Products and Resources Catalog

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The December 2023 issue shares recorded content on wound care and xylazine, social media basics for preventionists, an infographic on providing behavioral healthcare to people living with HIV, and SAMHSA's tips for supporting your mental health through the holidays. As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!   Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list, so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter and thank you for reading!

Addressing and preventing the spread of substance use disorders (SUDs) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both vital areas of public health. Many risk factors are shared across SUD and HIV, though each present unique challenges. This product summarizes the scope of HIV in the United States and SAMHAS Region 3. It also discusses how having HIV can increase risk of substance use and how engaging in substance use can increase risk of HIV. It also shares examples of evidence-based prevention programs.

Substance Use and HIV Part 2: Learning Lab Session- Developing and Expanding Services Josh Esrick, MPP, Princess Walker, MPHc, and Zina Age, LMSW, MAC June 22, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will serve as a collaborative learning lab for participants. It will provide a brief review of the principles of a pilot program followed by a series of breakout discussions and exercises. These will include a logic model building exercise for a potential pilot program, case study discussions about establishing and expanding services, and a peer learning discussion opportunity to share best practices and lessons learned. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the principles of establishing a pilot program Describe the process for assembling a logic model Prepare for opportunities to implement pilot programs Relate best practices and lessons learned shared by peers PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (TTA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of TTA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to TTA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.     Princess Walker, MPHc, graduated with a dual degree in Psychology and Health Administration and Policy Program with a concentration in Public Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She is a results-oriented public health professional passionate about community health education, inequality, public health research, and eliminating health disparities. Specifically, she serves underprivileged communities to address health disparities in high-risk groups. She has worked extensively at both the community and state levels developing strategic prevention/behavioral healthcare plans and enforcing policies. Princess is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, program/project management, and public health issues. Recognized for orchestrating work processes and instilling trust and confidence in stakeholders in education, private entities, government organizations, and participants that support public health objectives—currently advancing her degree as an MPH candidate with a concentration in Epidemiology. She hopes to advance community-level monitoring and evidence-based interventions and training to improve health outcomes produced by Substance used disorder and other communicable diseases.     Zina Age, LMSW, MAC,a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University, holds a graduate degree in Social Work from Clark Atlanta University and a Masters in Addiction Counseling from the National Association of Forensic Counselors. Zina began working in the social services field in 1987, serving African American populations affected by HIV/AIDS and other health disparities. In 1996, she founded Aniz, Inc., which is dedicated to providing therapeutic education and support services for children and families from disadvantaged multicultural communities infected with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. Ms. Age has served on many national and local committees dedicated to educating people about issues surrounding HIV and is a noted public speaker that has been invited to serve as a panelist, guest presenter and keynote speaker at various universities, conferences and forums in the U.S. and abroad. She has delivered engaging presentations on topics such as, but not limited to: Undercover Community Mental Health and Substance Use Issues, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Risk Reduction Programs, Holistic Harm Reduction, the Inter-Generational spread of HIV/AIDS, Homophobia, Transphobia and Gender-phobia in the Black LGBT community, and Combating the “Secrecy, Shame and Guilt” surrounding HIV/AIDS issues.  

Substance Use and HIV Part 1: The Importance of Action and Addressing Disparities Josh Esrick, MPP, and Princess Walker, MPHc June 20, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review the connections between substance use and HIV. It will summarize the research on how substance use can increase the risk of contracting HIV and present the most recent data on co-occurring prevalence rates. The webinar will examine the disproportionate impact of HIV among LGBTQ, BIPOC, Hispanic, and other populations nationwide and in the Central East region. It will discuss the importance of expanding services and key considerations for serving people living with HIV. The webinar will also review examples of evidence-based strategies. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the importance of addressing substance use and HIV Describe the disproportionate impact of HIV Identify key considerations for serving people living with HIV Name examples of evidence-based HIV and SUD prevention strategies PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (TTA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of TTA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to TTA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.     Princess Walker, MPHc, graduated with a dual degree in Psychology and Health Administration and Policy Program with a concentration in Public Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She is a results-oriented public health professional passionate about community health education, inequality, public health research, and eliminating health disparities. Specifically, she serves underprivileged communities to address health disparities in high-risk groups. She has worked extensively at both the community and state levels developing strategic prevention/behavioral healthcare plans and enforcing policies. Princess is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, program/project management, and public health issues. Recognized for orchestrating work processes and instilling trust and confidence in stakeholders in education, private entities, government organizations, and participants that support public health objectives—currently advancing her degree as an MPH candidate with a concentration in Epidemiology. She hopes to advance community-level monitoring and evidence-based interventions and training to improve health outcomes produced by Substance used disorder and other communicable diseases.  

