Past Events

Date: April 6, 2021 Format: Webinar Contact Hours: 1.25 NAADAC Time: 1 PM—2:30 PM ET Cost: FREE   SERIES DESCRIPTION Underage alcohol use remains an ongoing challenge facing prevention professionals. Rates of use have generally been in decline for many years; however, alcohol remains the most used substance among youth. It is still unclear the extent that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted underage alcohol use, although it is known that the pandemic has accelerated the social and behavioral conditions that make use more likely to occur. This two-part webinar series will provide an overview of the current state of underage drinking and related prevention efforts, with an additional focus on two particular age groups of concern: younger youth (ages 13 and under) and college-aged underage drinkers (ages 18 to 20). 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 summarize the most recent data on alcohol use prevalence and patterns, as well as the consequences of use. It will also discuss the research on risk and protective factors for use, including what is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, it will provide a discussion on how the social determinants of health impact underage alcohol use rates.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine how prevention science can be described and provide a shared definition  Understand the research and theories behind prevention science  Review how prevention science is applied to substance use prevention and its impact Discuss some of the challenges to incorporating prevention science and provide a research agenda for expanding future efforts   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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the 1.25 NAADAC contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Adobe Connect Room. 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] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.  

Organizational Elements of Effective Coalitions An Enhanced Prevention Learning Series Series Overview: This 7-week series offers a unique interactive experience that provides participants an opportunity to learn more about the key organizational elements that assist coalitions of all types to operate efficiently and effectively. This series will have a special focus on coalitions that promote healthy youth development to reduce substance misuse and other related problem behaviors. Participants will explore a variety of organizational principles that will assist them in the overall development of their coalition by learning more about how to engage and sustain involvement of key stakeholders and members over time, how to utilize dynamic group-development strategies, and how their efforts can connect with other coalition efforts in their area. The learning series is structured to provide online consultation, skill-based learning and practice, group and self-study activities, reading assignments, and discussion on topics essential to an effective community coalition structure when focusing on primary prevention. Participants will have the opportunity during the course to discuss specific "next steps" questions.   Audience: Community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners located in the Pacific Southwest region, including American Samoa, Arizona, California, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau.   Facilitator: Meghan Blevins, MA, is a Systems Change Specialist at Penn State University’s Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center’s EPISCenter and certified Communities That Care (CTC) Plus coach. In this role, she helps guide communities through the CTC process, and support local and state prevention collaboration. In addition to presenting on PAYS, CTC, prevention science, and the Social Development Strategy to communities around PA, she has also presented at the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance conference, the Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development conference, CADCA’s 28th National Leadership Forum, the PA Liquor Control Board conference, and the PA Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network retreat. Prior to her work at the EPISCenter, she supervised Juvenile Justice programming at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club and with Berks County Juvenile Probation in Reading, PA for 9 years. Meghan earned her Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State University, concentrating on both community member, and youth-led local data utilization.     Dates and Times: States & American Samoa: Weekly on Tuesdays: April 5, 12, 19, & 26 and May 3, 10, & 17, 2022 04:00 pm – 05:30 pm Mountain 03:00 pm – 04:30 pm Pacific 12:00 pm – 01:30 pm Hawaii 11:00 am – 12:30 pm American Samoa Pacific Jurisdictions: Weekly on Wednesdays: April 6, 13, 20, & 27 and May 4, 11, & 18, 2022  10:00 am – 11:30 am Republic of the Marshal Islands 09:00 am – 10:30 am Pohnpei and Kosrae 08:00 am – 09:30 am Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Chuuk, and Yap 07:00 am – 08:30 am Republic of Palau   Certificates: Up to 15 hours of continuing education hours can be earned in this series. Participants who complete the entire course will receive a certificate of attendance for 15 hours. Participants who miss more than two sessions will not receive a certificate. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.   Register Here: EPLS: Organizational Elements of Effective Coalitions Registration Page Space is limited to 30 participants   Cost is Free!   Questions? Contact Maxwell DiNatale ([email protected]) for any questions related to registration. For all other questions, please contact Clarissa Lam Yuen ([email protected]).

