Products and Resources Catalog

The latest edition of our bi-monthly newsletter is available. This month’s edition features a PTTC network event "Climate Change from a Prevention Perspective", Exploring Root Causes of Substance Misuse through Stories, Alcohol Awareness Month and awareness campaigns for April, and regionally and nationally developed events and tools to support and grow the prevention workforce in New England. View the newsletter.

Understanding Addiction: Moving Throughout the Spectrum of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, PS-A, LSW April 3, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, we will review the Spectrum of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions with an emphasis on the transition from prevention to treatment. We will examine the signs and symptoms of substance use disorders through a review of the diagnostic criteria. We’ll look at how the brain is impacted by substance use and impairment at different developmental stages. Finally, we will discuss evidence-based Risk and Protective factors related to substance use and shared Risk and Protective factors. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify when my work as a prevention provider ends and referral to treatment begins. Recognize the diagnostic criteria, signs, and symptoms for substance use disorders. Identify a minimum of 3 Risk Factors for developing a substance use disorder and 3 Protective Factors for reducing the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Describe how the brain is impacted by substance use and impairment. PRESENTERS Robert Rogers, LADC, CCS, LSW, PS-A, has worked with youth and families throughout Somerset and Kennebec Counties since 1994.  Robert works for Kennebec Behavioral Health as Director of Substance Use Prevention and Grant Services. He worked with Somerset Public Health as the Drug-Free Communities Program Coordinator, completing ten years of coalition work.  Robert is a certified Prime for Life instructor and the State of Maine certified Responsible Beverage Seller trainer for the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations. Robert also coordinates Respect ME, a Certified Domestic Violence Intervention Program for female survivors of domestic violence who used resistive violence with their intimate partners.  Robert was appointed to the state Substance Abuse Service Commission, served by appointment on the state's Maine Opiate Collaborative Prevention and Harm Reduction team, served as Chair for the Maine Prevention Specialists Certification Board, and serves as a Maine representative on the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center’s Advisory Board.  Additionally, Robert is on the Board of Directors for AdCare of Maine and Sunset Home, a non-profit assisted living facility for older women in Waterville, Maine. Robert is an Adjunct Professor of Substance Use Prevention at the University of Maine at Farmington.  Most recently, Governor Mills appointed Robert to the State of Maine Board of Alcohol & Drug Counselors and serves as the board's Chair. In 2021, Robert was awarded the Neill E. Miner Memorial Prevention Award, and in 2014 was awarded Prevention Provider of the Year by the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse.  

  Social media can be a powerful tool in our substance misuse prevention work. The number of digital platforms continues to grow and the way they deliver content is ever-changing. Often, we have limited resources to implement social media plans. Competing priorities, minimal staff time, and an inability to keep up with the technology can make social media planning feel overwhelming. This 90-minute webinar will address ways to navigate these challenges. Join us to learn how to develop and implement manageable and effective social media plans. The session will introduce tools to help broaden reach and enhance engagement.  We will share tips for curating and creating engaging, original content for a variety of platforms. Additionally, we will explore ways to use social media advertising, scheduling, and insights.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Select practical tools, resources, and strategies to create social media content. Identify strategies to increase social media engagement and reach. Integrate social media plans as part of information dissemination, event promotion, and storytelling.   ACCESS OR DOWNLOAD SUPPORTING MATERIALS Presentation Recording, March 28, 2024 Presentation Slides, March 28, 2024 PreventionFIRST! Canva Content Creation handout  PreventionFIRST! Making Content Creation Easier handout PreventionFIRST! Social Media content planning template handout PreventionFIRST! Thought Questions/Social Media Planning Strategies handout   PRESENTER:  Jennifer Bierer, BA Jennifer Bierer is the Director of Communications at PreventionFIRST!  At PreventionFIRST! Jennifer leads social media, public relations, and marketing strategies and coordinates problem gambling prevention strategies. Additionally, she provides training and technical assistance on sustainable, realistic communication strategies for community organizations and prevention professionals. She serves as a board member for the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. Jennifer is passionate about public health and has extensive health promotion experience in the areas of chronic diseases, obesity, traffic-related deaths/injuries, mental health, and substance use/misuse. She has also developed marketing strategies and branding for several worker-owned businesses. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts in communication and public relations from Xavier University and is currently working on her Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist credential. Her life outside of work is filled with houseplants, home improvements, furry friends, human friends, family, and three college-age sons.   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.

The Fundamentals of Understanding and Using Data in Prevention Part 3: DIY Data for Prevention Professionals Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C, and Robin Carr, PS-C February 29, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Looking for tips and tricks on how to present your data in a way that catches people’s attention and is easily understood? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the Five C’s of Data: Chart, Color, Context, Clutter, and Composition. Through 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. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Choose the most effective chart for their data Use color for emphasis and action Show data in context for maximum (and realistic) impact Reduce clutter so data insights can be easily understood PRESENTERS Jamie Comstock, MURP, PS-C and Robin Carr, PS-C 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’ 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. They’ve presented at the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America’s Leadership Forum, the Maine Public Health Association Annual Meeting, the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, the New England School of Best Practices, and provided training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations throughout New England. They have been featured on the Organizing for Change podcast and have an on-demand webinar available through the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center.  

