Training and Events Calendar

Environmental strategies are designed to make changes on a large scale in the community, impacting community norms, regulations, and access and availability of substances. While some prevention programs are directed toward specific individuals and can only reach a limited number of participants, environmental strategies seek to improve the health and wellness of everyone in the environment or community. This 3-hour training will focus on three areas of environmental strategies for substance misuse prevention:  media and messaging, policy, and enforcement. Participants will work through a case study in small groups to apply the concepts and processes outlined in the training. Important note: In order to receive a certificate of attendance for this training, participants are required to actively participate in the small group activities with their cameras on and working microphones.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Participants will be able to: Define environmental prevention and how this differs from other prevention strategies. Identify and define the 3 primary types of environmental approaches. Explain how to identify and select appropriate environmental strategies. Apply the principles of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) to the selection, implementation, and evaluation of environmental strategies.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTERS:  Erin Ficker  Erin Ficker, MPAff, CPRS, serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) For over 18 years, she has built the capacity of clients to perform prevention work effectively using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She has in-depth knowledge and training experience in the SPF process, including specific work in evaluation, sustainability, assessment, and working with diverse populations. She provides services to a wide range of prevention and behavioral health specialists.is an expert in substance misuse prevention, an accomplished training and technical assistance (T/TA) provider, and a certified senior prevention specialist. She brings extensive expertise in supporting, designing, and delivering engaging professional learning, and providing comprehensive T/TA for states and community-level prevention professionals.   Michelle Majeres Michelle Majeres, CPS, is a senior prevention specialist with over 18 years in the field and lives in South Dakota. She is an experienced trainer in substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention and mental health promotion. Michelle is trained to deliver several evidence-based prevention programs. She brings extensive experience as a trainer and technical assistance (T/TA) provider. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with an emphasis on Social Work and Human Resources from South Dakota State University. She is also a Certified Prevention Specialist.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  Cost: FREE Contact Hours: up to 5.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 SERIES DESCRIPTION Though suicide touches every community, the stunningly disproportionate rate of self-induced deaths among LGBTQ+ youth is an ongoing emergency. Family rejection, trauma, addiction, social stigma and discrimination, and prejudice-related mental health concerns have enormous impact on suicidal ideation. This three-part lab series will highlight some of the pressures that lead sexual and gender minority youth to suicide, what factors elevate or lower self-harm risk, as well as clinical and community-based interventions to help build resilience. Learners will have ample time to practice with case scenarios and integrate new skills into their practice serving LGBTQ+ adolescents and emerging adults. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the dynamics of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, including prevalence, disparities, trends, psychosocial challenges, and help-seeking behaviors. Explore unique risk and protective factors for self harm among LGBTQ+ youth. Identify methods to provide sensitive risk assessment and safety planning, and boost LGBTQ+ resilience to self-harm and suicide. LAB 1: LGBTQ+ Youth and the Self-Harm Continuum, September 12, 1:00-3:00 PM EST LAB 2: Trauma-Responsive Risk Assessment, September 19, 1:00-3:00 PM EST LAB 3: Community-Centered Healing and Resilience, September 26, 1:00-3:00 PM EST   PRESENTERS Kate Bishop, MSSA (she/her), Education Coordinator at the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in serving LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, intimate partner violence, sexual trauma, and training adult learners. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.     *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours and/or certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room or the application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing [email protected].

