Latina de 2022. Nuestro director ejecutivo escribió un artículo para generar conciencia sobre Lograr la Equidad en la Salud Mental de los Latinos en América. Lea para obtener más información sobre los recursos que destacamos este trimestre, nuestros próximos eventos y proyectos, y más. Lea para obtener más información sobre los recursos que destacamos este trimestre, nuestros próximos eventos y proyectos, y más.   ESTA EDICION El “Dicho” del Trimestre Página 01 Una Reflexión de Nuestra Directora Página 02 Puntos Destacados de NLBHA Página 04 Destacando a los Expertos Página 05 Puntos Destacados del TrimestreyCelebraciones Página 06 Artículo por el Dr. Richard Cervantes Página 07 Programa Nacional de LiderazgoyBecas para Ejecutivos Hispanos Latinos Página 10 Rincón de los Medios Página 12 Información de Contacto del Personal Página 13  

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (Dec 2022 Series) Part 1: Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Health in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 6, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will introduce and discuss the social determinants of health. It will explain which aspects have been found to be significantly linked to substance use, as well as how the social determinants of health are linked to inequity and health disparities. The webinar will provide recommendations on how prevention professionals can begin thinking about ways to address the social determinants of health and how to pursue a public health approach to prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand what the social determinants of health are and how they relate to the socio-ecological model of prevention Identify the social determinants of health linked to increase risk of substance use Consider how racial and ethnic inequities influence substance use risk and services Begin pursuing a public health prevention approach to address the social determinants of health 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.  

It’s Not about Me…It’s about Us Part 3: What’s Next: Applying the Knowledge and Skills Lab Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD December 1, 2022, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION What happens with professionals working in prevention work? Where do they go from here? What is the takeaway messages in moving forward with clients? What do professionals need, what do they want, what is working, and what can be added to be proficient in serving clients who need them the most? The question is: What's Next? What's next for professionals in preventing substance use, misuse, and addictions among clients? This webinar will offer space for open dialogue and hands-on practices on how professionals can implement strategies, techniques, and tools in their work to benefit clients and communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Summarize how communication and relationships are vital components in substance use prevention work. Identify resources that are needed to continue providing adequate services. Formulate a collaborative approach by networking and building partnerships with other professionals in substance use prevention work. Demonstrate strategies, techniques, and tools to provide substantial prevention work. PRESENTERS Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD is an Associate Pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Connors is Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in the human services/social work/counseling fields for 30 years and has worked in a variety of settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, supporting and empowering those who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with, serving, and providing training related to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices. Ms. Connors is a mental health therapist providing services to individuals who have co-occurring issues. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor. She has taught at the University of Maryland and is currently teaching at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Like many women of color, Ms. Connors has experienced various forms of oppression. Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degrees, respectively, and is a Doctoral Candidate completing her Ph.D. in Psychology.  

This tool serves prevention specialists that want to establish positive relationships with hispanic, latino, or latinx populations and those who are already working with this population and want to improve their cultural humility. The goal of this product is to help lessen the barriers that prevention specialists and latino populations may face when discussing substance misuse and addiction. Covered in this tool are geography of hispanic and latino populations within New England, linguistics to consider, risk and protective factors, and New England state specific resources for people who identify as hispanic, latino, or latinx with whom prevention specialists may want to connect. This tool was written in the fall of 2022, during a time of increasing cultural awareness and humility which, when incorporated into all aspects of life, will benefit everyone.   This resource is specific to the New England region which includes Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. This tool speaks to some specific cultural aspects of Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx people, discussed further in the Linguistic section.   From the Author: As someone who identifies as Puerto Rican, and who has a passion for advancing health equity for minority populations, I wanted to create this resource to further knowledge of the complexities of hispanic, latino, latina, and latinx people for the prevention workforce in New England. Growing up I watched family members struggling with substance misuse and addiction be negatively affected by a lack of understanding in care settings about the diversities between hispanic and latino subgroups. I hope that by increasing knowledge about these differences, I can contribute to the reduction of health disparities in the prevention portion of behavioral health. -Rhetta Vega