Session 2 of the “Unpacking” Collaboration - Practical Tactical Conversations for HHS Region 2 Prevention Arena Professionals Series Many of us come to substance misuse prevention already possessing the soft, or “human” skills needed to successfully build relationships with key stakeholders in our communities, and we certainly have the opportunity to develop and strengthen those skills on our professional journeys in the field. But, if it is that easy, why doesn’t every prevention coalition have full representation from the various sectors and cultural group members in our communities? This two event learning series will go beyond making the case for the importance of collaboration in prevention to unpack two of our most common challenges – how to bring reluctant partners into prevention efforts and how to provide meaningful opportunities for collaborators to do more than just participate in our work. Session 2: Doing the work together: Authentic partner engagement in prevention What does it mean to “authentically engage” with members of our community? This session will explore what it takes to create meaningful opportunities for shared leadership and decision-making with partners, foster trusting relationships with members of diverse cultural and identity groups in our communities and work collaboratively with key stakeholders to identify and implement community-led solutions to substance misuse-related problems. Certificates of Attendance will be sent out to those who have attended the session in full.

  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.     Register to join us on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern). Each session will feature a new expert presenter.     DESCRIPTION  Alcohol is STILL a drug.  The opioid crisis, increase in stimulant misuse, and marijuana legalization dominate the news— yet alcohol remains the number one substance causing health, social, legal and financial problems throughout the US.    While this series will focus on the hopefulness of recovery from alcohol use disorder, we’ll also take a deep dive into what we know about the full impact of alcohol overuse and the ways it affects every person in the US.   April 5th Topic: Alcohol Use in Hmong Communities Yengyee Lor will provide information about alcohol use in Hmong communities, and how the intersection of cultural practices and alcohol consumption is experienced within these communities. She will share ways to engage in cultural celebrations and activities while maintaining safe alcohol usage.      TRAINER   Yengyee Lor, President–Faithful Consulting Yengyee is a trainer, leadership coach, and organizational consultant helping organizations strategically deliver meaningful organizational impact that is holistic, sustainable, and profitable. She is s a certified PCC coach, certified non-profit consultant, workforce planning strategist, and keynote speaker. Yengyee has degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work.       CERTIFICATES Certificates of attendance will be emailed to all participants who attend the sessions in full.     TRAINING SCHEDULE All sessions in this series will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Central (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern). There will be a new expert presenter for every session.  September 7, 2021 October 5, 2021  November 2, 2021  December 7, 2021 January 4, 2022 - NO SESSION February 1, 2022 March 1, 2022  April 5, 2022  May 3, 2022  June 7, 2022 July 5, 2022 - NO SESSION August 2, 2022      

The Great Lakes 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.     March 30 , 2022, 9:00–11:00AM CT April 6, 2022, 9:00–11:00AM CT     DESCRIPTION: In this interactive two-part training, participants will become grounded in the current research on the impacts of stigma and the evidence for preventing and reducing it.  The focus will be on recruiting partners and creating an action plan. Participants can expect opportunities for discussion, self-examination, and real-world application of practices to address and prevent stigma.     Part 1: Developing your stigma literacy This webinar will serve as a foundation for becoming literate on stigma. The presenter will define stigma for prevention practitioners and the various levels at which it can occur. The focus will be on changes in terminology and attitude that emphasize "person-first" rather than the de-humanization of people with substance use disorders. Homework will be assigned to participants to complete before Part 2, including assessing their local landscape for stigma and forming a team to create and implement an action plan. Objectives for Part 1: Define stigma and describe common components of stigma Discuss the multidimensional, multi-level concept of stigma Understand the impact of stigma and the barriers it can create for individuals Describe the importance of non-stigmatizing language Homework: Strategies for assessing the current landscape and recruiting partners     Part 2: Moving to Action: Creating a Plan to Prevent and Reduce Stigma Part 2 of this training series will focus on effective strategies and cross-cutting practices to prevent and reduce stigma. Participants will learn what the critical elements are of a comprehensive plan to address stigma and how to create a cross-sector action plan. Participants will have opportunities for intensive technical assistance through participation in office hours following the training.  Participants will also receive resources that can be downloaded and customized for their own use, i.e., to train their local community members. Objectives for Part 2 List evidence-based strategies and cross-cutting practices for preventing or reducing stigma Identify strategies for working across community sectors to increase awareness and build ownership List the steps for creating a cross-sector plan List the elements of a comprehensive community plan Participate in at least one Office Hours session to present progress   PRESENTER:     Chuck Klevgaard serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  He delivers training and technical assistance to support substance misuse prevention throughout the Midwest. Chuck has supported communities and health agencies as they adopt evidence-based alcohol, opioid, and other substance misuse programs or policies.   Chuck earned his BSW from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is a Certified Senior Prevention Specialist through the Illinois Certification Board, Inc   CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates are disseminated via email to all qualifying individuals approximately one week after the conclusion of the event or training. 