Introduction to The Prevention Core Competencies For Prevention Professionals In-Person Training in Aberdeen, WA   Training Overview  The Introduction to The Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals was designed to introduce practitioners to the essential competencies, knowledge, and skill to work in substance use and misuse prevention. It is based on the Prevention Core Competencies published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The course provides a foundation for service delivery based on prevention science and the use of evidence-based practices. It strengthens the understanding of effective planning and implementation approaches and encourages the pursuit of more specialized training and professional development. The curriculum utilizes evidence-based strategies for adult learning; and builds upon and complements existing workforce training curricula and resources (e.g., Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST), Foundations of Prevention Science and Practice Curriculum, and Universal Prevention Curriculum.   Objectives Describe the key elements of prevention planning and evaluation. Understand the core prevention professional knowledge, skills, and competencies. Acknowledge the importance of research-based theories and processes that help explain and build effective prevention interventions, and Describe how evidence-based (EB) prevention strategies can be delivered across settings including the family, school, media, community, or workplace.   Dates and Time   September 17, 2024; 08:30 am – 04:30 pm Pacific Time September 18, 2024; 08:30 am – 04:30 pm Pacific Time September 19, 2024; 09:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time   Location Best Western Plus Aberdeen 701 E Heron St. Aberdeen, WA 98520   Who Should Participate This curriculum is designed for entry-level (i.e. less than 5 years experience) substance misuse prevention practitioners working at the community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners. Participation is limited to practitioners working in HHS Region 10 states (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington), communities, and tribes.   Trainer Alicia Hughes, MA, CPP, is a Washington State Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) and has been working in the prevention field since the 2010s. Starting in California, she supported individuals with technical assistance and training to obtain their state certifications in addiction counseling. Over the past six years, Alicia has led the Washington State substance use disorder prevention workforce system, assisting with implementing trainings, creating guidance documents for the field, leading the WA State Fellowship Program, and more. Alicia is passionate about supporting our Region’s workforce and the prevention/promotion system as a whole.     Certificate of Attendance Participants must attend the full 18-hour in-person training to receive a certificate of completion for 18 hours. No partial credit will be given. These certificates can be submitted to your respective credentialing authority responsible for providing certification or approving continuing education credit. Please contact your certification board to determine if this is applicable toward your certification requirements.   Registration Deadline to Register: September 3, 2024 Register for the Introduction to Prevention Core Competencies   Cost is Free! Participants are responsible for their own lodging and meals. No room block is available for this event.   Questions? For any other questions, please contact Kathy Gardner, [email protected].

Part 1 of the Centering Sustainability Through Community Engagement Series When we think of sustainability, we often think about how our prevention efforts will live on in our communities after our work ends. But what exactly is our role as prevention professionals in sustaining substance misuse prevention efforts? How do we engage our communities such that prevention becomes embedded in community culture? And, recognizing the growing interest in fostering community belonging in the field, how can we help our partners see themselves as integral members of our collaborative groups with the power to make real and sustainable impact? Join us for the interactive two-part series that will unpack the connections between community engagement, ownership, belonging and sustainability. During part one, we will explore how prevention practitioners can enhance sustainability through cultivating key partners’ sense of ownership over community prevention initiatives. Attending both sessions is not necessary but will enhance your learning experience. Presenter bios: Tracy Desovich, MPH, CPS - Tracy has over 30 years of experience in substance abuse prevention and public health. Her expertise includes community health assessment, planning, organizing and evaluation, leadership development, utilizing data to mobilize change, social norms marketing and healthy communities’ principles. Debra Morris, MPH - is a results-driven, people-centered professional who brings over 40 years of public health experience to improve population health. She leverages expertise in system strengthening, trauma-informed practices, training, technical assistance, and coalition building to develop culturally responsive interventions. Debra guides agencies with evidence-based and culturally competent prevention strategies to optimize and enhance service delivery models. She is praised for her ability to mobilize diverse stakeholders in the development of community-centered solutions and utilizing effective methods to address health disparities.

Cost: FREE Contact Hours: 1.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will learn about different leadership styles and discover ways to define their own unique leadership style. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define different leadership styles Describe ways to discover your own leadership style PRESENTER Cassandra Robledo, CASAC-P is a Trainer/Consultant focusing primarily on Public/Community Health and Prevention. She has 10 years of experience working in various positions across the continuum of care, from providing treatment and recovery services, to implementing effective promotion and prevention strategies on various public health and mental health topics through training, education and technical assistance to communities and organizations nationwide. She has dedicated her personal and professional life to supporting individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse and Substance Use Disorder.   *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours and/or certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room or the application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.   ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing [email protected].