HIV+ Patients and Substance Use Disorders – How to Provide Excellent Care Jim Winkle, MPH May 24, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Medical and behavioral health professionals who work with HIV+ patients are in a unique position to help these patients reduce harm from substance use, but often feel at a loss how to do so effectively, in a limited amount of time, and without conveying judgement. HIV+ patients, meanwhile, may face stigma from health professionals, and may not relate to a singular focus on treatment programs. This presentation will improve the ability of primary care and specialty health professionals to screen for substance use disorders (SUDs) and perform a four-step brief intervention model that enhances the motivation of patients to reduce their risk of harm. As a result, clinicians will be better able to help these patients forge their own pathway to recovery. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Describe how SUDs impact HIV+ patients Demonstrate how to use a brief screening tool that identifies possible SUDs Demonstrate how to perform a four-step brief intervention that enhances the motivation of HIV+ patients to reduce harm from substance use Explain how principles of harm reduction can help mitigate provider stigma PRESENTERS Jim Winkle, MPH, has trained hundreds of behavioral health professionals how to address substance use with clients and patients. As the creator behind the SBIRT Oregon website, Jim has designed screening forms, clinic tools and training videos used by professionals across the country.  

Substance Use and HIV Part 1: Understanding the Connections and Scope of the Problem Josh Esrick, MPP, and Princess Walker, MPHc July 19, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review the connections between substance use and HIV. It will summarize the research on how substance use can increase the risk of contracting HIV and present the most recent data on co-occurring prevalence rates. The webinar will examine the disproportionate impact of HIV among LGBTQ, BIPOC, Hispanic, and other disadvantaged populations nationwide and in the Central East region. It will discuss the importance of including HIV prevention programming in substance use prevention services, as well as of providing substance use prevention services to people living with HIV. Additionally, the webinar will introduce key considerations for serving this population, such as the importance of cultural competency and humility. Lastly, it will provide an opportunity for webinar participants to take part in small breakout group discussion of these topics. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss the importance of addressing substance use and HIV together Review the disproportionate impact of HIV Explain key considerations for serving people living with HIV Provide small group discussion and shared learning opportunity 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. Princess Walker, MPHc, graduated with a dual degree in Psychology and Health Administration and Policy Program with a concentration in Public Health from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She is a results-oriented public health professional passionate about community health education, inequality, public health research, and eliminating health disparities. Specifically, she serves underprivileged communities to address health disparities in high-risk groups. She has worked extensively at both the community and state levels developing strategic prevention/behavioral healthcare plans and enforcing policies. Princess is proficient in qualitative and quantitative research and analysis, program/project management, and public health issues. Recognized for orchestrating work processes and instilling trust and confidence in stakeholders in education, private entities, government organizations, and participants that support public health objectives—currently advancing her degree as an MPH candidate with a concentration in Epidemiology. She hopes to advance community-level monitoring and evidence-based interventions and training to improve health outcomes produced by Substance used disorder and other communicable diseases.

  This month, our National Hispanic and Latino ATTC and PTTC would like to celebrate World AIDS Day. The theme for World AIDS Day in 2021 is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice”. To learn more, please watch this video and access the links below. Sources and Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html https://WWW.AHF.ORG https://WWW.AIDShealth.ORG https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-HIV-Among-People-Living-with-Substance-Use-and-or-Mental-Disorders/PEP20-06-03-001 https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/group/racialethnic/hispanic-latino/cdc-hiv-group-hispanic-latino-factsheet.pdf https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/hiv-aids-awareness-days/world-aids-day#:~:text=World%20AIDS%20Day%2C%20held%20each,support%20those%20living%20with%20HIV https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html  #NLBHA #NHLATTC #NHLPTTC             Español  En Diciembre, nuestros Centros Nacionales Hispano y Latino ATTC y PTTC desean honrar el Día Mundial del SIDA. El tema del Día Mundial del Sida en 2021 es "Poner fin a la epidemia del VIH: acceso equitativo, la voz de todos". Para obtener más información, visite: Fuentes y recursos: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html https://WWW.AHF.ORG https://WWW.AIDShealth.ORG https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-HIV-Among-People-Living-with-Substance-Use-and-or-Mental-Disorders/PEP20-06-03-001 https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/group/racialethnic/hispanic-latino/cdc-hiv-group-hispanic-latino-factsheet.pdf https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/hiv-aids-awareness-days/world-aids-day#:~:text=World%20AIDS%20Day%2C%20held%20each,support%20those%20living%20with%20HIV https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html  #NLBHA #NHLATTC #NHLPTTC           Português Neste mês, nossos Centros Nacionais Hispânico-Latino ATTC e PTTC gostariam de celebrar o Dia Mundial da AIDS. O tema do Dia Mundial da AIDS em 2021 é “Acabar com a epidemia de HIV: Acesso equitativo, voz de todos. Para obter mais informações, por favor assista esse video e acesse os links abaixo. Fontes e recursos: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html https://WWW.AHF.ORG https://WWW.AIDShealth.ORG https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-HIV-Among-People-Living-with-Substance-Use-and-or-Mental-Disorders/PEP20-06-03-001 https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/group/racialethnic/hispanic-latino/cdc-hiv-group-hispanic-latino-factsheet.pdf https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/hiv-aids-awareness-days/world-aids-day#:~:text=World%20AIDS%20Day%2C%20held%20each,support%20those%20living%20with%20HIV https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/hiv-self-tests.html  #NLBHA #NHLATTC #NHLPTTC  

According to the CDC, HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the final stage of an HIV infection when the body is unable to fend off disease. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states, infection happens primarily when people inject drugs and share needles, or other drug equipment and/or when people have unprotected sex with a partner who is already infected. As stated by the CDC, there is currently no effective cure for HIV. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partner(s). SAMHSA also reports mental illness can interfere with HIV prevention, and adherence to treatment. Mental illness is also linked to behaviors that increase the likelihood of contracting HIV. Download the latest factsheet on HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention in the Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x communities for more information, including risk factors and challenges, prevention solutions, and other resources.  

