Products and Resources Catalog

Over the past 20 years, kratom use has increased across the globe. This presents potential risks, including for children and youth. Adult kratom use for opioid craving and withdrawal self-management has also expanded alongside the opioid epidemic. This product provides information about kratom and the negative effects of kratom use. It also summarizes available data on the scope of kratom use and its legality in the United States.

Webinar Description This training looked at the importance of Data Informed Decision Making, or DIDM, in strategic prevention planning, and the value of using data within each step of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to identify priority needs and achieve prevention goals. During this webinar, presenters defined key data-related terminology, described the benefits of using a data-informed prevention planning process, discussed common challenges and barriers to using data to plan and examined data-informed decision making within each SPF step.   Presenter Emily Bhargava is a Training and Technical Assistance Associate with Education Development Center (EDC). She is skilled in facilitation, data literacy, strategic and sustainability planning, and evaluation design. For over 15 years, she has led community-level health promotion efforts. She is an expert in the prevention of substance abuse, violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, obesity, and HIV, guiding the planning and implementation of culturally and linguistically responsive community-level prevention and health promotion efforts across Massachusetts and the United States.   Additional Resources  Flyer  PowerPoint

   2023 RESEARCH & DESIGN (RAD) PRODUCTS: New research-based substance misuse prevention tools supporting Practical Resources to Address The Root Causes of Substance Misuse with a Focus on the IC&RC Prevention Domains. Prevention Product Development for the New England Region. Link to view the recorded webinar (recorded on August 17, 2023).    EXPLORING ROOT CAUSES OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE THROUGH SOCIAL STORIES This resource consists of a work of research on the trauma of underrepresentation experienced by Black communities and the ripple effects it has on Black children. This social story title ‘I Feel’ can be used in a variety of settings and tackles the topic of emotions while also confronting the difficulties that emerge from living with a parent who is beginning their path to recovery. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     SUPPORTING YOUTH & ADDRESSING UNDERLYING CAUSES OF SUBSTANCE USE This handbook is designed for adults to better support youth while addressing underlying causes of substance misuse. Throughout this resource, the reader will build a better understanding of the role Adverse Childhood Experiences play in substance use and proven solutions to prevent and mitigate their impacts. The target audience is parents/caregivers, teachers, counselors, coaches, and anyone else who interacts with youth. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     HEALTHY COMMUNITY, HEALTHY PEOPLE: COMMUNITY CANNABIS POLICY TOOLKIT FOR THE VERMONT PREVENTION PROFESSIONAL 2.0 A toolkit that prevention professionals and communities working on cannabis-related policy improvement can use to help support prevention and public health at a community level. This kit has been updated in 2023 to include additional tools and information, including stigma-free language relevant to this work, talking points to use with key audiences, questions to use for community polling, and template presentations for community and key audience education. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     PREVENTING & ADDRESSING ACES IN HISPANIC AND LATINO This guide is designed for Hispanic and Latino Faith Leaders in Massachusetts and can be used to prevent and address adverse childhood experiences impacting Hispanic and Latino communities. Faith Leaders can learn about the connection between trauma and substance use disorder, specific impacts within the Hispanic and Latino community, and the interventions the faith community can deploy to mitigate the impact of ACEs. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     PREVENTING ROOT CAUSES OF SUBSTANCE USE IN LGBTQIA+ YOUTH This toolkit is designed for prevention professionals and can showcase proactive techniques for upstream prevention efforts to address minority stress among LGBTQIA+ youth. This toolkit includes a call to action for the prevention workforce, highlights data and data limitations, research on minority stress and its connection to substance misuse, and provides evidence-informed recommendations for the reader.  READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.       SUBSTANCE USE RECOVERY AND PREVENTION FOR FAMILIES IN TREATMENT: A GUIDE FOR THERAPISTS, CLIENTS, AND FAMILIES A practical resource to be shared by clinicians with individuals in treatment for substance use disorder. This toolkit will provide the person in treatment with resources from the disciplines of prevention and peer recovery support. It will assist in increasing the family’s awareness of applicable prevention information and strategies and will educate about various levels of clinical and peer supports that are available in the community. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.       View the 2021 products.   View the 2022 products.

