Products and Resources Catalog

Evaluation is one area where it often makes sense to bring in outside expertise. It will save you considerable time and effort, as well as increase your probability of success. In fact, the assistance of an evaluator attuned to and practiced in the art and science of theory-based evaluation is often the key to getting evaluation results that are useful and credible. This toolkit is designed to help you select an evaluator whose skills match your programmatic needs—assuming, of course, that you don’t already have an evaluator on staff.

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 6: How to Evaluate and Adjust Prevention Efforts⎯Step 5 of the Strategic Prevention Framework Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip March 26, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part six of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION The fifth step to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention is evaluate ongoing efforts and develop a feedback loop to make adjustments. This requires developing and following an evaluation plan and having processes in place to modify or change interventions that are not having a successful impact. This webinar will discuss evaluation strategies, maintaining epidemiological surveillance efforts, and steps to developing and maintaining an evaluation feedback loop. It will also walk through ways that technology can be used to support the evaluation process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of evaluation Describe the challenges to evaluating prevention interventions and potential strategies to overcome them Explain the importance of long-term surveillance and updating needs assessments Walk through how to develop a continuous feedback loop 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.               

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 5: How to Select and Implement Prevention Interventions⎯Step 4 of the Strategic Prevention Framework Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip March 16, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part five of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION The fourth step to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention is to implement specific programs or environmental strategies. This implementation process should be based on an already-developed action plan, utilize available capacity, and address specific prevention needs. When necessary, it should also include making any cultural adaptions required to ensure relevancy and appropriateness. This webinar will describe and walk through different kinds of evidence-based programs and environmental strategies, how to determine the best conceptual and practical fit of different interventions, and how to modify interventions to meet desired needs. It will also walk through ways that technology can be used to support the implementation process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of selecting an evidence-based intervention Overview the extent of evidence-based programs that exist Overview the extent of evidence-based environmental strategies that exist Describe the key considerations for selecting an intervention Walkthrough how to appropriately modify interventions PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. 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.               

Assessment, The First Step in the Strategic Prevention Framework

In today’s episode, we will be talking about the DEA’s Campus Drug Prevention website and its newest publication, Prevention with Purpose: A Strategic Planning Guide for Preventing Drug Misuse Among College Students. This new guide provides a road map for college and university-based prevention professionals to address campus-wide drug misuse issues. www.campusdrugprevention.gov Prevention with Purpose: A Strategic Planning Guide for Preventing Drug Misuse Among College Students  https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/ https://takebackday.dea.gov/ 

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 4: How to Plan for Prevention Interventions⎯Step 3 of the Strategic Prevention Framework Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip February 20, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part four of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION The third step to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention is to develop an action plan. This critical step comes before the work of implementing prevention programs or polices and requires having an understanding of the needs that are going to be addressed and the available capacity to act. It includes conducting additional research to learn more about the risk and protective factors that are driving substance use and the available interventions with evidence of effectiveness in addressing them. This webinar will discuss these topics and the importance of developing a logic model that links them all together. It will also walk through ways that technology can be used to support the planning process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of developing a comprehensive plan Overview key risk and protective factors and ways of learning more about them Discuss ways of identifying the evidence-base for specific interventions Walk through how to develop 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.               

In today's episode, we will be talking with Carlton Hall who has more than 25 years of experience in the fields of government relations, social services, and prevention science. We dive deep into why we need to change the conversation, identifying engagement gaps, and moving beyond frameworks.

Strategic Prevention Framework Overview This month as we begin the first of the 2020 Partnerships for Success (PFS) Academy webinar series on the Strategic Prevention Framework, we’ll highlight tools and resources related to working each of these steps as well as integrating sustainability and cultural competency in each step. Dr. Iris Smith has emphasized each area of the SPF and the role of the epidemiologist at each step in the article at the bottom of this newsletter. Research and data findings drive this process, and she demonstrates that close work with your epi and evaluation teams are just as important as developing community partnerships at all levels of the SPF. If you plan to attend the PFS Academy beginning this month, a great resource, to begin with, is - A Guide to SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework. The principles in this tool outline the webinar series in the PFS Academy. The document provides a deeper look into each step with appendices providing information on topics such as risk and protective factors, the socio-ecological model, and sound data collection and evaluation practices.