Heather Harlan brings a wealth of information on a broad range of mental health and wellness topics. Currently, she is working with a County Department of Health. Her experience has also included, adult and adolescent drug and alcohol counseling and has been part of an initiative to support pediatric providers. Heather also serves as a volunteer family group facilitator for NAMI and interestingly in her "spare time" she is a professional storyteller. Heather says her performances are about connecting the audience. Ms. Harlan states, my highest hope is to connect the audience members with each other. The most satisfying level of experience occurs when the audience members can break down walls and interact with each other. Email: [email protected] Web: http://heatherharlan.com

    In this Issue:   Embracing Equity Fostering the Resilience of Children What's Happening Around the Region? Webinar: Connecting Alcohol Policy Strategies to Prevention September 28: Essentials September 29: Implementation Video: What is Coalition Efficiency? Online Course: Cannabis Prevention Series Shared Wisdom from the Evaluation and Epidemiology Team What's New? September Awareness Month Resources  

Many Paths, One Objective: Recovery Demetrie Garner, CPRS, Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD, and Maurice Harrison-El September 29, 2022, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Recovery Month seeks to promote and support innovative treatments and practices while celebrating individuals in recovery and the dedication of service providers and community members across the country who make recovery obtainable for all who need it the most. While there are many intricate paths for individuals to gain long-term recovery, the peer perspective, treatment options, spirituality, and community support are parts of the "village approach" to sustain freedom from substance use. Is this enough? Underrepresented communities have long been affected by the lack of social support and resources. A holistic approach helps meet an individual's social, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This webinar will examine the scope of peers' roles and how they execute a holistic approach within their communities. We will unpack the barriers peers have while working with marginalized and vulnerable communities and the actions taken to ensure equitable treatment to the clients they serve. This webinar will also explore the techniques used by peers to address the ever-evolving needs of communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss 2-3 SAMHSA's guiding principles of recovery and their connection to individuals, families, and communities. Define the role of peers and examine their contribution to the holistic approach to recovery. Explore the barriers of social determinants of health and the challenges clients face seeking recovery. Give examples of how partnerships are formulated to ensure healthier individuals and communities. PRESENTERS Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities  hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program Spring of 2022.   Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD is an Associate Pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Connors is Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in the human services/social work/counseling fields for 30 years and has worked in a variety of settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, supporting and empowering those who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with, serving, and providing training related to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices. Ms. Connors is a mental health therapist providing services to individuals who have co-occurring issues. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor. She has taught at the University of Maryland and is currently teaching at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Like many women of color, Ms. Connors has experienced various forms of oppression. Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degrees, respectively, and is a Doctoral Candidate completing her Ph.D. in Psychology. Maurice Harrison-El is the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator for MedStar Health Baltimore Regional Hospitals. He is also a certified Trainer-of-Trainer for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) with a concentrated domain in Ethics Reconsideration and Basic Coaching. As a certified Peer Specialist and Peer Supervisor his leadership in the field has managed multiple Peer Coaches in obtaining their Specialist Certification. As Program Coordinator for MedStar Behavioral Health he is also a direct supervisor for the Hepatitis C micro-elimination virus program. In 1979 Maurice began experimenting with drugs and alcohol that lead to 30 years of active addiction. With multiple incarcerations and in-patient treatment, he has an extensive knowledge of institutional programs. Through a multi-faceted approach to recovery, he has decided to give back to the community of substance use disorders by first working as a Peer Recovery Coach for 5 years. Seeing his contribution to the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program (SBIRT) MedStar developed a role as Regional Coordinator to supervise and instruct best evidence-based approaches to substance use disorders throughout MedStar’s four Baltimore Hospitals. He tirelessly works with Peer Coaches to ensure that all tools to engage in motivational interviewing are at their disposal. As a liaison between emergency care and patient placement he has developed an extensive resource of inpatient, outpatient, and maintenance assisted programs throughout the Baltimore region. In addition to his career at MedStar he is a family-oriented person that sees the important value of men being present in the family dynamic. He believes that the structure of our youth will enable them to seek internal satisfaction with oneself instead of external validation with gangs and drugs.    

Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides   This webinar discussed the different strategies that can be implemented within neighborhood pharmacies, ways in which prevention providers can support their neighborhood pharmacies in implementing prevention efforts and ensuring that services are responsive to community members.  Learning Objectives: Describe strategies that can be implemented by neighborhood pharmacies to prevent opioid use harms. Build partnerships with community pharmacies.  Integrate opioid prevention strategies within neighborhood pharmacies through collaborative partnerships. Assess community members’ barriers and facilitators to accessing these services at their neighborhood pharmacies.    About the Presenters: Kathleen Egan, PhD, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Education and Promotion at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Dr. Egan completed a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Florida Substance Abuse Training Center in Public Health. She earned her PhD in Community Health Education from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a MS in Clinical and Translational Population Science from Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dr. Egan's work involves the development and assessment of substance use prevention strategies that are implemented in community, medical, and academic settings. Her work is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services. Tamera Hughes, PharmD, PhD is a postdoctoral research fellow at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.  Her work seeks to address healthcare disparities affecting systemically minoritized and marginalized communities in pharmacy practice. She is motivated by more than ten years of experience in various scholarly endeavors that began while serving as an undergraduate researcher in the Jackson Heart Study. This experience led Dr. Hughes to pursue a dual Pharm.D/Ph.D at Mercer University College of Pharmacy. As a postdoc at UNC, Dr. Hughes works on a CDC-funded grant that integrates pharmacists into a new collaborative care model to deprescribe opioids and benzodiazepines in older adults. Dr. Hughes is completing a 2-year fellowship in the Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity where she intends to establish her independence in pharmaceutical health services research by contributing new knowledge that improves health care access, delivery, utilization, and quality in the community pharmacy setting.

This Issue: CONNECTIONS: HONORING CULTURE AND EMBRACING CHANGE This issue will bring awareness to the National Recovery Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and National Suicide Prevention Week. Our Executive Director, Mr. Fred Sandoval shared more details about the work NLBHA is doing in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. We are also providing more details about our upcoming National Latino Behavioral Health Conference. Please read to learn more about the resources we are highlighting this quarter, our upcoming events and projects, and more. In This Issue Our Mission Dicho of the Quarter Page 01 A reflection by our Director Page 02 NLBHA and AFSP: National Suicide Prevention Week Awareness Page 03 Story time: meet our team member, Ana L. Chavez-Mancillas, MSW Page 06 Highlighting the experts, Quarterly Highlights and Celebrations Page 07 Article by Eva Moya, PhD Page 08 Media Corner Page 10 Conference Highlights Page 11 NHL Executive Leadership and Fellowship Program Page 12 Community Campaigns: National Suicide Prevention Week, National Recovery Month, Hispanic Heritage Month Page 10 Staff Contact information Page 15  

Webinar Description  Research suggests that race and ethnicity are predictors of how services are delivered, and implicit bias is one component that has been identified as influencing the provision of poor care. The elusiveness of unconscious bias underscores provider perception, unwitting use of stigmatic language, and influences assumptions and micro aggressions affecting a person's capacity to respond to care. This interactive 2-hour training discussed how cognitive bias develops, is sustained by intrinsic and environmental factors, and contributes to inequitable outcomes for persons of color. The content also informed on bias-reducing techniques and person-first language approaches that can enhance provider-client interactions and outcomes for marginalized communities. The Presenters  Diana Padilla 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 provides training and technical assistance on implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Equity & Inclusion capacity building opportunities Powerpoint  Flyer Transcript

Adapting Prevention Interventions to Better Serve Populations Which Are Under-Resourced Part 2: Strategies and Practices for Adapting Evidence-Based Programs Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW August 16, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will explore various practices and strategies for prevention professionals to consider when adapting interventions. It will review the primary frameworks and models that prevention professionals can use to structure their adaptation efforts. The webinar will also explain how to assess community context and determine the conceptual and practical fit of interventions. Additionally, it will review opportunities for prevention organizations to improve their cultural humility and competence. Lastly, the webinar will share examples of successful adaptations of evidence-based prevention interventions. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Outline the ecological validity and cultural sensitivity frameworks for cultural adaptation Overview conceptual and collaborative processes for adapting interventions Discuss opportunities to improve organizational cultural humility Share examples of successful adaptations of prevention interventions 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.