The Peer Recovery Center of Excellence (PR CoE) recently received SAMHSA funding to provide training and technical assistance to support Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) grantees with integrating peer recovery support services into their existing HIV prevention and treatment approaches. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiated the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan to end HIV in America by 2030. Since then, efforts have been made across the nation to reach various milestones, including reducing new HIV infections by 75% in 5 years and by 90% in 10 years. The purpose of this webinar is to give Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) grantees an overview of where we are as a nation based on the efforts made thus far and to provide a projection of where we can go from here. The discussion will also include how communities are engaged in EHE efforts across the nation. This event is intended to be interactive, so please be prepared to share your experiences, comments and questions about EHE and how it impacts your area. Upon the completion of this workshop, the participants will be able to: • Better understand national approaches to EHE strategies and implementation efforts; • Describe EHE community engagement strategies and implementation efforts; • Understand community-based EHE initiatives and how to become further engaged in EHE efforts. • Understand the national impact of EHE efforts on communities of color.   Meet the Facilitators:     Kelly Stevens, MS Click for Bio                     Angela Johnson Click for Bio                   Jennifer Flannigan Click for Bio          

Session 1 of the “Unpacking” Collaboration - Practical Tactical Conversations for HHS Region 2 Prevention Arena Professionals Series Many of us come to substance misuse prevention already possessing the soft, or “human” skills needed to successfully build relationships with key stakeholders in our communities, and we certainly have the opportunity to develop and strengthen those skills on our professional journeys in the field. But, if it is that easy, why doesn’t every prevention coalition have full representation from the various sectors and cultural group members in our communities? This two event learning series will go beyond making the case for the importance of collaboration in prevention to unpack two of our most common challenges – how to bring reluctant partners into prevention efforts and how to provide meaningful opportunities for collaborators to do more than just participate in our work. Session 1: Getting them to say ‘yes!’: Bringing prospective partners to your prevention table You’ve spent time crafting your elevator speech and are ready to make your pitch to a potential partner, and what happens? They say no. So, what comes next? In this session, we’ll introduce effective negotiation tactics from the business world and beyond that prevention practitioners can incorporate into their partner recruitment efforts to maximize the likelihood of positive responses.   Certificates of Attendance will be sent out to those who have attended the session in full.

Project planning is a multi-faceted and dynamic step in the prevention implementation process, one that can set the stage for continued success and sustainability. Without a robust and agile plan, implementation and sustainability can be negatively impacted, potentially putting a project at risk. This important step goes beyond using the data gathered from community, and ethical analysis of that data. From including a diverse set of voices and experiences, to balancing funder expectations and community defined outcomes, project planning requires a critical lens to ensure ethical practices and equity are embedded throughout. In this session of the series, we will explore various examples of practical planning processes and practices which can have tremendous positive implications for the communities we serve.

Date: March 25, 2022 Format: Webinar   Time: 1:00 PM—2:00 PM EST Cost: FREE   ABOUT THE LEARNING SESSION In recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, New England PTTC will host Don Feeney who will present a webinar sharing data from the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences, or the NGAGE 2.0 survey. The results of the April 2021 survey examine public perceptions of gambling in the wake of sports betting expansion over the past 3 years and the pandemic.    ABOUT THE PRESENTER Don Feeney is a consultant on gambling policy and responsible gambling and past president of the Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance, the Minnesota chapter of the National Council on Problem Gambling. He was co-founder of the Alliance and has served on its board since 2001. Feeney served on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Problem Gambling from 2002 to 2016 and was president from 2011 to 2013. From 1991 to 2017, he served as Research and Planning Director at the Minnesota Lottery. His research interests include public opinion and gambling policy, public awareness of problem gambling, and gambling and popular culture. Feeney holds master’s degrees in public policy from Harvard and in statistics from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Brown University.   About the webinar: This webinar is co-hosted by the New England (HHS Region 1) PTTC, the Maine Council on Problem Gambling, and AdCare Maine. This event was planned to provide education and training on problem gambling to the prevention workforce. Certificates of participation for 1 hour will be awarded to all participants. No partial credit will be awarded.   2022 Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM)   Join us this March, in observance of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling. It’s easy to integrate problem gambling awareness into your organization. In support of #PGAM2022, our friends at AdCare Maine developed a virtual booth including information on services, videos, support, training, and more all in one visual learning experience. View the virtual interactive booth.   To view other tools to raise awareness and take action, read AdCare's blog post about #PGAM2022.   The campaign theme Awareness + Action: March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, intervention, treatment & recovery services. It encourages all providers to have conversations about problem gambling issues and help direct people to the resources they may need.

