Products and Resources Catalog

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 16th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

The November 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Trans Awareness Week | Mental Health: School Well-Being Learning Community | Prevention: Fostering Inclusivity and Substance Use Prevention | ORN: Finding a Voice  Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.  Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox. 

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 15th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Evaluations are an important tool for improving prevention programs and the health and wellbeing of communities. Prevention professionals can use evaluations to gather and analyze data about programs and their impacts. This product explains the importance of evaluation and summarizes the four principles of evaluation. It also describes the key steps of an evaluation and provides examples of questions to ask yourself when planning an evaluation.

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 14th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Xylazine: What We Know About the Latest Substance Trend Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Deborah Nixon Hughes, LCSW-C October 18, 2023, 12:00pm-1:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Xylazine is an emerging issue across the United States, often used in conjunction with opioids and other substances. Public health professionals must be aware of Xylazine’s effects and how it complicates efforts to prevent and treat other substance use. This presentation summarizes the available research and data on xylazine use. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the available data on xylazine use and consequences in the United States Describe the impacts of xylazine use Explain harm reduction strategies related to xylazine use Recommend strategies for developing a culturally responsive and relevant public health approach to xylazine use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.     Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.         Deborah Nixon-Hughes, LCSW-C, is the Project Director for the Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). She is responsible to use proven technology transfer strategies and practices to promote the adoption and implementation of evidence-based prevention and early intervention approaches. Debbie will be the spokesperson and liaison to federal, regional, state and local entities; academic institutions; and prevention, treatment, and/or recovery agencies. Deborah is responsible to identify prevention needs through engaging and collaborating with primary care providers; individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges and their families; and other community stakeholders/systems. As a result, she recommends and coordinates workforce trainings and technical assistance initiatives that can address the needs identifies, and thus reduce the effect of mental and substance use disorders on the health of individuals, their families, and their communities.  

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 13th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Youth vaping is a significant public health concern with disproportionate impacts across different populations. They likely stem from inequities in vaping risk factors and the social determinants of health. Prevention professionals should identify the populations in their communities most impacted by vaping and develop tailored prevention services. This product provides data on the disparities in vaping prevalence rates and information on how to use a lens of cultural humility in developing prevention services.

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 12th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 11th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

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.  

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 10th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Suicide Prevention and the Aging Population Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW September 21, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Loss of social contact, loss of loved ones, body betrayal, and increased isolation are common experiences for the elderly and can result in depression and suicidal ideation. This session supports social service providers in contemplating the risk factors and support options for caring for an elder who may be experiencing suicidality. From assessing threats, to addressing means, and engaging the elder in a safety plan, this course will offer both considerations and strategies to increase hope in this population and keep them safe. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the research and its deficits related to the needs and experiences of the Aging population. Relay at least 3 risk factors providers should consider to assess the potential of suicidal ideation. Recall at least 3 interventions and strategies to support aging people in avoiding or navigating suicidal ideation. 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.  

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 9th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Substance Use Prevention Policy Part 2: How Prevention Professionals Can Help Implement Policy Change Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 14, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will summarize what prevention professionals can do to help develop or change policies that will advance substance use prevention goals, including to address inequities and reduce health disparities. It will identify and discuss the mechanisms by which policy change can occur. As part of this, the webinar will also review the collaborative partners that prevention professionals will need to work with to enact policy change, including elected officials and regulatory agencies. It will discuss the importance of advocacy as a tool for collaborating with these partners and the vital distinctions between advocacy and lobbying. The webinar will also review the restrictions on lobbying that federal grantees and non-profit organizations must follow. The webinar will also discuss other steps prevention professionals can take to support successful policy change, such as working with regulatory or enforcement agencies to ensure policy adherence. Lastly, the webinar will offer a small group peer learning discussion opportunity. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the mechanisms for achieving policy change. Recognize key collaborative partners that can support policy change. Explain the importance of advocacy and the differences from lobbying. Describe other steps prevention professionals can take to facilitate policy change. 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 Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 8th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Substance Use Prevention Policy Part 1: What is Policy and How Can It Help Achieve Prevention Outcomes Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 12, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will summarize the importance of policy change as a strategy for prevention professionals. It will discuss why and how policy changes can have significant impacts on substance use prevention goals, including addressing inequities, and reducing health disparities. The webinar will describe the different types of policy options that exist and how they align with substance use risk and protective factors, including the social determinants of health. It will also discuss the strengths and challenges that policy change efforts can have compared to other prevention interventions and why they should be part of a comprehensive approach to prevention. As part of this discussion, the webinar will also provide an example of such an approach. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize why policy change can be an important goal in prevention. Describe the types and objectives of substance use prevention policies. Identify the strengths and drawbacks of using policies as a type of prevention intervention. Explain how policy change can be part of a comprehensive approach to prevention. 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.  

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.

Xylazine is an emerging issue across the United States, often used in conjunction with opioids and other substances. Public health professionals must be aware of Xylazine’s effects and how it complicates efforts to prevent and treat other substance use. This presentation summarizes the available research and data on xylazine use. This presentation was originally delivered at the 2023 NPN Conference in Birmingham, AL on August 16th-17th.

Prevention science is the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of people, families, and communities. This presentation defines the concept of prevention science and explains its relevance to prevention professionals. It also discusses strategies and provides recommendations for using prevention science to build a culture of prevention within public health. This presentation was originally delivered at the 2023 NPN Conference in Birmingham, AL on August 16th-17th.

Substance Use Prevention and Public Health Part 2: Building a Public Health Approach to Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 7, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss how substance use prevention professionals can build a public health approach to prevention. It will describe how the similarities across public heath fields can lead to specific collaborative opportunities and will identify examples of these opportunities. The webinar will also review the concept of integrating behavioral and physical health care services and how, among other benefits, integration can support the development of a comprehensive public health approach to prevention. Additionally, it will discuss strategies for prevention professionals to further develop this approach and how to reduce health disparities through it. The webinar will also discuss the barriers and challenges prevention professionals may face and the opportunities that may exist to overcome them. Lastly, the webinar will offer a small group peer learning discussion opportunity. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify opportunities for collaboration across public health service fields. Describe behavioral-physical health care integration and how it can support public health. Explain strategies for implementing a public health approach to prevention and reducing disparities. Recognize barriers, challenges, and opportunities to expand a public health approach to prevention. 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 Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 7th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Substance Use Prevention and Public Health Part 1: Recognizing the Role of Prevention in a Wider Field Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip September 5, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of public health and what can be the role of the substance use prevention field within it. It will describe the idea of public health and the similarities that exist across its service fields, such as: a focus on preventing issues before individuals require clinical services, seeking to address environmental factors and the social determinants of health, reducing health disparities, and implementing population-level services, among others. The webinar will also explain how substance use prevention should be and is a critical part of public health. As part of this, it will describe the best practices from public health that prevention professionals can incorporate into their work. Lastly, it will define what a “culture of prevention” is and how prevention professionals can take lessons learned from other public health fields to expand it. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe the concept of public health and the similarities that exist across service fields. Identify how substance use prevention is a part of public health. Explain what is meant by a public health approach to prevention. Define a “culture of prevention” and its importance. 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 September 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Nurturing Purpose in Recovery: Unveiling Passions and Living Intentionally | Mental Health: Improving Suicide Prevention Strategies in Maryland | Prevention: Improving Suicide Prevention Strategies in Maryland | ORN: Addressing Regional Needs Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.  Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.