The Ongoing Opioid Epidemic (August 2023) Part 1: The Current Landscape of Opioid Use and Consequences Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip August 8, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of current opioid use and related trends in SAMHSA Region 3 and nationwide. It will review changes in use and consequences, and ongoing shifts in substance preferences— particularly the expanded use of fentanyl. Data on xylazine use are limited, but available information will also be shared. The webinar will also discuss the increasing frequency of polysubstance use involving opioids. It will review the different types of substances used—intentionally or unintentionally— with opioids, including xylazine, stimulants, and cannabis, and the extent to which this use occurs. Lastly, the webinar will review the latest research on the social determinants of health and other risk and protective factors impacting the opioid epidemic. LEARNING OBJECTIVES - Describe the latest opioid use and trend data.   - Identify the scope of opioid overdoses and the most impacted populations.   - Evaluate the latest information on polysubstance use and types of substances being used together.   - Assess the research on opioid-related risk and protective factors. 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.  

The Importance of Evaluation in Prevention Part 2: How to Support Effective Evaluations Josh Esrick, MPP, and David Theiss, MSc, BA July 20, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will follow-up part 1 by providing additional guidance on developing and implementing evaluations. It will discuss opportunities for non-evaluators to support and improve evaluation efforts. The webinar will also cover how program staff can help determine the core elements of an evaluation plan and what staff should do to avoid having an unsuccessful plan. Additionally, it will review the core evaluation tasks and discuss opportunities for program managers and other staff to support those efforts. Lastly, the webinar will provide a learning activity for participants to practice skills for developing their own evaluation plans. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain how they can support the development of an evaluation plan Recognize the signs of an unsuccessful evaluation Identify opportunities for supporting evaluation efforts Demonstrate how evaluation research questions are developed 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.   David Theiss, MSc oversees Carnevale Associates’ portfolio of Research & Evaluation projects, leading teams focused on data analytics across several program evaluation and research projects. Under David’s supervision, the R&E team serves a diverse group of behavioral health clients at multiple levels of government, including the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, and the District Department of Behavioral Health. David also oversees the development of all of the firm’s external-facing and data visualization products across functional teams. While at the firm, David’s work has spanned several subject matter specialisms, ranging from biased-based policing, medication for opioid use disorders, drug courts, and layered interventions for unhoused individuals. He has over 15 years of research, data analysis, data communication, project management, and strategic planning experience in high-level settings in the U.S. and Europe. David holds a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics.  

The Importance of Evaluation in Prevention Part 1: What is Evaluation and How It Supports Strategic Planning Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip July 18, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide an overview of evaluation core concepts and their relevance to prevention services. It will discuss the purpose of evaluation and how evaluations can be used to expand opportunities for improving community health and well-being. The webinar will also review the principles of evaluation and explain their meaning: utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy. Additionally, it will summarize the basics of evaluation plans and how their development stems from planning tools such logic models and action plans. Lastly, the webinar will provide a small group discussion opportunity for participants to share their experiences with evaluations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe the importance of evaluation to strategic planning Recognize how evaluation can led to improved prevention outcomes Identify the principles of evaluation Explain the connections between logic models, action plans, and evaluation plans 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 During this webinar, participants explored the steps in data-driven public health planning processes to guide prevention efforts and examine the role and importance of goal- and objective-setting within such a process. We examined the differences between goals and objectives and described how to develop clear goals and SMART objectives, working through examples of each to improve them. Also considered were barriers to setting and pursuing goals and objectives in prevention planning efforts and the real-world benefits and challenges of committing to this type of process.   Presenter Information Clara McCurdy-Kirlis is a multilingual communications and project management professional and has over 15 years of experience in project development, implementation, and management. She has held lead roles in health and education instructional design for adult learners, e-learning design and delivery, higher education curricula development, and interdisciplinary project coordination. McCurdy-Kirlis has also led communities of practice (CoP) with an emphasis on facilitating dialogue in a safe space where participants can share successes, challenges, and brainstorm solutions together. Clara designs virtual and face-to-face training materials and creates tools, blogs, and informational resources for the Northeast and Caribbean Prevention Technology Transfer Center in English and Spanish. Jess Goldberg is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with Education Development Center. For over a decade, Jess has specialized in building capacity to improve behavioral health at the national, state, regional and local levels. Her areas of expertise include preventing youth substance use; promoting cross-sector collaborations; addressing health disparities; strategic planning, logic model development, and sustainability planning.  Jess is a Certified Prevention Specialty and holds an MSW and an MPH from Boston University.   Additional Documents PowerPoint  Flyer   