Join us for an empowering webinar designed specifically for substance misuse prevention professionals gearing up to take the IC&RC prevention certification exam. This dynamic online event will provide you with crucial test-taking tips and strategies for passing the exam. This session will include an interactive experience with a live test question game, designed to boost your confidence and readiness for the exam. Whether you're just beginning your prevention specialist certification journey or are brushing up before the test, this session will provide invaluable insights and resources to help you succeed.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Name key strategies for effective test preparation and the multiple-choice questions. Apply practical tips and techniques to manage time and stress during the exam. Access and use resources to prepare for the prevention exam.   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.   PRESENTER:  Nicole M. Augustine, MPH, MCHES, PS  Nicole M. Augustine, Founder & CEO of RIZE Consultants Inc., embodies the spirit of innovation and advocacy in public health. With a vibrant career launched from Cornell University and propelled at George Washington University School of Public Health, Nicole has evolved from a campus harm reduction counselor to a beacon of prevention and equity in public health. In 2022, she authored the "Prevention Specialist Exam Study Guide," a key resource for substance use disorder prevention professionals.   The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  Cost: FREE Contact Hours: up to 5.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 SERIES DESCRIPTION Though suicide touches every community, the stunningly disproportionate rate of self-induced deaths among LGBTQ+ youth is an ongoing emergency. Family rejection, trauma, addiction, social stigma and discrimination, and prejudice-related mental health concerns have enormous impact on suicidal ideation. This three-part lab series will highlight some of the pressures that lead sexual and gender minority youth to suicide, what factors elevate or lower self-harm risk, as well as clinical and community-based interventions to help build resilience. Learners will have ample time to practice with case scenarios and integrate new skills into their practice serving LGBTQ+ adolescents and emerging adults. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the dynamics of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, including prevalence, disparities, trends, psychosocial challenges, and help-seeking behaviors. Explore unique risk and protective factors for self harm among LGBTQ+ youth. Identify methods to provide sensitive risk assessment and safety planning, and boost LGBTQ+ resilience to self-harm and suicide. LAB 2: Trauma-Responsive Risk Assessment, September 19, 1:00-3:00 PM EST LAB 3: Community-Centered Healing and Resilience, September 26, 1:00-3:00 PM EST   PRESENTERS Kate Bishop, MSSA (she/her), Education Coordinator at the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in serving LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, intimate partner violence, sexual trauma, and training adult learners. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.     *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours and/or certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room or the application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing [email protected].

COURSE DESCRIPTION As cannabis laws continue to evolve across the country, prevention professionals and community stakeholders are faced with new challenges and opportunities in addressing youth substance use and promoting public health. In this webinar, we will explore practical strategies and best practices for responding to cannabis legalization at the grassroots level. From community education and policy advocacy to youth prevention programs and enforcement efforts, attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable steps for effectively addressing the impact of cannabis legalization on their communities. PRESENTER Mariah Flynn is a Certified Prevention Specialist who has worked in the substance misuse field in Vermont for 23+ years as a counselor, a case manager, and for the last 16 years as the Director of the Burlington Partnership for a Healthy Community, a substance misuse prevention coalition serving Burlington, Vermont. She is a founding member of Prevention Works! Vermont, the Chittenden Prevention Network, and the Northwest Regional Prevention Network; statewide and regional efforts to coordinate substance use prevention resources and strategies for the areas, and she serves on the Steering Committee of Prevention Works! VT. Mariah also previously served as the Coordinator of the Tobacco Free College Campus Initiative for the state of Vermont and the Co-Chair of Smart Approaches to Marijuana-Vermont. She completed two Fellowships with the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center to develop a toolkit for Vermont prevention professionals and communities working on cannabis related policy improvement to use to help support prevention and public health at a community level. In addition to spending as much time with her two teenagers as they will let her, Mariah is also passionate about building communities that provide youth and families with the skills and environment that supports healthy choices.  

SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) is a preventive public health approach used to identify and intervene with persons whose pattern of use put them at risk for, or who are experiencing, substance-related health and other psychosocial problems, such as HIV and HCV, or exacerbated mental health issues. Prevention with Latinx communities includes a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive framework conducive to screening and early intervention. The content will inform on how taking a few minutes to conduct a person-centered brief intervention can help motivate reduction of substance use with Hispanic, Latino and Latinx communities. The approach further identifies those with high potential for a substance use disorder and opportunities for accessing culturally relevant resources. Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T has worked in the behavioral health field for more than 25 years. Using a culturally informed and inclusive recovery-oriented perspective, Ms. Padilla instructs on how to enhance strategies and interventions to best meet the substance use and related needs of communities of color, LGBTQ+ people, and other traditionally underserved populations. She is also an SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) Technical Assistance and Implementation Specialist, helping agencies to build their capacity to effectively intervene with communities at risk of substance use and mental health related conditions and behaviors. Credits: This training meets the requirements for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity - please check with your accrediting agency.

Cost: FREE Contact Hours: 1.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will take what they have learned and identify actionable steps to move forward and create change in their communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe Kotter’s 8-Step Process for Leading Change Assess how to go from the title to action, taking actionable steps forward PRESENTER Cassandra Robledo, CASAC-P is a Trainer/Consultant focusing primarily on Public/Community Health and Prevention. She has 10 years of experience working in various positions across the continuum of care, from providing treatment and recovery services, to implementing effective promotion and prevention strategies on various public health and mental health topics through training, education and technical assistance to communities and organizations nationwide. She has dedicated her personal and professional life to supporting individuals, families and communities impacted by substance misuse and Substance Use Disorder.   *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours and/or certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room or the application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.   ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing [email protected].

In partnership with   This in-person training explores the six principles of the Prevention Code of Ethics using realistic examples designed to strengthen participants’ abilities to manage challenging situations in their work. This training will take place in Reno, Nevada. By the end of this training, participants will have: Defined ethics and related terms Described the six principles in the Prevention Code of Ethics Practiced using an ethical decision-making process to apply the Prevention Code of Ethics This training is relevant to those seeking certification or recertification as a Prevention Specialist and meets the basic requirements for prevention ethics for this type of certification. This training will not meet the requirements for anyone seeking treatment or recovery support-related certification or licensure.   Who Should Participate: Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in Nevada.   Date & Time: Thursday, September 26, 2024 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Pacific   Location: University of Nevada Reno: Redfield Campus Room 227 18600 Wedge Pkwy Reno, NV 89511   Facilitators: Christina Lopez-Gutierrez Britany Wiele   Deadline to Register: September 13, 2024 Click here to register for this training   Cost: Free!   Certificate of Attendance Those who complete this in-person training will receive a Certificate of Completion for seven (7) contact hours. The Ethics in Prevention training is endorsed by the International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which requires training hours in prevention ethics for Prevention Specialist certification. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.   Questions? Please email [email protected] for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]).

*Este evento tendrá interpretación bilingüe simultáneo Help Write the Playbook for Prevention Workforce Retention/Ayuda a escribir el manual para la retención de esfuerzos comunitarios sobre prevención A session for community efforts on prevention/Una sesión para esfuerzos comunitarios sobre prevención   In this peer sharing session, a series of guided questions will be used to facilitate a discussion about how to increase retention of substance misuse prevention specialists with the goal of developing strategies to attract and keep a diverse, vibrant, strong and experienced workforce. This session is appropriate for the continuum of prevention professionals, ranging from new staff to seasoned supervisors. The discussion is designed to uncover the needs of new employees in the field and strategies employed by experienced (and successful) supervisors - with the goal of supporting all in the substance misuse prevention workforce. After the event, the notes collected throughout the session will be shared out as a resource. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Describe needs, values, and common concerns of prevention specialists in today’s workforce Identify strategies to attract, support, and encourage high-performing employees and teams Add recruitment and retention strategies to your toolbox that align with your organization’s current structure, culture, and constraints En esta sesión de compartir entre pares, una serie de preguntas guidas será usada para facilitar una discusión sobre como aumentar la retención de miembros comunitarios en la prevención del uso indebido de sustancias con la meta de desarrollar estrategias para atraer y mantener una membresía diversa, vibrante, fuerte y experimentada. Esta sesión se presta para una variedad de profesionales de prevención, desde nuevo personal hasta supervisores experimentados. El tema está diseñado para descubrir las necesidades de miembros nuevos en el campo y las estrategias aplicadas por supervisores experimentados (y exitosos) – con la meta de apoyar a todos que toman parte de los esfuerzos comunitarios para la prevención del uso indebido de sustancias. Después del evento, las notas recolectadas durante la sesión se compartirán como un recurso. Objetivos: Describir necesidades, valores, e inquietudes comunes de los especialistas de prevención en nuestra membresía comunitaria actual Identificar estrategias para atraer, apoyar y fomentar miembros y equipos de alto rendimiento Agregar estrategias de reclutamiento y retención a su caja de herramientas que se alineen con la estructura, cultura y limitaciones actuales de su organización. Presented by: Jamie Comstock & Robin Carr @ Info Inspired, LLC

