Products and Resources Catalog

The Northeast and Caribbean Fall 2023 Newsletter (English | Spanish) is here. This issue highlights resources for strategic planning for the New Year, as well as, our upcoming trainings.  

COURSE DESCRIPTION This presentation reviews the history of US street drug markets since the early 1990s to explain the emergence of xylazine, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine in regional markets formerly dominated by heroin and cocaine. It will examine the relationship between each of these newly prevalent synthetic substances and describe what we know so far about their impact on related comorbidities. Finally, it will assess how the public health impact of recent transformations to the US narcotics supply relates to the experience of drug consumption and the actual way that people use drugs in their everyday lives. It will conclude with lessons learned to help determine what prevention strategies could be used to counteract the impact on communities. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and link to the PowerPoint below. PowerPoint PRESENTER Dr. Fernando Montero’s research draws together the methods of medical and economic anthropology to examine the racialized, gendered interface between the opioid overdose epidemic, mass incarceration, ongoing transformations in narcotics supply chains, and public assistance programs for psychiatric disability in the United States. His mixed-methods research studies the changes in the risk environment for HIV, HCV, mental health conditions, and fatal overdose among street-based drug users brought about by the emergence of synthetic sedatives (e.g. fentanyl and xylazine) and stimulants (e.g. methamphetamine) in the 2010s-2020s, and by the concomitant resurgence of punitive drug control targeting petty dealers throughout the US. One of the central questions of his current research is why the opioid overdose epidemic is becoming increasingly black following almost three decades in which it was predominantly white and working class. He is also conducting a long-term ethnographic study of the War on Drugs in the Afro-Indigenous region of Moskitia on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras.      

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (2023 Series) Part 2: Using a Public Health Approach to Address the Social Determinants of Health Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 30, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The webinar will describe how to pursue a public health approach to prevention. Through this, it will provide recommendations on how to address the social determinants of health. The webinar will introduce the concept of environmental strategies, describe how they function, and discuss their ability to expand the reach of prevention services. By using environmental strategies, prevention professionals can begin to address the determinants that influence substance use risk. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe a public health approach to prevention Recognize the role of environmental strategies in a public health approach to prevention Define environmental strategies and their relationship to the social determinants of health 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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

The Social Determinants of Health and Environmental Strategies (2023 Series) Part 1: Understanding and Addressing the Social Determinants of Health in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 28, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will introduce and discuss the social determinants of health. It will explain which determinants have been found to be significantly linked to substance use risk, and how they are linked to inequity and health disparities. The webinar will also provide recommendations on how prevention professionals can begin thinking about ways to address the social determinants of health. 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 Describe how racial and ethnic inequities influence substance use risk and services 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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

Cultural Humility in Prevention: Integrating It into Our Work Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 21, 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 describe the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics within prevention. It will review how these concepts intersect and how they build upon each other to work towards a more equitable field of prevention. It will also delve into how cultural humility fits into SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The webinar will discuss how the core tenants of cultural humility can be found across each step of the SPF and provide examples of how prevention professionals can incorporate cultural humility best practices into those steps. The webinar will also highlight a sample case study of a community seeking to incorporate the principles of cultural humility in its prevention services. Lastly, the webinar will describe how to adapt prevention programming using a cultural humility lens and provide examples of successfully adapted programs. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics in prevention Recognize how cultural humility is infused throughout the strategic prevention framework Compare an example scenario of cultural humility in action and accompanying case study Describe how to adapt programs using cultural humility 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.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

    Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 November 7, 2023   Webinar Description During this one-hour webinar, participants will develop a better understanding of why logic models are essential to those in the field of substance abuse prevention/substance misuse prevention or intervention. Participants will leave the first part of this training with an understanding of the essential components of a logic model, how logic models can help make the prevention specialist's job easier and more sustainable, and the role that the theory of change plays in creating a usable logic model.     Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:  Identify the benefits of using logic models. Define the key components of a logic model. Describe why a theory of change should be embedded into the logic model.   Learning Session Recording and Slides Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 Recording Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 1 Slide Deck (PDF)   Presenter   Kyle Barrington, Ph.D., serves as the Principal Investigator on multiple projects related to substance abuse misuse, substance abuse treatment, and suicide prevention. For the past 23 years, as the Principal Investigator for Zajonc Corporation, he has served as a subject matter expert and supported the development of training on topics ranging from implementing evidence-based programs, using evidence-based programs to reduce risk-taking behaviors on college campuses, sustaining effective practices, and evaluating environmental strategies. In addition, he has utilized research results to help secure over $650 million in funding for rural and low-income communities.    Questions Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this learning session.