Suicide Risk, Assessment, And Intervention: Skill Building Lab Kate Bishop, MSSA February 23, 2021, 10AM-12PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The global pandemic and resulting social isolation have taken a heavy toll on the human mind, heart, and spirit. Though the strain is difficult for everyone, marginalized communities already dealing with systemic injustice and those with existing mental health challenges have an extra level of distress to contend with. Professional helpers may encounter suicidal clients in any health and human service role, but may not feel confident about how to tell who is most at risk for suicide, how to assess the level of danger, and how to connect someone who is struggling with effective interventions. Broadly relevant to many populations, with special focus on LGBTQ individuals and people living with HIV, this webinar event is designed to help workers build a toolbox of practical skills you can use immediately to support vulnerable people in staying alive and moving towards well. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore the dynamics of suicide among vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV and AIDS. Identify key methods and tools for assessing suicide risk with clients Describe how to address suicidal ideation and self-harm, boost resilience, and connect clients to specialized care and treatment Examine prevalence, disparities, trends, unique risk and protective factors, and culturally-specific support interventions PRESENTER Kate Bishop, MSSA, the Education Coordinator at the LGBT Health Resource Center of Chase Brexton, is a seasoned professional development trainer with expertise in working with LGBTQ populations, sexual and reproductive health care, adolescent development, intimate partner violence, and sexual trauma. She is certified as a trainer through GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) as well as SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders). Before joining the Chase Brexton team, she developed the capacity building program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s STAR TRACK Adolescent HIV program, providing cultural responsiveness trainings for agencies that serve sexual minority youth of color. Ms. Bishop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from Hiram College and a Masters in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.

The February 2020 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Black History Month | Mental Health: Resources to Prepare Educators | Prevention: Substance Use Prevention and Stopping the Spread of HIV/AIDS | ORN: One-year Extension.  Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.  Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.         

What is the Connection to Infectious Disease? What is the Connection to Opioid Misuse Prevention? What are the Shared Risk Factors? What Can We Do?  

Click the button below to view this webinar translated in Portuguese     ---This Webinar was in Spanish/Este seminario web fue en Español--- The National Hispanic and Latino Prevention Technology transfer Center (NHLPTTC), presented a webinar on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C, and Substance Abuse among the Latino Community. This seminar was offered free of charge and in Spanish. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), substance abuse, and the growing number of new cases of Hepatitis C are causing a severe health problem in Latino communities in the United States. During this webinar, we will discuss why this is a problem, the statistics, the advances in the area of ​​medicine to reduce and prevent new cases, the barriers faced by Latinos in trying to access medical and mental health care and the prevention efforts that are taking place.  --------------------------------------------------------- El Centro Hispano Latino de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica en Prevención (Centro Hispano Latino PTTC), le invita a nuestro seminario web sobre el El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), La Hepatitis C y el Abuso de Sustancias en la Comunidad Latina. Este seminario se ofrecerá en forma gratuita y en español. El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), el abuso de sustancias y el número creciente de nuevos casos de Hepatitis C está causando un grave problema de salud en las comunidades Latinas en los Estados Unidos. Durante este seminario web discutiremos porque esto un problema, las estadísticas, los avances en el área de la medicina para reducir y prevenir los casos, las barreras que enfrentan los Latinos al tratar de recibir cuidado médico y de salud mental y los esfuerzos de prevención que se están llevando a cabo. Esperamos contar con su participación. Presenter Clotilde “Coti” Perez-Espinoza Clotilde “Coti” Perez-Espinoza, nació en Lima, Perú y emigro a los Estados Unidos en 1986, se graduó en la Universidad de Alabama en Birmingham con un bachierato en Estudios Internacionales y Español. Mrs. Pérez se especializa en planificar e implementar programas de prevención y educación de HIV en comunidades Latinas y Afroamericanas. Ha trabajado como directora del programa ¡VIDA/LIFE¡ de VHI, Hepatitis C y Abuso de Sustancias en CETPA una organización sin fines de lucro que ofrece educación, tratamiento y prevención de las adicciones a la comunidad Latina. También ha trabajado con Positive Impact, El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fulton, el Centro Medico de la universidad de Alabama como Interprete Medico, y en este momento trabaja para la organización de prevención de violencia domestica PAV. Mrs. Pérez es parte de la Junta Directiva de Latino LinQ, una organización sin fines de lucro que provee enlaces y referidos a la comunidad Latina en áreas de salud y asistencia legal.