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 3: How to Build Capacity⎯Step 2 of the Strategic Prevention Framework Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip January 28, 2020, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part three of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION The second step to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention is to build available capacity for engaging in prevention. This can include seeking out new sources of funding, hiring or training additional staff or volunteers, or building collaborative relationships with other prevention stakeholders. This webinar will discuss ways to identify new funding and training opportunities, as well as identifying and following through on potential collaborative partnerships. It will also walk through ways that technology can be used to support the capacity building process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of building capacity Overview potential prevention funding sources Describe strategies for identifying and reaching out to potential partners Discuss the levels of collaboration and tips for maintaining partnerships 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.               

Download the presentation Presented by: Wanda Boone, PhD, Together for Resilient Youth and Teresa Bishop, Roundtable of St. Lucie County Description: Reaching underserved populations is often a dilemma for coalitions, agencies, and organizations. This presentation will help participants explore the causes of community disengagement and provide tips and strategies for facilitating meaningful participation of underserved populations in community change efforts. Learning Objectives: 1.    Identify the causes of community disengagement for underserved populations. 2.    Describe the role of the Prevention Specialists in bridging the grassroots/grass tops divide to reach underserved populations. 3.    Utilize strategies to empower and engage underserved populations in meaningful community change efforts. About Dr. Wanda Boone Dr. Wanda Boone’s career in prevention spans over 30 years. She founded Together for Resilient Youth (TRY) in 2003. Together for Resilient Youth has received local, State and National recognition. Dr. Boone is a guest speaker and technical advisor on all things related to the Strategic Prevention Framework, Trauma, Resilience and Disparities. She has earned the title Social Justice Warrior. She currently: Works collaboratively locally, around the State of NC and nationally to address health disparities and associated challenges. Uses the Disparity Impact Guidance to construct and distribute information and outcomes based on demographics and sectors (youth, young adults, parents, community neighborhoods, law enforcement, faith, health, local government, business, and schools. Addresses the outcomes of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Behavioral Health Disparities, as they impact vulnerable community members and to ensure resilience is built back. Develops and carries out Developmental Asset Training sessions Works with multiple sectors to uncover their self-designed “Resilience” Develops Principles of Trauma Informed Care in Institutional settings Focuses on evidence-based, culturally competent environmental strategies at the community level across Durham County and collaboratively Statewide. Provides leadership in carrying out a strategic plan implemented by the community coalition members. Helps ensure engagement of culturally representative key stakeholders Provides cultural competence training Publications include: Duke University School of Medicine Medical Student Research Day (AOA Day), Durham, NC, August 2010.“How do you engage community when there are cultural, educational or socioeconomic differences within the community as well as between the community and the researchers?” Section 2c of “Challenges in Improving Community Engaged Research,” Chapter 5 of CTSA Community Engagement Key Function Community Task Force on the Principles of Community Engagement, Principles of Community Engagement, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: National Institutes of Health 2011 (in press-#11-7782). Boone, Wanda Johnson. “Regulating Outlets That Sell Alcohol in Predominantly African American and Hispanic Neighborhoods.” In Preventing Alcohol-Related Problems: Evidence and Community-Based Initiatives, edited by Norman Giesbrecht and Linda M. Bosma, 397–408, n.d."2018 Social Stigma and Recovery, WJ Boone 2019, Trauma and Resilience in the African American Community, WJ Boone 2019 About Teresa Bishop Teresa Bishop is Executive Director for the Roundtable of St. Lucie County.  She is also the Founder and Director of Provision Training and Consulting, LLC and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Personnel Management,  from the University of Central Florida  Over the past 25 years, she has worked both nationally and abroad, to improve capacity of  communities, federal and state agencies, as well community and faith based organizations, to achieve positive outcomes.  She has focused her efforts in the children and family arena and in recent years has championed causes around community development, youth development, and juvenile justice issues.  Ms. Bishop has provided support to a number of federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor and The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. She has and continues to work closely with state, local and grassroots organizations to provide training and technical assistance to improve staff and program development, strategic planning  and organizational development to impact community change and system reform.  She currently serves as the Executive Director for the Roundtable of St. Lucie County, a 501(c) organization, and works closely with executive level leaders, to accomplish system change that results in improved outcomes for youth.

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 2: How to Conduct a Needs Assessment⎯Step 1 of the Strategic Prevention Framework Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 17, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part two of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION The first step to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention is to understand, to the fullest extent possible, the surrounding substance use landscape. This requires collecting, analyzing, understanding, and prioritizing data from multiple sources to develop a complete picture of the issues that need to be addressed. This webinar will describe how to conduct a substance use needs assessment, discuss potential data sources and how to access them, and explain techniques for analyzing and prioritizing needs assessment results. It will also walk through ways that technology can be used to support the needs assessment process. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of conducting a needs assessment Describe the key steps of a needs assessment Discuss strategies for overcoming needs assessment challenges Explain techniques for prioritizing results 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.               