Stigma and Substance Use Disorder Prevention Part 1 Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner, CPRS May 9, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of stigma and the importance of addressing it through what the research says and what is known through lived experience. The webinar will define stigma and explain how it can manifest in various substance use prevention settings and on the road to recovery. It will address the similarities and differences between public, self, and institutional-stigma and the role of both intentional and inadvertent stigma. The webinar will also discuss how stigma impacts substance use prevention outcomes and people’s ability to recovery. Additionally, it will explain why prevention professionals, other stakeholders, and the community-at-large need to address stigma. The webinar will also include a facilitated small group discussion opportunity for participants to share their experiences finding and addressing stigma. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define stigma conceptually and from a recovered person’s perspective Identify the various forms of stigma and their effects on our ability to recover Recognize the impact of stigma on prevention outcomes Describe stigma’s ongoing impact on the road to recovery PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (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.     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.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION This highly interactive webinar focuses on exporting, cleaning, formatting, and mapping CDC WONDER data into Tableau Public. SSW PTTC epidemiologist Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain demonstrates how to apply the above steps to create data visuals to help prevention professionals and partners make data-driven decisions. Watch the recording to observe the map-making or follow along with the downloaded free version of Tableau Public. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording. Below are the companion materials and sites to follow along and create a map in Tableau. PPT Handout: Instructions to Cleaning and Mapping Data in Tableau Tableau Public Free Download CDC Wonder   PRESENTER Dr. Beverly Triana-Tremain serves as the epidemiologist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology and Transfer Center (SSW PTTC), with over 30 years of experience in technical assistance and training (T/TA), evaluation, research, and quality improvement processes. She has expertise in process and impact evaluation, quality improvement studies, research methodology, and project management. Dr. Triana-Tremain plays a crucial role in providing high-impact T/TA services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders.   Dr. Triana-Tremain provides T/TA on data-driven public health interventions and effectively communicating data to stakeholders in order to improve understanding in various populations. She has worked across the public and private sectors for over 50 organizations to develop quality improvement plans in the areas of workforce development, public health improvement, and community impact. She also has extensive project management experience, particularly in developing logic models that focus stakeholders on intentional project outcomes.  A certified Lean Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belt, Dr. Triana-Tremain received her doctorate from Texas Woman’s University in community health, with a public health concentration. She also has a master’s from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s from Texas A&M University-Commerce.  

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.

Stimulants and Polysubstance Use Part 1: What the Data Shows Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip March 28, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide an overview of the current scope of stimulant and related polysubstance use in the United States and the states of the Central East region. It will include a review of use and overdose rates, as well as data on availability and accessibility of substances. The webinar will also discuss the differences between the current and prior waves of stimulant use. Finally, it will discuss what is known about the factors driving the current wave of use and data sources prevention professionals can use to obtain additional data. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain trends in stimulant and polysubstance use and consequences Describe similarities and differences between current and past stimulant use Identify the risk and protective factors for stimulant and polysubstance use Name relevant data sources to learn more about stimulant and polysubstance use 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.  

