Products and Resources Catalog

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

Stigma and Substance Use Disorder Prevention Part 2 Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner, CPRS May 11, 2023, 10:00am-11:30am EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review strategies for addressing and preventing stigma against people at risk for substance misuse, substance use disorders, and consequences of substance use. It will discuss strategies at multiple levels: 1) peers and individuals; 2) within prevention organizations; 3) among collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum; 4) throughout the community at-large; and 5) in society as a whole. Each of these strategy levels will be examined from the perspectives of both academic research and lived experiences. Additionally, the webinar will include a facilitated small group exercise on identifying potential strategies for addressing stigma. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe strategies for overcoming stigma when working with clients who use substances Identify strategies to avoid stigma within prevention organizations Recognize how prevention can work with collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum to address stigma Assess opportunities to address stigma in the community and across society 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.  

Youth and Opioid Usage Nikita Danthi May 10, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will address the importance of education of opioid effects among high school students. We will examine how this lack of awareness of youth is impacted by systemic issues, and can cause misuse of the drug. This webinar will also discuss the effects and statistics of opioid use, as well as strategies for minimizing these inconsistencies faced by different communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of addressing opioid usage and review the disproportionate impact of lack of education. Explain key considerations for serving people who are most impacted (the diverse communities). Understand the need for more education and awareness among high school students. Explain why early education is important and how it can lead to prevention. Review the challenges and opportunities the opioid epidemic has caused. PRESENTERS Nikita Danthi is an intern at the PTTC, and has been interning since January. She is a Psychology and Public Health dual degree on the population health track. She is also pursuing a Sociology minor, and will be graduating in May 2023.  

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.  

The May 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: The Deadly Impact of Fentanyl: National Fentanyl Awareness Day | Mental Health: Mental Health Awareness Month | Prevention: SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week: Promoting Health and Wellness | ORN: Make Possibilities a Reality | Regional Spotlight: ORN Xylazine Regional Summit 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. 

Preventing Underage Alcohol Use (April 2023 Series) Part 2: Strategies and Recommendations for Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip April 27, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss evidence-based prevention strategies for addressing underage alcohol use. It will cover both environmental and behavioral interventions, as well as opportunities to implement or expand policies and address the social determinants of health. The webinar will review both general strategies and those specifically focused on early adolescents or college-age youth. Lastly, it will provide an overview of Federal underage alcohol prevention efforts. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize the importance of providing evidence-based alcohol misuse prevention strategies Describe evidence-based environmental strategies for preventing underage alcohol use Describe evidence-based behavioral strategies for preventing underage alcohol use among younger adolescents and college-age youth Identify Federal prevention efforts to address underage alcohol use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPPJosh 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, MSEmily 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.

Preventing Underage Alcohol Use (April 2023 Series) Part 1: Identifying and Understanding the Data Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip April 25, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of the current state of underage drinking and related prevention efforts. It will begin with a review of the most common data sources on underage alcohol consumption and discuss opportunities to improve and expand data collection. The webinar will then summarize the most recent data on alcohol use prevalence and patterns, as well as the consequences of use. It will also describe the research on risk and protective factors for use, including what is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, it will provide information on how the social determinants of health play a role in underage alcohol use rates. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe underage alcohol data sources and available opportunities to expand data collection Explain the scope of underage alcohol use and consequences Identify risk and protective factors relevant to underage alcohol use Recognize the effect of the social determinants of health on underage alcohol use PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPPJosh 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, MSEmily 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.

How Primary Care Can Address Youth Substance Use Disorders Jim Winkle, MPH April 13, 2023, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Medical and behavioral health professionals who work in primary care are in a unique position to help adolescents living with substance use disorders (SUDs), but often feel at a loss how to do so effectively, in a limited amount of time, and without conveying judgement. Adolescents living with SUDs, meanwhile, may face stigma from health professionals, and may not relate to a singular focus on treatment programs. This presentation will improve the ability of primary care professionals to screen for SUDs with adolescent patients and perform a four-step brief intervention model that enhances the motivation of patients to reduce their risk of harm. As a result, clinicians will be better able to help these patients forge their own pathway to recovery. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Demonstrate how to use a screening tool that quickly identifies possible substance use disorders with adolescent patients Demonstrate how to perform a four-step brief intervention that enhances the motivation of adolescents to change their substance use Explain how principles of harm reduction can help mitigate provider stigma and help adolescents reduce harm from substance use Describe best practices in referring adolescent patients to substance use treatment PRESENTER Jim Winkle, MPH, has trained hundreds of behavioral health professionals how to address substance use with clients and patients. As the creator behind the SBIRT Oregon website, Jim has designed screening forms, clinic tools and training videos used by professionals across the country.  