Most states and territories, as well as many communities andtribes, use SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to guide theirprevention work. The SPF is a cyclical, collaborative, data-driven strategicplanning and implementation process that increases the likelihood of achievingthe intended substance-related outcomes (for example, to reduce underagedrinking or to reduce opioid overdoses). The first step of the SPF isAssessment, which begins with collecting and prioritizing substance-relatedconsumption patterns and consequences data. Data prioritization in SPF Step 1is essential in identifying the most important substance-related problem(s)that a state, territory, tribe, or community is facing.  This handout provides an overview of one basicmethod for prioritizing needs assessment data, using the method described in Episode1 of the PTTC's podcast, the Data Dive.      

This handout provides an overview of one basic method for prioritizing needs assessment data, using the method described in Epidsode 1 of the PTTC's podcast, the Data Dive.  

Central East Webinar Series: Building the Prevention Workforce Skill-Base Part 1: Overview of the Strategic Prevention Framework and the Importance of Ethics in Prevention Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip December 3, 2019, 1-2 PM EST  |  View all Central East series This is part one of a six-part webinar series hosted by the Central East PTTC that focuses on the Strategic Prevention Framework and related topics. SERIES DESCRIPTION This six-part webinar series developed by the Central East PTTC will support and build the capacity of the prevention workforce. The series is a skill building training that will detail the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to prevention using the five stages of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework: 1) Needs Assessment, 2) Building Capacity, 3) Planning, 4) Implementation, and 5) Evaluation. The series will explain the importance of each stage and what aspects of the strategic planning process they cover, techniques for completing each stage, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. This series will also discuss other relevant topics, such as: ethical approaches to prevention, how to prioritize data, and how to modify programs, among others. COURSE DESCRIPTION With the many substance use challenges facing the U.S. today, it is more important than ever for there to a well-developed and educated prevention workforce to address the causes behind substance use. This webinar is the first in a six-part series developed by the Central East PTTC to support the prevention workforce by detailing in-depth the steps to implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. This webinar will overview the five steps of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework, as well as discuss the importance of following ethical guidelines to prevention. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the goals and structure of this webinar series Discuss the importance of using evidence in prevention Overview the five steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework Describe what ethics in prevention means and why it is important 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.           

This document, available in English and Spanish, provides a list of potential state- and community-level partners to engage in opioid overdose prevention efforts.      

Slide-deck handout from the 2019 New England Summer School of Addiction Studies Plenary session:  The Evolution of State Cannabis Policies and Where Prevention Fits In,  Created and presented by: Scott M. Gagnon, MPP, PS-C, Director, New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc.   Presentation description: Cannabis laws and policies are rapidly changing in states. Various decriminalization, medical marijuana, and adult-use marijuana policies are being debated and moving through state legislatures and ballot boxes. Amid all of this change, where does prevention fit in? This workshop shows participants how these policies can evolve, the implications for public health and safety, and how and where prevention fits in. Participants will learn from a presenter with hands-on experience both in prevention and shaping marijuana policies. Additionally, participants will learn about the new marijuana prevention training and technical assistance services from the New England PTTC.   If you would like the New England PTTC to come provide this 3-hour presentation in your state or community, please send us a request! [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about using data prioritization to focus substance misuse prevention efforts more effectively and efficiently. Using recent prioritization work in New Jersey as an example, we talk about the five key steps of a prioritization process and how they can look in action. We also discuss factors and questions to consider before and during a prioritization process.     View Podcast Transcript   > Download Companion Document: Prioritization            

Scope of Prevention 5-Part Webinar Series Part 5 of 5 Tips to Successfully Implement a Prevention Media Campaign to Modify Health Behavior Holly will present on various important components to implementing a successful prevention media campaign, including: important difference between commercial marketing vs. health marketing and the importance of understanding your audience and how different generations receive information. Additionally, she will talk about inclusion and collaboration; how to determine if your campaign in working; and ways to sustain your campaign efforts.  PDF Slides Presenter: Holly Riker

Dr. David Anderson, Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, is our guest for this episode. At Mason, he served as Professor and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Health. He acquired over 180 grants and contracts, along with teaching courses on drug and alcohol issues, health communication and community health.  His professional work on drug and alcohol abuse prevention and wellness promotion spans over four decades.  His specialties include strategic planning, program development, needs assessment and evaluation, and health communication. His research, writing and training emphasize leadership skills, grounded and practical strategies, and healthy environments to maximize organizational, group and individual potential. 