Evidence Based Practices: From Understanding Basics to Selecting the Right Fit with Fidelity and Sustainability. This three-part series on working with evidence based practices in your community is now available on HealtheKnowledge.org. Whether you are new to the prevention field, or really seeking to build your knowledge, this series will help your community select effective interventions with conceptual and practical fit.   Segment Titles Identify & Select EvidenceBased Practices: An Overview Evidence Based Practices for the Local Community Implementation with Fidelity and Sustainability  

COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, we explore the power of Excel to create meaningful data visualizations for prevention professionals. Participants are guided through real-life examples of applying the 4-step visualization process using Excel to create a meaningful data story for a prevention audience. Excel is a practical and accessible tool for creating data visualizations for prevention professionals who may not have access to expensive software packages. This is a beginner's guide to using Excel for visualization. MATERIALS Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording. Here is the PowerPoint for this webinar.   If you would like to follow along to create a data visualization during the recording, open the companion materials below. The Creating Data Visualization Instructions document outlines the steps. When the Data Excel File link is selected, it will download the Excel file to your computer. Creating Data Visualization Instructions Data Excel File   For more training and resources, check out the Ditching the Discomfort to Data Series. Part 5, Communicating and Visualizing Data explores methods for prevention professionals to effectively disseminate data-related information.   PRESENTER Sheila Boswell is a highly experienced project coordinator that serves as the assistant evaluator for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (SSW PTTC). She writes, designs, and analyzes data for training and technical assistance (T/TA) reports, as well as helps publicize services to optimize client relationships, engagement, and success with the center's grant opportunities and T/TA. Her work plays a vital role in providing high-impact services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders. During her eight years at the University of Oklahoma, Sheila has worked as an evaluator for state and federal programs concentrating on mental health and substance misuse prevention. She communicates evaluation findings using graphics and data visualizations to inform decision-making. Through collaboration with her SSW PTTC team and partners, she focuses on creating deliverables that include the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion with a positive message to achieve successful program outcomes.     

Evaluators use pseudocodes to protect a participant's anonymity when asking protected questions. Pseudocode means a "fake code" that severs the link between the data and the provider. The attached document explains pseudocodes and how to create them.

Health Equity Foundations for the African American Population November 29, 2022   Learning Session Overview and Objectives In this learning session, we will define terms that are essential to the discussion around health equity as well as the roots of how inequities were formed in African American communities.  We will also journey into the African American population and the impact of disparities, before ending in what roles we can play in prevention to help create equity. This Learning Session will be formatted as a 45-minute presentation followed by a 45-minute facilitator-led discussion. By the end of this learning session, participants will be able to: Discover how health disparities and other inequities play a role in behavioral health and substance use/misuse of the African American Population Define terminology linked to the discussion of health equity Describe the role of cultural competence and cultural humility   Presenter: Albert Gay, M.S. Chief of Development for TTJ Group & SheRay’s & Associates LLC,  Albert Gay was born and raised in Gary, Indiana.  He was ordained into the ministry in 1994 and since that time he has worked with youth and communities in many capacities.  Albert has been in full-time ministry as a youth pastor, where he counseled urban youth in positive directions and provided them with alternative solutions to the “streets.” Albert expanded into the Prevention field in 1997 when he was employed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana as a Prevention Coordinator.  He received credentials as a Certified Prevention Professional from the Indiana Association of Prevention Professionals in 1999.  While attending ministry school in Florida, Albert worked as a Behavioral Specialist with troubled youth. Albert Gay is currently a Master Trainer for TTJ Group, LLC providing services to non-profit, faith-based, and community organizations and governmental entities in developing and implementing technical assistance and training services in an innovative and practical format. Albert Gay obtained his B.A. in English Arts from the historically distinguished, Hampton University in Virginia, and he obtained his Master of Science in Management from Oakland City     Learning Session Materials   Recording for The Health Equity Foundations for the African American Population Slide Deck for Health Equity Foundations for the African American Population (PDF)   Additional Resources  National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health California Health Care Almanac: Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity in California: Pattern of Inequity About Social Determinants of Health: What are social determinants of health? by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention Two Americas: Phoenix's redlining legacy, YouTube Video   Questions? Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Kratom: An Emerging Substance Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 14, 2022, 1:00pm-2:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Kratom is a naturally occurring substance that has been used in a variety of ways for hundreds of years. Kratom products can be found and consumed in several different forms with the amount ingested producing a range of effects that mirrors both stimulants and opioids. As kratom use has expanded globally over the past 20 years, concern has risen over potentially negative health effects and consumption rates among youth and others. This webinar will help prevention professionals understand what kratom is, the risks associated with kratom use, the available data on the scope of use, and what steps prevention can take now. The Central East PTTC is also in the process of creating an infographic product to further share this information. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe what kratom is, the forms it comes in, and how it is ingested by individuals Understand the scope of kratom use and the risks and harms associated with it Ascertain the legal status of kratom and the emerging policy landscape around its use Utilize the known information about kratom PRESENTERS Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.  