Date: March 23, 2022 Format: Webinar   Time: 1:00 PM—2:00 PM EST Cost: FREE   ABOUT THE LEARNING SESSION Prevention stories can be used in a variety of ways: To exemplify what prevention looks like, to illustrate the effects prevention services have on communities, to advocate for prevention at a local, state, and regional level, to reduce stigma and build empathy, and to celebrate resilience.    Join us during our Prevention Stories Writing Workshop to learn what a prevention story can look like, how to shape your prevention story to your best use, and how you can use your story.    The New England PTTC is currently accepting story submissions to be a part of a collection of prevention stories, which you can learn more about HERE.     National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW), an annual health observance week, connects youth with resources to SHATTER THE MYTHS® about drugs, alcohol, and related health topics. The next National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week® will be held March 21-27, 2022. There are countless activities that teens, parents, caregivers, and teachers can do that don’t involve leaving the house. Check out the #NDAFW webpage for details.

Indigenous Resiliency: Indigenous Ways of Knowing for Thriving Prevention Programs Workshop Series In this four-part monthly workshop series, we will explore how to build resilience into everyday thinking and actions so that important activities will thrive even after the funding has diminished. We approach resiliency from a broad perspective, a perspective that recognizes the importance of determining what actions are important to maintain to help the communities thrive and identifying strategic actions.  Our framework includes four essential pillars: Internal Support, Resource Development, Partnership Development, and Marketing and Outreach.  A strong, evidence-based program is the foundation for these pillars. Wednesday, Jan. 26 WORKSHOP 1:  BUILDING YOUR CASE FOR SUPPORT Effective plans and actions are built upon the ability to define, discuss, and present the case for why the work is important and should be supported. Participants will: Articulate and assess their daily actions to identify the scope and purpose of the work and how that relates to the community. Identify the need for appropriate data, i.e. tribal need, metrics important to community, impact of activities and actions. Develop and practice an “elevator speech” describing their work and project.   Wednesday, Feb. 23 WORKSHOP 2: IDENTIFYING AND ENHANCING INTERNAL SUPPORT In this workshop, we will focus on the organization within which you work. Support here is essential to resilient sustainability and success. Is there support from individuals and groups within the organization? Participants will: Assess internal support with the following considerations: Who currently sees the value of our project? Who needs us and doesn’t know it? Are we receiving the maximum support available? Identify issues blocking support Develop strategies for addressing those issues   Wednesday, March 23 WORKSHOP 3:  MARKETING AND OUTREACH Marketing and Outreach are essential ingredients of a resilient, sustainable project.  In this workshop, we will assess current activities and develop strategies for refining and expanding. Participants will: Understand the importance of targeting the message to the intended audience. Review current activities in this area, i.e. what types of outreach are you utilizing both externally and internally? Assess the impact and identify the gaps. Identify actions that can be taken within the next few months. (Note:  We will ask participants to submit their materials prior to the event, so that we can review, comment, and use as examples.)   Wednesday, April 27 WORKSHOP 4: PARTNERSHIPS AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT No one can do this important work along. We all need partners, we need resources, we need the energy and support that only partners can bring. In this workshop, we will identify the variety of resources available, current partnerships, elements for developing and maintaining partnerships. Participants will: Identify current internal and external partnerships including resources provided. Identify areas in which partnering with another would be useful. Develop a plan for supporting current partners and developing new ones.

Prevention Specialist Credentialing: It's not as scary as you might imagine! The prevention field is an often unrecognized and undervalued part of our approach to health and wellness. We are a reactionary society that focuses most of our efforts on responding to illness through the strategy of treatment. As a result of this focus, the field of prevention has lagged behind our colleagues in treatment, while also consistently receiving the smallest distribution of financial support.   Learning Objectives: After participating in this training, participants will be able to: Articulate the value of the Prevention Specialist credential Name the six Prevention Specialist performance domains Understand the typical process for acquiring the credential   The goal of this session is to encourage those who are not yet credentialed to begin the journey. It's not as scary as you might have imagined! About the Presenter: Nicole M Augustine is the Founder & CEO RIZE Consultants, LLC, a strategic consulting firm founded in January 2015. Nicole is an entrepreneur, public health professional and social justice advocate. Her journey in public health began at Cornell University when after graduating she worked for three years as a BASICS counselor for Cornell's campus harm reduction initiative.  From there, Nicole transitioned into the George Washington University School of Public Health before experiencing a rapid career progression from providing prevention education to providing training and technical assistance to communities, professionals and state agencies.Nicole has served as the Project Coordinator for the Southeast PTTC, the Project Director of the NC Behavioral Health Equity Initiative, and the Prevention Director for the Addiction Professionals of NC. Nicole currently serves as an Advanced Implementation Specialist with the Opioid Response Network.This network is building trust across justice, corrections and medical systems to address the opioid and stimulants crisis.  