Join us for an enlightening webinar focused on Alabama's innovative approaches to substance use prevention, particularly tailored to address the unique needs of diverse and marginalized communities within the region. In this session, Beverly Johnson, Director of Child and Family Services for the Alabama Department of Mental Health, will provide an in-depth look at how the state is overcoming challenges in providing adequate services to underserved populations, especially in rural areas. She will be joined by the state's epidemiologist, Brenae' Waters, and Seyram Selase, Executive Director of the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), to discuss the integration of social determinants of health into prevention planning and the application of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) model at the local level. This webinar will highlight Alabama's transition to a needs-based funding model and showcase how local communities are empowered to tackle substance use issues through data-driven strategies and innovative practices.   Learning Objectives: Understanding the Impact of Social Determinants of Health: Identify and analyze the key social determinants of health that influence substance use and prevention efforts in Alabama's diverse and rural communities. Learn how these factors are incorporated into the state’s strategic planning to enhance the effectiveness of prevention programs. Implementing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) at the Local Level: Explore how the SPF model is utilized to empower local communities in addressing substance use issues by integrating risk and protective factors. Review real-life examples of innovative local practices and programs that have successfully addressed substance use within the region. Data-Driven Planning and Needs-Based Funding: Understand the importance of data in strengthening substance use prevention planning and strategy development. Gain insights into Alabama’s shift from historical funding models to a needs-based approach, ensuring that resources are allocated more effectively to meet the specific needs of underserved populations. Join us to learn from Alabama's experiences and discover practical strategies for tailoring substance use prevention efforts to meet the unique needs of diverse and marginalized communities in your own region.   Presenters Beverly Johnson Beverly Johnson, MPA, is the Director of Child & Family Services of the Alabama Department of Mental Health to include Autism Services, Infant and Early Childhood Special Programs, Adolescent Mental Illness Treatment Services and Prevention Services. With approximately 25 years' experience in the behavioral health field to include local and state level service, Ms. Johnson also has worked abroad in Germany with childhood development and teen services. Ms. Johnson is the 2023 National Prevention Network Ketty Award Recipient; First Vice President of the National Prevention Network (NPN); Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Trained/Trainer (SAPST); Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk Trained (AMSR); Question Persuade Refer Trained (QPR); serves on the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Advisory Board; CADCA Coalition Advisory Committee and Alabama's Challenge for Preventing Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans & Their Families. Ms. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University at Montgomery and a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University.   Seyram Selase Seyram Selase is an executive director, local civic leader and professional real estate agent/broker residing in Anniston, Alabama. He graduated from Berea College in Berea, KY in 2006 and is a product of both Anniston City and Talladega County School systems in Alabama. Mr. Selase is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and serves his community in numerous roles. In 2008, Mr. Selase moved back home to Alabama to work with a local non-profit and has been working in the field of substance misuse prevention for over 15 years. He currently is the Executive Director of A.S.A.P. (Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention) and Chair of the State of Alabama Prevention Advisory Board (SPAB). Mr. Selase has successfully received and implemented Drug Free Community (DFC) grants, State Block Grants, Opioid Response grants and many others. Seyram's motto is: "Knowledge is not power but the application thereof."     Brenae’ Waters Brenae’ Waters, MPA, is the Epidemiologist of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Office of Prevention Services residing in Montgomery, AL. She graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in public administration from Auburn University in Montgomery, AL. Mrs. Waters has approximately 14 years of state experience with data collection, analysis and reporting from the Public Health, Medicaid and Mental Health perspectives. While serving as the State’s Epidemiologist, Mrs. Waters currently serves as the chairwoman of the Alabama Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (AEOW). She is a member of the following committees: State Prevention Advisory Board (SPAB), Opioid Council - Data Committee, Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (GC HIDTA), Adolescent Substance Treatment Subcommittee and Youth Tobacco Advisory Committee. Mrs. Waters has received the following certifications: Power BI Training, 2024, Tableau Software Training, 2016, Managing Disruptive Audiences for the prevention professional, Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention training, Introduction to the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), Alcohol, Tobacco, and other drugs training.   CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the stated contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar on the video platform. Certificates must be requested within one week of the event and will be processed within 30 days. If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] before the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.