Liberation Approaches in LGBTQ Behavioral Health and The Crossroads of Racial and Sexual/Gender Identity Randall Leonard, LCSW-C, and Kate Bishop, MSSA April 5, 2023, 1:00pm-3:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION A Liberation-focused practice seeks to meet marginalized people where they are, within their cultural, historical, and community contexts, and to support clients in healing from the impacts of white supremacy, homophobia, gender binary rigidity, and other systems of dominance and oppression. We know that substance over-use is a common tool used by marginalized community members to find relief from the continual soul-scraping of living with degrading experiences, microaggressions, exploitation, intergenerational trauma, and colonial legacies. Effective liberation prevention and treatment approaches are those that pull back from individual choices and focus on the underlying systems that create intolerable conditions for living. These frameworks engage structural and institutional analysis, including a critical look at the ways behavioral health care systems may act as a tool to reinforce systemic inequity, and offer community-nested, strengths-based, empowerment-focused healing approaches. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Locate substance use as an adaptive tool for managing minority stress. Apply a liberation framework to creative outreach strategies and prevention messaging. Examine the role of behavioral health providers and systems in maintaining oppressive care structures and apply new models to substance use treatment. Develop a liberation framework analysis of current treatment options available to BIPOC LGBTQ people. PRESENTERS Randall Leonard, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker who has specialized in the care of LGBTQ individuals for four years. They currently serve as a Staff Therapist at the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity, a Center of Excellence of Chase Brexton Health Care, providing individual therapy as well as assessments for gender-affirming surgery. They also facilitate “Identity Talk”, a group for trans and gender-diverse people of color to process intersectionality between culture and gender. Before joining the Chase Brexton team, Randall served survivors of intimate partner violence at Family and Children’s Services, where they provided individual therapy and a weekly support group. In addition, they worked as a Behavioral Specialist in the Emergency Department of Union Memorial Hospital. They started their social work career working with people with severe and persistent mental illness at Sheppard Pratt Health Systems. Randall holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a concentration in clinical behavioral health. Kate Bishop, MSSA, Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.  

Stimulants and Polysubstance Use Part 2: What Prevention Can Do Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip March 30, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss the status of evidence-based prevention services and programs for stimulant and polysubstance use. As part of this discussion, the webinar will review the similarities and differences between stimulant and opioid prevention and the current gaps in stimulant prevention research. The webinar will also discuss harm reduction strategies to address polysubstance use. Lastly, the webinar will provide recommendations for the future and a small group discussion opportunity for participants to share their own best practices. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Distinguish between the similarities and differences of stimulant and opioid prevention Recognize the next steps for planning evidence-based interventions for preventing stimulant use Explain the gaps in current stimulant and polysubstance use prevention research Identify potential harm reduction strategies to address risks from 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.  

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.  

Black Mothers: Intergenerational Systemic Trauma and Racism Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW March 16, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Whether it is cross-racial or as a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) provider, understanding the socio-emotional challenges and legacy of racism on Black Mothers is an imperative part of first doing no harm and empowering healing and well-being. This presentation honors the ways in which Black Mothers have inherited the pain and impact of racism, and how our systems and institutions have embedded those racial disparities at great cost to them and their children. Included will be points of consideration and action for providers toward solution-focused interventions for this important population. LEARNING OBJECTIVES To decipher the socio-emotional and biological impact of intergenerational experiences of racism and how they affect engagement, utilization and outcomes of Black Mothers in Behavioral and Medical Health To describe the principles of caring that can mitigate the impact of these realities on their efforts with these affected moms To recite understanding of and determine a course of action to disrupt systems of oppression and racism within health services that can de-rail the well-being of Black Mothers and their children PRESENTERS Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings.  Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years.  An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners.  With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.  

Behavioral Health Services for Criminal Justice-Involved Populations Part 3: Serving Children of Incarcerated Parents Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW March 14, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review the importance of providing behavioral health services to children of incarcerated parents. It will discuss the need for services and the impact that parental incarceration can have on youth development. It will also introduce evidence-based strategies and resources for children and families impacted by parental criminal justice-system involvement. Additionally, the webinar will walk through the planning steps to developing new service programs for these children and families and review potential collaborative partners for these efforts. Lastly, the webinar will provide an opportunity for facilitated small group discussion about serving children of incarcerated parents. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the service needs of children of incarcerated parents Describe the evidence-based strategies and resources that can support children and families impacted by parental criminal justice-system involvement Prepare for the development of new service programs Identify other stakeholders serving children of incarcerated parents PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Lauren Pappacena, MSW is a Research Associate with Carnevale Associates. Lauren has a background in criminal justice and juvenile justice research specifically as it relates to evidence-based programs and practices spanning criminal justice topics, including corrections, law enforcement, reentry, and courts. Currently, she assists with training evaluations for NADCP and the PTTC, where she brings her experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis and data visualization. With a strong interest in policy analysis, research translation, data collection, and analytic writing, Ms. Pappacena is published in the Journal of Human Rights and Social Work for her analysis of national early-release laws.  