Webinar Description  This virtual learning series explored the connections between the social determinants of health and substance misuse and its consequences, while looking at how awareness and understanding of the social determinants can strengthen your prevention planning efforts. This session also looked at strategies to integrate the social determinants of health into work with community members and partners. Presenters Debra Morris is a results-driven, people-centered professional who brings over 40 years of public health experience to improve population health. She leverages expertise in system strengthening, trauma-informed practices, training, technical assistance, and coalition building to develop culturally responsive interventions. Debra guides agencies with evidence-based and culturally competent prevention strategies to optimize and enhance service delivery models.  She is praised for her ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders in the development of community-centered solutions and utilizing effective methods to address health disparities. She received her MPH from Emory University School of Public Health and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist. Ben Spooner is a skilled training and technical assistance provider with more than a decade of experience in substance misuse prevention. He has expertise in communications planning, sustainability planning, strategic planning, product development, project management, event organizing, and developing and facilitating distance-learning events. Ben has served as a TA provider for the Center for Strategic Prevention Support since its inception in 2012. He has a passion for incorporating cultural and linguistic responsiveness into his work and helping the communities he works with do the same. He is a certified prevention specialist and has Project Management for Development Professionals (PMD Pro) certification from APMG International. Presentation Personal Action Plan Worksheet Session Flyer        

COURSE DESCRIPTION Part 5 of the Ditching the Discomfort with Data series explores several methods and techniques prevention professionals and their partners need to visualize and communicate data around risks, consequences, and resources within a community.  Somewhere along the data process, you are going to have to communicate data-related information with your partners. One way to disseminate data is through data visualization. Data visualization involves taking data and presenting it in a way that is easy to understand. This can be done using charts, graphs, and maps. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording. Below is the PowerPoint and handout for this webinar. PowerPoint Handout   Begin Your Data Journey and Ditch the Discomfort   Are you curious about what you need to know as a prevention professional to participate in data-based decision-making? Have you been working with a prevention grant that requires you to conduct a needs assessment or an evaluation? If you are relatively new to prevention or new to using data, this series is for you! In this five-part series, Dr. Hayden Center will take you on a data journey, from providing an overview of the basic components of data literacy to then taking a deeper dive in parts two through four to learn more about data collection, data analysis and interpretation, and finally visualizing and communicating data to your partners. During this journey, there will be discussion and practical tips from Dr. Center; who has worked with local community prevention organizations to build capacity around working with data.   PRESENTER Dr. Hayden D. Center, Jr. was most recently on faculty at Auburn University at Montgomery in the Department of Psychology, where he taught for ten years. He has taught at several universities over the past thirty years.  He has also been a licensed professional counselor (LPC) specializing in addiction issues for over 30 years. Dr. Center has worked as a consultant in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse prevention since 1987.  He has worked in the field of prevention for more than 30 years. He served as the director of a US Department of Education (USDOE) grant while at Auburn University.  He served the State of Alabama Department of Education as the coordinator of the state Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program. He was a consultant to the Alabama Governor’s Office of Drug Abuse Policy for ten years and has worked with numerous state and local agencies in the state of Alabama. He served as the evaluator for the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s (CSAP) Southeast Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (SECAPT) and the Border Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (BCAPT). He has provided over 300 trainings and workshops on the topics of “science-based prevention,” “evaluation,” “risk and protective factors”, and “sustainability.”  He has worked with numerous agencies and organizations at the national, state, and local levels as an evaluator, including three Drug-Free Community grants.  His experience includes working with several projects to develop data bases, collect and interpret data, and produce data dissemination products and materials. Most recently Dr. Center has conducted training on implementation science, the psychopharmacology of marijuana, opioid use disorder, the opioid epidemic, and prevention of opioid overdose death.  He is also working on the development of a sustainability toolkit that was released in the Fall of 2019.  He and three colleagues presented an overview of the toolkit at the National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference in Chicago in 2019.