  Cost: FREE Contact Hours: up to 5.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 SERIES DESCRIPTION Though suicide touches every community, the stunningly disproportionate rate of self-induced deaths among LGBTQ+ youth is an ongoing emergency. Family rejection, trauma, addiction, social stigma and discrimination, and prejudice-related mental health concerns have enormous impact on suicidal ideation. This three-part lab series will highlight some of the pressures that lead sexual and gender minority youth to suicide, what factors elevate or lower self-harm risk, as well as clinical and community-based interventions to help build resilience. Learners will have ample time to practice with case scenarios and integrate new skills into their practice serving LGBTQ+ adolescents and emerging adults. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine the dynamics of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, including prevalence, disparities, trends, psychosocial challenges, and help-seeking behaviors. Explore unique risk and protective factors for self harm among LGBTQ+ youth. Identify methods to provide sensitive risk assessment and safety planning, and boost LGBTQ+ resilience to self-harm and suicide. LAB 3: Community-Centered Healing and Resilience, September 26, 1:00-3:00 PM EST   PRESENTERS Kate Bishop, MSSA (she/her), Education Coordinator at the Center for LGBTQ Health Equity of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in serving LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, intimate partner violence, sexual trauma, and training adult learners. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.     *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours and/or certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room or the application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing [email protected].

Part 2 of the Centering Sustainability Through Community Engagement Series When we think of sustainability, we often think about how our prevention efforts will live on in our communities after our work ends. But what exactly is our role as prevention professionals in sustaining substance misuse prevention efforts? How do we engage our communities such that prevention becomes embedded in community culture? And, recognizing the growing interest in fostering community belonging in the field, how can we help our partners see themselves as integral members of our collaborative groups with the power to make real and sustainable impact? Join us for the interactive two-part series that will unpack the connections between community engagement, ownership, belonging and sustainability. During part two, we will delve into what belonging looks like across the life span and its importance not only as a protective factor against substance misuse, but also as a catalyst for bringing partners to (and keeping them at) our prevention tables. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences. Attending both sessions is not necessary but will enhance your learning experience. Certificates: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training. Presenter bios: Tracy Desovich, MPH, CPS - Tracy has over 30 years of experience in substance abuse prevention and public health. Her expertise includes community health assessment, planning, organizing and evaluation, leadership development, utilizing data to mobilize change, social norms marketing and healthy communities’ principles. Tori Todd is a solutions-focused coach and learning designer committed to creating equitable, human-centered education systems. She believes in bridging the gap between cognitive learning science research and applied practices in schools to support students as whole humans. Tori brings extensive experience supporting educators across the United States to create deep and authentic learning experiences.

COURSE DESCRIPTION Join us for an engaging webinar focused on strategies to disrupt the proliferation of emerging drugs throughout communities. This webinar is designed for prevention practitioners, healthcare practitioners, and community-level prevention partners. In this webinar, participants will explore innovative approaches and evidence-based strategies for preventing the spread of emerging drugs within communities. 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.