The March 2023 (Part 2) Dialogue contains articles on: Mental Health: Celebrating Women in Medicine  |  Regional Spotlight: Sean's House. 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. 

Behavioral Health Services for Criminal Justice-Involved Populations Part 1: Understanding the Unique Needs of Diverse Populations Josh Esrick, MPP, and Lauren Pappacena, MSW March 7, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide an introduction on criminal justice-involved populations for behavioral health professionals. It will overview the various populations within the criminal justice system and their needs across the behavioral health continuum of care, including lack of access to services while incarcerated and lack of case management during re-entry. It will also discuss how behavioral health professionals should consider risk versus need level and justice system stages when deploying services. Lastly, the webinar will discuss the unique substance use, overdose, and suicide risks associated with justice system-involvement, particularly at the point of community re-entry for incarcerated populations. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the need for behavioral health services among criminal justice-involved populations Define the risk-need responsivity model, describe its use in determining treatment needs, and recognize how it can be adapted to assessing prevention needs Identify the intercept points where individuals encounter the justice system and can receive services Describe the unique risks associated with justice system involvement PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Lauren Pappacena, MSW is a Research Associate with Carnevale Associates. Lauren has a background in criminal justice and juvenile justice research specifically as it relates to evidence-based programs and practices spanning criminal justice topics, including corrections, law enforcement, reentry, and courts. Currently, she assists with training evaluations for NADCP and the PTTC, where she brings her experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis and data visualization. With a strong interest in policy analysis, research translation, data collection, and analytic writing, Ms. Pappacena is published in the Journal of Human Rights and Social Work for her analysis of national early-release laws.  

The March 2023 (Part 1) Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Celebrating Women and their Contributions to Medicine | Prevention: From Claw Machines to Video Gaming to Sports Betting, Is it Possible to Eliminate Gambling Activities from Youth? | ORN: Adolescent Health 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. 

A toolkit for behavioral health prevention and treatment providers, recovery community organizations, and individuals in recovery with practical information and tools to enhance their capacity to engage in effective stigma reduction efforts.

I Didn’t Know That! The Scoop on Youth Gaming and Gambling Heather Eshleman, MPH, John Schmidt, BS, CPRS, and Maricel Bernardo, MSM-HCA March 2, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION With games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, youth, and young adults are often competitors or viewers of these popular games through E-Sports tournaments. In addition, within the last few years, sports betting has become legal in 32 states, including all the Central East PTTC states. These activities are heavily advertised through billboards, television, pop-up computers, and cell phone ads. With the growth of video gaming and gambling activities in communities across America and online, how does it affect youth and young adults? Middle school, high school, and college students can be at risk of being negatively affected by gaming, gambling, and activities that include a mix of both in their daily lives. This webinar will discuss the prevalence and trends in youth gaming and gambling and the warning signs of problems with these activities. An overview of strategies to prevent youth problem gaming and gambling behavior and resources for help in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia will be presented. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Recognize youth gaming and signs of gaming problems in youth/ young adults. Describe youth gambling and signs of gambling problems in youth/ young adults. Distinguish how youth/young adult gaming and gambling behaviors connect. Identify problem gaming and gambling prevention strategies implemented in West Virginia, Delaware, and Maryland. Identify resources for help with a gaming and/or gambling problem. PRESENTERS Heather Eshleman, MPH., is the Prevention Manager at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.  She works collaboratively with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to prevent underage and problem gambling as well as oversee special population and youth grants.  She currently leads the Center’s efforts in compiling an underage and problem gambling prevention needs assessment to provide baseline data to guide future prevention strategies.  She served as the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health from 2006-2019, overseeing the Substance Abuse Prevention coalitions, the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program, the Strengthening Families Program, the Fatal Overdose Review Team, and Coordination of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapters.  Before becoming Supervisor, from 2002-2006, Heather was a Grants Administrator at Anne Arundel County Department of Health.  Heather received her Masters in Public Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health and her Bachelor’s degree in School and Community Health Education from Towson University.  Heather served in the United States Peace Corps in Morocco, North Africa, as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer, working on hygiene promotion and pre-natal care for two years.   John Schmidt, BS, CPRS,  is currently the Prevention Services Coordinator for Youth for the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, conducting presentations at middle and high schools throughout Delaware to inform students of disordered gambling and its connection to the gambling mechanics within video games and cell phones. John is clinically trained in the area of disordered gaming and also earned his certification in Studies in Gambling Addiction through the University of Minnesota Duluth. He also conducts research in partnership with the University of Delaware in the area of gambling and video gaming with Delaware middle and high school students via in-depth surveys.   Maricel Bernardo, MS, is the Program Coordinator for the  Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV) at First Choice Services. She has worked in problem gambling since 2018 and has assisted many problem gamblers and their loved ones. She oversees PGHNWV’s prevention and outreach activities. Maricel works closely with the PGHNWV Prevention Grantees, Collegiate Recovery Network PRSS and other prevention groups to promote problem gambling education and awareness to the youth and community. She is a member of NCPG and serves on the  Prevention and Communication Committees as well as the NAADGS Prevention Workgroup.  Maricel has a Master of Science in Management-Healthcare Administration from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from West Virginia University.  