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

   2022 RESEARCH & DESIGN (RAD) PRODUCTS: New research-based substance misuse prevention tools supporting the Changing Landscape of Cannabis with a Focus on the IC&RC Prevention Domains. Prevention Product Development for the New England Region. Link to view the recorded webinar (recorded on November 9, 2022).    USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO SUPPORT YOUTH CANNABIS PREVENTION: A STRATEGY GUIDE FOR PREVENTIONISTS AND COMMUNITY COALITIONS   This product is meant to serve as an introductory strategy guide for preventionists and community coalition members interested in using social media for primary prevention of cannabis use among youth in their communities. The guide introduces professionals to what social media is, the role it plays in cannabis prevention, recent research on the relationship between social media and youth cannabis use, practical considerations for developing social media, and how social media can be used to support different ICRC domains such as evaluation, communication, education and service delivery, community organization, and professional growth. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     MOBILIZING COMMUNITY IN CANNABIS PREVENTION: A PREVENTION GUIDE IN THE ERA OF LEGALIZATION   This toolkit was created for prevention specialists who need some tips in navigating conversations with local lawmakers in the era of legalized cannabis use. Many prevention specialists feel discomfort in outreaching to their municipalities because they do not want to unintentionally advocate or lobby, as this is prohibited. This toolkit helps prevention specialists broach those conversations and clearly outlines the differences between advocacy and education. The latter is very much allowed and encouraged! READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     PREVENTING YOUTH USE OF CANNABIS: CANNABIS PREVENTION ALTERNATIVE TO SUSPENSION PROGRAM   An alternative to suspension curricula and facilitators guide built on best practices for cannabis prevention within indicated populations. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     RESTORATIVE PRACTICES IN PREVENTION: TAKING A RELATIONSHIP-BASED APPROACH TO PREVENTING YOUTH CANNABIS USE THROUGH RESTORATIVE PRACTICES   A guide for community prevention efforts focused on keeping youth healthy while navigating the evolving cannabis landscape. Through adopting restorative practices and focusing on relationships, this guide seeks to support youth health and well-being while applying lessons learned from youth alcohol and tobacco use prevention efforts. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.     CANNABIS CONVERSATIONS: A TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITIES WITH A HARM REDUCTION LENS A communication frame that will compassionately educate prevention professionals and community members on the impacts of cannabis use on young brains while not stigmatizing cannabis use for therapeutic or medical reasons. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.       HEALTHY COMMUNITY, HEALTHY PEOPLE: COMMUNITY CANNABIS POLICY TOOLKIT FOR THE VERMONT PREVENTION PROFESSIONAL A toolkit that prevention professionals and communities working on cannabis related policy improvement can use to help support prevention and public health at a community level. READ MORE AND DOWNLOAD.       View the 2021 products.

Putting the Sectors to Work: Empowerment through Involvement Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, and Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS August 31, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar session will provide an overview of the harm reduction and primary prevention collaboration, the evidence-based research knowledge to create comprehensive approaches to substance use and increase the accessibility of services for rural citizens. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn about how sectors overlap and how they influence each other. Explore examples of how nontraditional partnerships collaborated on evidence based strategy to improve a whole community. PRESENTERS Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, is the Executive Director of West Virginia Prevention Solutions, Inc. She has been with the organization for 13 years. She is a licensed social worker and a certified as a Prevention Specialist II. She provides training throughout West Virginia educating professionals, community members, parents, and youth in an array of substance use issues, data, and solutions. She also works with community members and stakeholders to create sustainable positive change using data-driven individual interventions and environmental strategies to prevent substance use. Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS, is a Certified Prevention Specialist II in West Virginia and a Certified Prevention Specialist with IC&RC. She works with West Virginia Prevention Solutions in Clarksburg, WV. She has been working in various types of prevention for all of her life, and excels at community-based organizing and research. Jonnie learned the value of prevention at a young age and has leveraged that unique knowledge to fuel her passion for empowering people to make the change they want to see in their own communities. Her core prevention value is that wherever we live; we have the obligation to make it a healthier and safer place for everyone to live.  