In this Issue:   The Power of Community Advocacy Additional Policy and Advocacy Resources Epi Corner: Using "Big Data" and other Digital Methodologies to Monitor Substance use Disorders (SUDs) What's Happening Around the Region

Webinar Description This 1.5 hour interactive session looked at cultivating community support for prevention coalitions and explored how to transform local leaders to prevention champions. Managing a coalition effectively is an art. It requires excellent communication skills and the ability to build both individual and organizational prevention capacity. It also involves establishing and maintaining close working relationships with community members and collaborating with them to select and implement community and culturally appropriate substance misuse prevention interventions. In a post-Covid world, the ways in which we work and communicate have shifted in meaningful ways, but the fundamental principles informing that work remain the same.   Learning Objectives:   • Identify key components of a coalition that has established community support  • Identify strategies to build coalition members’ leadership capacity   • Explain the process of developing a personal plan to avoid burnout as a coalition leader   Presenter Information Charlotte Carlton brings over 30 years of experience leading and implementing substance use prevention programs at the community, state, regional, and national levels. She is currently working with multiple Education Development Center (EDC) teams to provide support for prevention efforts in Health & Human Services Regions 1 and 2. Previously, she served as the Director of the Southeast Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) and as a Senior Program Director for the Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation (PIRE). She has done extensive research on the subject of program sustainability, most recently applying that research to the sustainability of community coalitions. She is the co-recipient of the 2002 Science to Practice award presented by the Society for Prevention Research and the 2001 Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to the prevention field from the National Prevention Network.   Additional Documents PowerPoint  Flyer Handout (Tips for Engagement)

  Is your organization as welcoming and responsive to the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) population as it could be? How can we facilitate more affirming and effective prevention services for members of the LGBTQ+ community? In this webinar, we will explore some of the ways we can increase positive outcomes with LGBTQ+ individuals, from outward-facing initial points of contact with our organizations to long-term internal actions toward increased representation and leadership.  We will also hear from a panel of LGBTQ+-identified young adults about their experiences with prevention providers and their thoughts for the field moving forward.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After the training, participants will be able to: Review their own workplace practices with an eye to where processes could be made more welcoming and affirming Implement workplace practices that have been shown to increase positive behavioral health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals Integrate the perspectives of individual LGBTQ+-identified young adults into their prevention work   PRESENTER: Marissa Carlson, MS, CPS Marissa is the Executive Director of the NH Teen Institute, a leadership development nonprofit working with middle & high school students from around NH & New England in a variety of areas including substance misuse prevention, peer mentoring, and creating positive school & community climate.   As part of her role at TI, she oversees and facilitates training for youth participants, youth & adult volunteer program staff, and outside behavioral health and education professionals.  She is a trainer for multiple workshops developed through SAMHSA systems, and is a member of the advisory council of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC).  In addition, she is the President of the Prevention Certification Board of NH, the NH Prevention delegate to the IC&RC, and serves as the chairperson of the Prevention Specialist credentialing committee.  Outside of her prevention work, Marissa is a founding member of Mill City Productions, a theatre company in Western Massachusetts.  She graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Psychology, received an MS in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University, and has been a Certified Prevention Specialist since 2011.    

One of the most common struggles for prevention coalitions and organizations is finding adequate and sustained funding to continue effective interventions. This resource guide aims to support communities, coalitions, and jurisdictions in diversifying funding to implement evidence-based programs and policies and sustain the effective outcomes they provide. Download Diversifying Prevention Funding PDF  

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The October 2023 issue honors National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Youth Substance Use Prevention Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, World Mental Health Day (October 10), and the newest installment of the NIATx in New Places blog series on the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement Blog! As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!    