Using Logic Models in Prevention Part 2: Developing and Using Logic Models Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip February 23, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will build from part one of this series. It will first explain in more detail the process of creating a logic model and provide a practice exercise for participants to begin building their own logic models. The webinar will also walk through how to use a completed logic model, including the steps for turning a logic model into an implementation plan and evaluation plan. Lastly, the webinar will discuss other uses of logic models, such as being shared with funders and community partners. The webinar will provide a small group discussion opportunity for participants to share their experiences with logic models, barriers and challenges encountered when developing logic models, and success strategies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the process for developing a logic model Begin planning the development of their own logic models Understand how to incorporate logic models into implementation and evaluation plans Describe the other uses of logic models for prevention professionals 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.  

Using Logic Models in Prevention Part 1: What Are Logic Models? Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip February 21, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide an introduction of the importance of strategic planning and how and why logic models are a key tool of planning. It will first summarize the five steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework, SAMHSA’s strategic planning process for prevention, and explain how strategic planning improves the likelihood of positive prevention outcomes. Next, the webinar will explain what logic models are and how they support strategic planning efforts. It will walk through the components of a logic model and describe the steps to creating one. The webinar will also include a group practice exercise for identifying and assembling the components of a logic model. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the core elements of strategic planning Describe how a logic model supports strategic planning Understand what information is needed to develop a logic model Illustrate the relationships between the components of a logic model 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.  

Language Matters: Challenging Stigmatization Language about Addiction Jessica Hulsey, BA February 14, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Research has shown that the words we use to describe substance use disorders (SUD) and recovery have a significant impact on those struggling and how they are treated. While evidence shows that SUDs are medical illnesses, it is still too common for SUDs to be characterized as a moral failing or character flaw. Disparaging words are, unfortunately, still used to describe SUDs and the individuals suffering from them. Research suggests that improving our language when we describe addiction, such as using person-first language when talking about the disease, restores and empowers the humanity of individuals, rather than defining them by their illness. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Understand that addiction is a medical condition, and the words we use to describe it should be non-stigmatizing. Understand the importance of person-first language and how to implement it when talking about substance use disorders (SUD). Understand the role stigma plays in keeping individuals with SUD from seeking help. PRESENTER Jessica Hulsey, BA is the Executive Director of the Addiction Policy Forum, a national nonprofit organization that leads the fight against the deadly consequences of addiction and helps patients, families, and communities affected by the disease. Jessica has more than 25 years of experience in the field of prevention, treatment, and policy solutions to address substance use disorders and has collaborated with our nation’s top scientists to translate the science of addiction into digestible content for patients, families, and other key audiences.  

This product was developed as a handout to be shared with people unfamiliar with the substance use prevention field. It is intended to be an informational tool, summarizing what prevention is and why it is important. The product describes the prevention framework and the core principles that guide prevention efforts. It also provides key facts illustrating the scope of substance use issues in the United States and the value of prevention. It also describes the many forms that prevention can take.

Self-Care Basics for Prevention Staff Jessica Hulsey, BA January 31, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION During safety demonstrations, flight attendants will remind you to put on your safety mask before helping others. The same applies to individuals in the substance use disorder (SUD) field. Working in the addiction field can expose professionals to additional stress and trauma, which can often lead to burnout. This session will cover key elements of self-care and action steps to take. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify key elements of self-care for professionals in the substance use disorder field. Understand the domains of wellness. Understand the connection between stress, self-care, health and wellbeing. PRESENTER Jessica Hulsey, BA is the Executive Director of the Addiction Policy Forum, a national nonprofit organization that leads the fight against the deadly consequences of addiction and helps patients, families, and communities affected by the disease. Jessica has more than 25 years of experience in the field of prevention, treatment, and policy solutions to address substance use disorders and has collaborated with our nation’s top scientists to translate the science of addiction into digestible content for patients, families, and other key audiences.  

Grant Writing Series Part 2: Building Grant Writing Skills Dan Webb, PhD January 25, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will learn how to read a grant announcement and create a plan for responding to a request for proposals (RFP). LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain how to create a community overview and assessment Review practical approaches to satisfying response requirements within allotted space Explore techniques for making the grant writing process more manageable PRESENTER Dan Webb, PhD, is co-owner of Catalyst Research, LLC and Catalyst Insight, LLC. Dan has over eighteen years of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.