Project planning is a multi-faceted and dynamic step in the prevention implementation process, one that can set the stage for continued success and sustainability. Without a robust and agile plan, implementation and sustainability can be negatively impacted, potentially putting a project at risk. This important step goes beyond using the data gathered from community, and ethical analysis of that data. From including a diverse set of voices and experiences, to balancing funder expectations and community defined outcomes, project planning requires a critical lens to ensure ethical practices and equity are embedded throughout. In this session of the series, we will explore various examples of practical planning processes and practices which can have tremendous positive implications for the communities we serve.

Foundations in Prevention Intensive Training requires an application. (The deadline to submit an application is 5 pm CT on Friday, March 18.) The course is limited to 30 participants on a first come, first-serve basis for applicants who meet the required criteria. Please use the registration link to access the application DATES:  March 21, 24, 28, 31, April 4, 7, 11, & 14 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM CT   PREREQUISITE To apply for this intensive training course, you must first complete the free, self-paced online course Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics on www.healtheknowledge.org. When you complete the HealtheKnowledge course, you will receive a certificate of completion.  Please have it ready to upload as part of your application for Foundations in Prevention Intensive Training. HOW TO APPLY Click the registration link above to access the application form. Be prepared to upload your HealtheKnowledge course certificate of completion. DESCRIPTION: This eight-session series offers a uniquely interactive online introduction to the foundations of substance misuse prevention. Participants examine the key concepts of substance misuse prevention and the Strategic Prevention Framework. Participants build basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify prevention priorities and develop a plan to implement and evaluate evidence-based interventions. This course offers structured, skill-based learning opportunities, readings, and learning assignments to complete between sessions, along with group activities and discussions to enhance application of the new skills. By the end of this series, participants will be able to: Define prevention Explain the continuum of care List the criteria for research-based risk factors Describe how the Social Development Strategy operationalizes protective factors Describe the five steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), including the key tasks for each List three essential keys to sustainability Explain the importance of addressing health disparities in the context of substance misuse prevention planning and implementation Describe how cultural humility is essential in our work in the prevention field   Audience Substance misuse prevention practitioners who are newer to the field Prevention practitioners who would like to become a Certified Prevention Specialist or need continuing education hours to meet re-certification requirements. Participant Commitment and Expectations Complete the self-paced online course, Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (https://tinyurl.com/FPprereq) and submit certificate of completion in your application form. Participate in eight sessions of training for 1.5 hours on March 21, 24, 28, 31, April 4, 7, 11, & 14 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM CT Complete one to two hours of homework and submit completed work via Google forms between each session. Use a web-camera and have the appropriate technology to join the online video conferencing platform (i.e., internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, laptop/tablet, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers & microphone) Actively engage and be on camera 90% of the time during each session. This is not a webinar series. Active participation on camera is essential. Important Clarification Foundations in Prevention Intensive Training is not a webinar series. Camera on: Active participation with camera on throughout each session is essential. Technology: Participants will be expected to have technology needed to actively participate with a microphone and camera by the start of the first session.    SPEAKERS:      Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field since 1991. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness.       Erin Ficker, CPRS, MPAff serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC and has extensive experience working with community-based prevention providers.  She also has experience in quality and process improvement coaching and training.   CERTIFICATES: A certificate of participation for 21 hours will be given to participants that attend all Zoom sessions and complete all homework assignments. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.     The Great Lakes 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 HHS Region 5 stakeholders.  

Kathyleen Tomlin, PhD, LPC, LMHC, CADC III, will present on behalf of the National American Indian & Alaska Native Prevention TTC will present at the Tribal Opioid Summit in collaboration with the Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board. Her presentation will focus on models of established tools that will help tribal communities meeting their health care goals from a community perspective. Examples will be included, as well as discussion based on participant experience. This is a closed group presentation.

Date: March 16, 2021 Format: Webinar Contact Hours: 1.25 NAADAC Time: 1 PM—2:30 PM ET Cost: FREE   SERIES DESCRIPTION Prevention science is the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of people, families, and communities. This two-part webinar series will define and review prevention science and its relevance to prevention professionals. It will also discuss strategies and provide recommendations for ensuring prevention science is supporting public health efforts. COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will discuss how to ensure that prevention science guides and supports prevention professionals. Part of this is understanding how to identify and implement evidence-based prevention programs and services. Equally important, however, is understanding the need to build a “culture of prevention” among policymakers, other public health stakeholders, and the community at large. By having this culture of prevention, prevention professionals can establish support for new and expanded evidence-based programs and services. This webinar will review each of these topics.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define a “culture of prevention” and its importance Identify barriers and challenges to a culture of prevention Discuss how to build readiness and support for prevention Review strategies for incorporating science to practice   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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the 1.25 NAADAC contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Adobe Connect Room. 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] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.  