Putting the Research to Work: What Works in Prevention Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, and Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS August 24, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The webinar will focus on evidence-based prevention strategies and introduce the "What Works in Prevention and What doesn't in West Virginia (WV)" guide and training to educate decision-makers and those wanting to support prevention in WV. The webinar will provide tips to create your guide similar to the one in WV. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore the importance of clear, consistent prevention messaging that promotes evidence-based strategies Identify how to create a large initiative based around proven research PRESENTERS Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, is the Executive Director of West Virginia Prevention Solutions, Inc. She has been with the organization for 13 years. She is a licensed social worker and a certified as a Prevention Specialist II. She provides training throughout West Virginia educating professionals, community members, parents, and youth in an array of substance use issues, data, and solutions. She also works with community members and stakeholders to create sustainable positive change using data-driven individual interventions and environmental strategies to prevent substance use. Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS, is a Certified Prevention Specialist II in West Virginia and a Certified Prevention Specialist with IC&RC. She works with West Virginia Prevention Solutions in Clarksburg, WV. She has been working in various types of prevention for all of her life, and excels at community-based organizing and research. Jonnie learned the value of prevention at a young age and has leveraged that unique knowledge to fuel her passion for empowering people to make the change they want to see in their own communities. Her core prevention value is that wherever we live; we have the obligation to make it a healthier and safer place for everyone to live.  

Putting Your Dollars to Work: Cost-beneficial Strategies Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, and Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS August 17, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss the importance of understanding prevention research related to choosing the most appropriate strategies for communities. In addition, the webinar will establish evidence-based review processes, data gathering, and cost-benefit analysis of programs and practices in prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine how to locate and evaluate research and apply that knowledge to program selection Discuss the benefit of calculating the return on investment for your chosen strategy or program PRESENTERS Elizabeth Shahan, MSW, LGSW, ICPS, PSII, is the Executive Director of West Virginia Prevention Solutions, Inc. She has been with the organization for 13 years. She is a licensed social worker and a certified as a Prevention Specialist II. She provides training throughout West Virginia educating professionals, community members, parents, and youth in an array of substance use issues, data, and solutions. She also works with community members and stakeholders to create sustainable positive change using data-driven individual interventions and environmental strategies to prevent substance use. Jonnie Kifer, MS, PSII, ICPS, is a Certified Prevention Specialist II in West Virginia and a Certified Prevention Specialist with IC&RC. She works with West Virginia Prevention Solutions in Clarksburg, WV. She has been working in various types of prevention for all of her life, and excels at community-based organizing and research. Jonnie learned the value of prevention at a young age and has leveraged that unique knowledge to fuel her passion for empowering people to make the change they want to see in their own communities. Her core prevention value is that wherever we live; we have the obligation to make it a healthier and safer place for everyone to live.  

In this Issue:   Sowing Seeds of Prevention, a Conversation with Dr. Janice Williams   Epi Corner: Using Secondary Data Sources in Prevention Research   Ditching the Discomfort with Data Series, Review the Resources and Register for Part 4   Congratulations to International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium's (IC&RC) Prevention Specialist of the Year, Vicky Weigman!   What's Happening Around the Region? Register: Session 3, Building a Youth Prevention System Series, July 21 Coalition Affinity Group Booster Video #2, Opportunities for Participation Regional Needs Assessment NPN Conference presentations, August 23-25  National Hispanic & Latino PTTC events National Latino Behavioral Health Conference, September 15-16 Register for other events A Comprehensive Culturally Responsive Glossary