Scope of Prevention 5-Part Webinar Series Part 1 of 5 Universal Community and School-Based Prevention Interventions This webinar will use the experience of one prevention services provider as a model to discuss universal prevention strategies and the differences between school-based and community-based universal prevention programs. Participants will explore how the Strategic Prevention Framework can be used to identify needs within the community and to select evidence-based interventions, as well as how to engage the community to participate. PDF Slides Presenter: Alexa Wrench, CHES

New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center Tip Sheet Topic:  Creating a Prevention Strategy for Monitoring and Responding to Emerging Drug Trends in Your Community In every New England community, drug trends will come and go, but a comprehensive, data-informed prevention plan can be effective no matter the drug use issue you are addressing.  Just as important, are the partnerships needed to help monitor what’s going on in the community, and for mobilizing a prevention response to those emerging trends. This tip sheet brings together key components communities and prevention organizations need to have in place to effectively monitor, and respond to, these emerging drug trends. The document also includes links to resources and tools you can use in the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of your prevention response.  If you need further training and technical assistance responding to the emerging drug trends in your community, reach out to the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center: [email protected]  

Iowa’s Alliance of Coalitions for Change In this episode, we are speaking with Angie Asa-Lovstad from Iowa’s Alliance of Coalitions for Change. (AC4C for short) AC4C works to Unify Iowans to reduce substance misuse on a state and community level. We will discuss how Iowa grew a grassroots statewide alliance of coalitions and identified three key partners. Angie pulls from her 20 years of experience working with coalitions to share the first steps for a new coalition, how to build your team, and working with the Golden Circle to unify your team's efforts. We will also unpack a key approach to training coalitions that empowers each individual member to go out in their community engage new partners and grow support for their efforts. Angie also shares how a consensus workshop helped a small rural coalition create their mission statement over one lunch hour!  There is tons of value in this episode!                

Find out what's new in the updated version of the Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training curriculum! The SAPST has been a staple in prevention professionals training since the early 1990s. Over the years it has been updated with current data, latest trends, and all around improvements. SAPST Master Trainers worked tirelessly last year and now bring you the most up-to-date and current SAPST curriculum.  During this episode, I speak with SAPST Master Trainer Dodi Swope and we unpack what is new in the curriculum.  The same SAPST you know and love: but with a new haircut.  Presenter: Dodi Swope, MEd, LMFT Dodi Swope recently joined the Southwest Prevention Center as a Training and Technical Assistant for the Region 6 Prevention Training and Technology Transfer Center. In this role, Dodi provides training and technical assistance to clients throughout Region 6 to assist them in achieving their substance misuse prevention outcomes. Dodi brings over 35 years of experience to this role, with a career that spans education, counseling psychology and public health. Most recently Dodi served as a training and technical assistance specialist at SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), working with states and tribes on their efforts to prevent substance misuse and substance use disorders. Dodi provided expertise on interventions across the lifespan and throughout the continuum of care to address the consequences of opioid misuse for the individual and their family and community. Dodi provided research and implementation expertise that included evidence-based programs for infants and toddlers in homes where opioid misuse is present, programs for affected children of elementary and middle school ages as well as more traditional high school prevention programs. Dodi also provided consultation on opioid overdose prevention, including harm reduction strategies and post overdose interventions to community leaders working on the ground to stem the tide of fatal opioid overdoses. Dodi’s passion is teaching others about the wonders of human development and assisting individuals, families, and communities in developing systems, programs, and interventions that support healthy people in healthy communities.  Dodi holds Bachelors in Education from Wheelock College with a major in Early Childhood Education, with a concentration in Special Needs. She also earned a Masters in Education; Major in Counseling Psychology, Family Therapy Program, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Massachusetts. Dodi’s background includes teaching in regular and special education settings and a clinical practice serving children and families impacted by substance use disorders in the Boston area for over ten years.

Informing Prevention 6-Part Webinar Series on Adolescents Part 2 of 6  Effectively Engaging Adolescents in Interventions During this webinar you will learn the rates of adolescent engagement in prevention programs. You will learn what prevents adolescents from engaging in prevention programs. Lastly, you will learn and be able to describe strategies that can be implemented to increase engagement in adolescent prevention programs. PDF Slides Presenter: Jason Burrow-Sánchez, PhD