On-the-Spot Panel Discussion: Engaging Key Decision Makers to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms   Description Join us for this On-the-Spot Panel with public health, prevention, and regulatory experts who will share recent successes, lessons learned, and science-based tools to promote public safety and reduce alcohol-related harms. The panel will: Define levels of engagement efforts. Provide an overview of a current network and actions related to alcohol public safety and policy safeguards. Spotlight two examples from the Northwest Region. Orient you to the 2022 Alcohol Awareness Toolkit #ProofIsIntheNumbers.   Date and Time March 14, 2022           Time Zone 09:00 am – 10:30 am  Alaska 10:00 am – 11:30 am  Pacific 11:00 am – 12:30 pm  Mountain (view in your time zone)   Audience Community, tribal, and state-level prevention practitioners, allied health partners, and community members working to prevent substance misuse in HHS Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington).   Panel Participants: Diane Riibe Sean J. Haley, PhD, MPH Julia Dilley, PhD, MES Tiffany Hall. MPA Mary Segawa, M.S. Mike Marshall Learn More About The Panelists!     Registration Register for the On-the-Spot Discussion Panel: Engaging Key Decision Makers to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms!   Cost is Free!   Questions? Contact Maxwell DiNatale ([email protected]) for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Michelle Frye-Spray ([email protected]).

  COURSE DESCRIPTION Are you a prevention professional or community partner that has worked hard to build a coalition? Has your membership been decreasing or is engagement low? If you want to help your coalitions increase their capacity to serve, this 3-part series is for you!  Sarah Davis, a 21-year veteran in coalition building, will lead us through a 90-minute discussion on the basic components of coalition building with a focus on rejuvenating prevention efforts and empowering communities to make change.   PRESENTERS Sarah Davis is the associate director for the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center housed within the Center for Public Health Practice at the Colorado School of Public Health. The Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center is one of 10 HRSA-designated regional public health training centers. She leads a team that provides high-quality, primarily distance-based training to professionals addressing public health issues throughout PTTC Region VIII. She also supports national workforce development efforts as part of the Public Health Learning Network.       Sarah holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management and has spent the past 20 years in the public health field working as a project and team leader, a facilitator and trainer, grant writer and manager. Her background includes program planning and implementation, integrating program and policy initiatives, and working with coalitions. Sarah lives in Denver with her husband, high school daughter, and two dogs.    Since 1996, veteran Derrick Newby has worked in the field of prevention and public health in both the public and private sector. He serves as a training and technical assistance specialist for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center for HHS Region 6.   As a veteran's counselor and advocate, Mr. Newby gained experience with the impact of federal programs on communities after working as a special assistant to a member of Congress. He then worked as the Program Coordinator in Arkansas for the Delta Region AIDS Education and Training Center for 15 years, facilitating the education of providers interested in increasing their capacity to provide comprehensive services related to HIV including testing and treatment. In 2017, he was selected for a position with the University of Arkansas Little Rock and served as a Program Coordinator with MidSOUTH Center for Prevention and Training for 5 years, helping to facilitate the growth of the prevention system.   Serving on the Arkansas Prevention Certification Board since 2020, Mr. Newby has a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in education.    

Date: March 9, 2021 Format: Webinar Contact Hours: 1.25 NAADAC Time: 1 PM—2:30 PM ET Cost: FREE   SERIES DESCRIPTION Prevention science is the development and implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of people, families, and communities. This two-part webinar series will define and review prevention science and its relevance to prevention professionals. It will also discuss strategies and provide recommendations for ensuring prevention science is supporting public health efforts. COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review prevention science and its relevance to substance use prevention professionals. It will describe the different domains of relevant science, including epidemiology, intervention development, and research methodology. The webinar will discuss how these domains influence and improve public health and prevention efforts. Additionally, the webinar will review the latest research in prevention science. It will provide examples of theories and frameworks to better understand how evidence is used and how it can be applied to the prevention field. Lastly, it will discuss how prevention science can support prevention professionals and others in the field in establishing actionable processes, policies, and programs.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES Examine how prevention science can be described and provide a shared definition Understand the research and theories behind prevention science Review how prevention science is applied to substance use prevention and its impact Discuss some of the challenges to incorporating prevention science and provide a research agenda for expanding future efforts   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 training and technical assistance to numerous organizations at the Federal, state, and local levels. 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.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the 1.25 NAADAC contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Adobe Connect Room. 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] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.  