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The November 2023 issue honors National Native American Heritage Month, National Homelessness Awareness Month, and a brand-new Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intensive technical assistance opportunity. As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list, so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter and thank you for reading!

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  

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.  

    Considering the Associations Between Substance Use and Suicide September 7, 2023   Webinar Description September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. For this month's Monthly Media Series webinar, the Pacific Southwest PTTC would like to raise awareness on this preventable issue and highlight the important intersection between substance use and suicide.  In this webinar, we will consider alcohol-related risk factors for suicide, including ways in which alcohol use can impact decision making when a person is experiencing distress. We will also review the recent literature on cannabis, focusing on mental health concerns associated with the use of high-potency cannabis, as well as associations between cannabis use disorder and suicide risk. Implications for prevention, intervention, and public health will be discussed   Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Define “alcohol myopia” and how this relates to suicide risk. Identify a screening measure for cannabis use disorder. Describe at least one potential unwanted outcome associated with the use of high-potency cannabis. Discuss at least one implication for prevention, intervention, and public health.   Webinar Recording and Presentation Handout Considering the Associations Between Substance Use and Suicide Recording Considering the Associations Between Substance Use and Suicide Presentation Handout (PDF) *This presentation and all information contained within it is proprietary information of Dr. Jason Kilmer, Ph.D., and may not be adapted, modified, or disseminated without prior written consent of Dr. Kilmer. This presentation is intended to be used by prevention professionals for learning purposes only. This presentation is not ADA compliant.   Presenter Dr. Jason Kilmer, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine and an Adjunct Associate Professor in Psychology at UW. Jason serves as an investigator on several studies evaluating prevention and intervention efforts for alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use by college students. In addition to research and teaching, he has worked extensively with college students and student groups around alcohol and other drug prevention programming and presentations throughout his career (including student athletes, fraternity and sorority members, residence life, and first-year students), both at UW and on over 125 campuses across the nation.    As faculty in the School of Medicine, Jason continues his direct work with students through presentations for intercollegiate athletics and residence life. Jason also serves as the chairperson of Washington state's College Coalition on Substance misuse, Advocacy, and Prevention (CCSAP)   Questions Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

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

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The September 2023 issue honors National Recovery Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Addiction Professionals Appreciation Day (September 20), and the 10th anniversary of the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement Blog! As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!      

A reflection on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month and Hispanic Heritage Month will be featured in this issue by Dr. Susie Villalobos. This newsletter highlights the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which promotes awareness about suicide and suicide prevention among Hispanic and Latino populations. Please read to learn more about the resources we are highlighting this quarter, our upcoming events and projects, and more. THIS ISSUE 1 Dicho of the Quarter 2 A Reflection by Dr. Susie Villalobos 5 Highlighting the Experts American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 7 Quarterly Highlights, and Celebrations 8 Media Corner   9 Staff Contact Information Español En esta edición, la Dra. Susie Villalobos presentará una reflexión sobre el Mes de la Salud Mental y la Prevención del Suicidio y el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Este boletín destaca la Fundación Americana para la Prevención del Suicidio, que promueve la concientización sobre el suicidio y la prevención del suicidio entre las poblaciones hispana y latina. Lea para obtener más información sobre los recursos que destacamos este trimestre, nuestros próximos eventos y proyectos, y más. EN ESTA EDICION 1 El “Dicho” del Trimestre 2 Una Reflexión de la Dra. Susie Villalobos 5 Destacando a los Expertos: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 7 Puntos Destacados del Trimestre y Celebraciones 8 Rincón de los Medios   9 Información de Contacto del Personal