Date: March 9, 2022 Format: Webinar   Time: 12:00 PM—1:30 PM EST Cost:  This webinar is FREE to all NEARCP members.   ABOUT THE LEARNING SESSION   Cannabis policy had undergone rapid change in New England over the past decade. All New England states have some form of medical cannabis policy, while now four of the six states have legalized cannabis for adult use. This presentation will take a look at what is happening with cannabis policy in New England, examine the potential implications for risk factors associated with cannabis use disorder, and what the emerging science is telling us in terms of how to reduce harms for those who may be using cannabis.    PRESENTER Scott Gagnon is a Certified Prevention Specialist, Associate Executive Director of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc., and Director of SAMHSA’s New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). Scott is a national speaker on a variety of prevention topics, including cannabis policy and prevention, opioid prevention, and prevention workforce development. Scott currently serves as a Co-Chair of the national Technology Transfer Center SBIRT Coordination work group, and previously served as Chair of the national PTTC Network Cannabis Prevention Work Group. Scott serves as a board member of the Maine Recovery Coach Certification Board and is a member representing public health on Maine’s Marijuana Advisory Commission. Scott has previously served as Co-Chair of the Prevention Task Force for the Maine Opiate Collaborative and has also previously served on the SAMHSA, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council.   MODERATOR Christine McKenna, MS, LICSW, MLADC, CCTP, NEARCP Board of Directors member since 2015, Director, Rockingham County Drug Treatment Court – NH.   CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS This webinar has been approved by the New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center, as a National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) Approved Education Provider, for 1.5 educational credit (CE), NAADAC Provider #62652.   About the webinar: This webinar is hosted through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, a program funded through SAMHSA. This webinar is planned in response to an identified need to provide training and information on cannabis for New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) prevention professionals.   BROUGHT TO YOU BY: New England ATTC, New England PTTC, and the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals.

DESCRIPTION: Looking for tips and tricks on how to present your data in way that catches people’s attention and is easily understood? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Jamie Comstock and Robin Carr about the Five C’s of Data: Chart, Color, Context, Clutter, and Composition. By learning about the Five C's, participants of this virtual training will gain skills to present data in a manner that best resonates with their audiences. (Important note: This webinar will not be recorded, so be sure to attend the live training!)   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After this session participants will be able to: ● Choose the most effective chart for their data ● Use color for emphasis and action ● Use data in context for maximum (and realistic) impact ● Reduce clutter so data insights can be easily understood ● Compose effective data visualizations     SPEAKERS:    Jamie Comstock and Robin Carr founded Info Inspired in 2014, after many years of designing and giving presentations with no formal training in this area and watching their public health colleagues struggle with the same skills gap.  Both are certified prevention specialists with 30 years of combined experience in the field. They’ve spent the last several years researching and testing ways to not only capture and hold an audience’s attention, but to also inspire audiences.  They’ve spent countless hours refining the presentation planning process, identifying free resources, and learning how to maximize the tools they already had.  It’s also important to know that they aren’t graphic designers, artists, or especially tech savvy.  Everything they do, you can do too.     CERTIFICATES: Certificates of attendance will be emailed to all participants who complete the training in full.      The Great Lakes 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.

Date: March 8, 2022 Format: Webinar   Time: 10:00 AM—11:00 AM EST Cost: FREE   ABOUT THE INFORMATIONAL SESSION This is an informational meeting for the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center's Research and Development Fellowship Program. Attendance is not required to apply. Candidates can apply for the New England Research & Design (RAD) Fellowship from February 25, 2022, to March 25, 2022, at 4:00 pm. The 2022 Priority area is the Changing Landscape of Cannabis with a Focus on the IC&RC Prevention Domains. The New England PTTC Research & Design (RAD) Fellowship focuses on Prevention Product Development for the New England Region and is an opportunity for professionals who have been in the field of prevention for 5 or more years to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to develop an innovative piece of research and accompanying tool for the benefit of the workforce at large. The 2022 Priority area is the Changing Landscape of Cannabis with a Focus on the IC&RC Prevention Domains. This program will support a seven-month term, during which the fellows will each create a tool or product around a central, priority subject area, and at the end of the program, the RAD fellows will present their products to the workforce in a symposium meant to demonstrate how the products should and can be used. This program is intended for professionals in HHS Region 1 (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend by the completion of their product.   More information on the RAD Fellowship.

  Link to view the recorded webinar (recorded on March 4, 2022). No continuing education is available.  Date: March 4, 2022 Format: Webinar   Time: 11:30 AM—12:30 PM EST Cost: FREE Registration (Certificate of Attendance) $25 Fee for Continuing Education Credits Note the CEU fee is for Maine Behavioral Health professionals to cover the cost of issuing those CEUs, for everyone else, when you register you can select the Free option and you will get a certificate of attendance.   ABOUT THE LEARNING SESSION   New England PTTC will be co-Sponsoring the March installment of Maine’s Governor Janet Mills’ Opioid Response Summit Seminar Series, which will be focused on the topic of the intersection of brain injury and substance use disorder. The seminar is being conducted in partnership and featured speakers from the Maine/New Hampshire chapter of the Brain Injury Association of America.   Along with the epidemic of overdoses, there has been a parallel rise in sustained and often permanent cognitive disability resulting from a loss of oxygen to the brain. This webinar will provide an overview of the relationship between brain injury and substance use, and introduce the practical steps providers can take to recognize the cognitive impact of overdoses.  New resources to support provider screening, assessment, and intervention will be introduced.   Presenter: Carolyn Lemsky, Ph.D.,C.Psych ABPP-CN Moderator: Steve Wade, MBA - Consulting Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of America – Maine Chapter   About the webinar: This webinar is co-sponsored by the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center, administered by AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc. The New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center program is funded by SAMHSA of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This webinar is planned in response to an identified need to provide training and information on brain injury and substance use disorders for New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) prevention professionals. The contents of New England PTTC programs are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by SAMHSA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Organizational Elements of Effective Coalitions An Enhanced Prevention Learning Series   Series Overview This 7-week series offers a unique interactive experience that provides participants an opportunity to learn more about the key organizational elements that assist coalitions of all types to operate efficiently and effectively. This series will have a special focus on coalitions that promote healthy youth development to reduce substance misuse and other related problem behaviors. Participants will explore a variety of organizational principles that will assist them in the overall development of their coalition by learning more about how to engage and sustain involvement of key stakeholders and members over time, how to utilize dynamic group-development strategies, and how their efforts can connect with other coalition efforts in their area. The learning series is structured to provide online consultation, skill-based learning and practice, group and self-study activities, reading assignments, and discussion on topics essential to an effective community coalition structure when focusing on primary prevention. Participants will have the opportunity during the course to discuss specific "next steps" questions.   Audience Prevention practitioners, coalition coordinators, and allied partners working to prevent substance misuse in communities and tribes located in Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center HHS Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Prevention professionals interested in this course but who work outside of Region 10 are encouraged to contact their region’s PTTC to learn what opportunities for similar courses are available to them.   Session Dates and Time Weekly on Wednesdays: March 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, and April 6 & 13, 2022 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Alaska 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Pacific 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Mountain (View in your time zone here)   Facilitator Meghan Blevins, MA, is a Systems Change Specialist at Penn State University’s Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center’s EPISCenter and certified Communities That Care (CTC) Plus coach. In this role, she helps guide communities through the CTC process, and support local and state prevention collaboration. In addition to presenting on PAYS, CTC, prevention science, and the Social Development Strategy to communities around PA, she has also presented at the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance conference, the Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development conference, CADCA’s 28th National Leadership Forum, the PA Liquor Control Board conference, and the PA Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network retreat. Prior to her work at the EPISCenter, she supervised Juvenile Justice programming at the Olivet Boys & Girls Club and with Berks County Juvenile Probation in Reading, PA for 9 years. Meghan earned her Master of Arts degree in Community Psychology and Social Change from Penn State University, concentrating on both community member, and youth-led local data utilization.          Participant Commitments and Expectations View a 20-minute video tutorial on Zoom if unfamiliar with the technology prior to the first session on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  Attend each of the seven (1.5-hour) sessions in series Complete up to an hour of independent learning activities between each session. Use a web-camera and have appropriate technology to join the online videoconferencing platform (i.e., internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, laptop/tablet, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers & microphone). Actively engage and be on camera 90% of the time during each session since this is not a webinar series, and active participation is essential to gain/improve skills.   Continuing Education Up to 15 hours of continuing education hours can be earned in this series. Participants who complete the entire course will receive a certificate of attendance for 15 hours. Participants who miss more than two sessions will not receive a certificate. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements.   Registration Details Register for Organizational Elements of Effective Coalitions Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full participant requirements, please defer this registration opportunity to others Space is limited. Enroll now!   Cost is Free!   Questions?  Contact Maxwell DiNatale ([email protected]) for any questions or difficulty in registering