  Webinar Description The Social Norms Approach is a prevention strategy that corrects misperceptions of risky behaviors and focuses on the healthy behaviors that already exist in groups. Research shows that most people overestimate risky or unhealthy habits and under-perceive normative healthy behaviors, and that decreasing the over-perception of unhealthy or risky behaviors improves health outcomes.   This session explored the fundamental principles and key concepts behind the social norms approach as well as a process that attendees could use in their own communities to uncover and promote the positive norms that already exist.   Learning objectives for Session 1 included: -Describe the Social Norms Approach -List elements of an effective social norms process -Identify the data needed to build a social norms campaign   Presenter   Lauri Solomon is a training and technical assistance specialist with the Education Development Center.  She has more than 25 years' experience in public health working on a variety of initiatives including the prevention of substance misuse, sexually transmitted infections, and teen pregnancy. Lauri has been providing technical assistance and training on the application of the social norms approach since 1999. She also holds a doctorate in social justice education and works to bring an equity lens to all aspects of her work.   Additional Resources  Flyer  PowerPoint

  Webinar Description The Social Norms Approach is a prevention strategy that corrects misperceptions of risky behaviors and focuses on the healthy behaviors that already exist in groups. Research shows that most people overestimate risky or unhealthy habits and under-perceive normative healthy behaviors, and that decreasing the over-perception of unhealthy or risky behaviors improves health outcomes.   This session explored the fundamental principles and key concepts behind the social norms approach as well as a process that attendees could use in their own communities to uncover and promote the positive norms that already exist.   Learning objectives for Session 2 included: -Describe what are more and less effective approaches to health communication and social marketing -Identify the data needed to build a social norms campaign -List elements of a social norms marketing print ad   Presenter   Lauri Solomon is a training and technical assistance specialist with the Education Development Center.  She has more than 25 years' experience in public health working on a variety of initiatives including the prevention of substance misuse, sexually transmitted infections, and teen pregnancy. Lauri has been providing technical assistance and training on the application of the social norms approach since 1999. She also holds a doctorate in social justice education and works to bring an equity lens to all aspects of her work.   Additional Resources  Flyer  PowerPoint

  This document provides information on xylazine, a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer used as an additive in illicit drug supplies, notably in combination with heroin and fentanyl. It discusses the effects of xylazine use, including sedation and potential risks such as hypotension and bradycardia. The document also emphasizes harm reduction interventions for individuals who may encounter xylazine in the drug supply, including the use of naloxone for responding to overdoses and the importance of wound identification and treatment.

The Northeast and Caribbean Summer 2023 Newsletter (English | Spanish) is here. This issue highlights resources for professionals in academic settings and parents, as well as, our upcoming trainings.   

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

Recording: Understanding and Implementing Selective Prevention Strategies   This is the second webinar in the three-part series focused on implementing prevention strategies across the continuum of care. This 90-minute webinar will focus on the selection and implementation of selective prevention strategies. Selective prevention efforts are more targeted than universal strategies and are focused on populations identified as having risk factors that put them at greater risk for developing substance use disorders. In this webinar we will focus on how implementing selective prevention strategies can be a key component of helping you reach your prevention outcomes. It is essential for prevention professionals to understand the components of selective prevention as they work to identify focus populations and matched strategies.   This is a 3-part webinar series. View the session one in the series and register now for the session three using the following links: RECORDING: Prevention Across the Continuum August 10, 2023 Understanding and Implementing Indicated Prevention Strategies, August 31, 2023, 9:30-11:00 AM CT PRESENTER:  Ashley Bodiford, MPS, MS, CSPS, ICPS Ashley Bodiford, MPH, MS, CSPS, ICPS, is the Director of Prevention at LRADAC in which she develops, implements and maintains effective prevention services for Richland and Lexington counties in South Carolina. In her previous role at LRADAC, she served as the Alcohol Enforcement Team Coordinator in which she developed and implemented evidence-based programs to reduce underage drinking and impaired driving. Mrs. Bodiford has worked in the field of substance use prevention since 2010 and is skilled in universal, selective, and indicated prevention strategies. Mrs. Bodiford has served on the South Carolina Association of Prevention Professionals and Advocates (SCAPPA) board for several years, and served as the organization’s president from 2018-2020. Mrs. Bodiford holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Developmental Psychology, a Master in Public Health and a Master in Human Services.