Webinar Description Tailored for early career practitioners looking to elevate their prevention practice, this session explored the foundational prevention competencies that every prevention professional should build toward, where to find professional development opportunities to support growing those capacities, and best practices for planning your personal approach to professional development. Appropriate for individuals intending to pursue prevention certification, are seeking career advancement or simply want to improve their skills and abilities. Our presenters shared practical insights and valuable resources to support the professional development journey. Session Learning Objectives included: Defining key foundational competencies important for early prevention practitioners to develop Listing sources (e.g., organizations, websites) providing professional development opportunities for prevention professionals Describing the process for developing a personal approach to professional development   Presenter Information Sandra Puerini Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS is a consultant and master trainer in behavioral health and strategic planning for states and non profits. For over thirty five years, Ms. Del Sesto has provided training throughout the United States in all areas of prevention practice. She is a member of the advisory boards of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), the National Latino PTTC and the New England School of Addiction Studies. Sandra serves as the RI delegate to the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Jessica Goldberg is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with Education Development Center. For over a decade, Jess has specialized in building capacity to improve behavioral health at the national, state, regional and local levels. Her areas of expertise include preventing youth substance use; promoting cross sector collaborations; addressing health disparities; strategic planning, logic model development, and sustainability planning. Jess is a Certified Prevention Specialist and holds an MSW and an MPH from Boston University.   Additional Documents PowerPoint Flyer Personal Professional Development Action Plan Starter

Advancing Health Equity through the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF): A Lunch & Learn Series   The Southeast & Central East PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. This interactive webinar series offers new and experienced prevention professionals an opportunity to explore comprehensive prevention planning with a Health Equity lens. Sessions include dynamic breakout room discussions, resource sharing, and networking opportunities between prevention professionals from regions 3 and 4.   Supplemental Resources: SPF and Health Equity: Lunch & Learn Series Workbook   Learning Objectives: Describe the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and its key components Explain the importance incorporating health equity into the SPF process Identify strategies for assessing community needs and health disparities Develop a plan to build capacity for implementing the SPF with a focus on health equity Apply the SPF to develop and implement a comprehensive prevention plan that addresses health disparities Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention efforts and their impact on health equity Identify strategies for sustaining prevention efforts that prioritize health equity   Presenter: Nicole M Augustine, MPH, MCHES, PS Region 3 and 4 SPTAC Director   Watch Sessions On-Demand Session 1 – Assessment & Health Equity Download Session 1 Presentation Slides This session provided an overview of the SPF and its key components, with a particular focus on the assessment phase. Participants learned how to conduct a community needs assessment that identifies health disparities and inequities that need to be addressed in prevention planning.   Session 2 – Capacity & Health Equity Download Session 2 Presentation Slides In this session, participants learned how to build capacity for implementing the SPF with a focus on health equity. Topics covered included developing partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders, and building a culture of health equity within organizations.   Session 3 – Planning & Health Equity Download Session 3 Presentation Slides This session focused on the planning phase of the SPF and how to incorporate health equity considerations into prevention planning. Participants learned how to prioritize prevention strategies that address health disparities and involve diverse communities in prevention planning.   Session 4 – Implementation & Health Equity Download Session 4 Presentation Slides In this session, participants will learn how to implement prevention strategies that prioritize health equity. Topics covered will include adapting evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of diverse communities, addressing social determinants of health, and building community capacity for prevention. Session 5 – Evaluation and Health Equity Download Session 5 Presentation Slides This session will cover the evaluation phase of the SPF and how to assess the impact of prevention efforts on health equity. Participants will also learn how to assess the cultural appropriateness of evaluation tools, use data to monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust prevention efforts as needed.

Promoting Prevention by Understanding the Who, What, and Why of Psychostimulant Use   The rise of psychostimulant use over the past several years has contributed to significant negative consequences in mental health, medical, and social outcomes among communities. These outcomes are further exacerbated by the structural and systemic drivers of social determinants of health. Addressing stimulant use disorder must take into consideration the interaction of these factors in a comprehensive, public health approach to treatment. Ultimately, prevention efforts may be enhanced through understanding of the specific nuances of stimulant users and their particular vulnerabilities. Thank you to the Opioid Response Network for their collaboration on this webinar.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides   Learning Objectives: Summarize the types of psychostimulants, common routes of use, and epidemiology of stimulant users. Describe the intersection of social determinants of mental health with stimulant use in the creation of health disparities among vulnerable populations. Identify outreach strategies for engaging communities and promoting prevention efforts among stimulant users.   Presenter: Dr. Daryl Shorter is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is Board Certified in both General and Addiction Psychiatry. A graduate of Rice University (BA Sociology) and Baylor College of Medicine (MD), Dr. Shorter completed General Psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center and Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at New York University/Langone Medical Center. Dr. Shorter is an Associate Professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of Addictions and Recovery Services at the Menninger Clinic as well as the Program Director of the BCM Addiction Psychiatry fellowship. Dr. Shorter is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focusing on medication treatment of substance use disorders and addictions training in graduate medical education. Along with former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, Dr. Shorter is the co-host of The Recovery Playbook, a video podcast which tackles current issues in addictions treatment, breaks down the science behind addiction medicine, and challenges stigma. In addition to his work at Menninger, Dr. Shorter is the psychiatrist of record at The Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health and Community Center, where he supervises Addiction Psychiatry fellows who provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. He speaks widely, both in person and virtually, on topics related to mental health, the LGBTQ+ community, and addictions treatment. His monthly column in the Outsmart Magazine is widely read and serves as a platform to discuss the promotion of mental well-being among members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Grant Writing Series 2024 – From Basics to Application Part 3: Common Grant Sections Dan Webb, PhD January 23, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will learn about the most common grant application sections and how to address them. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explore some of the most common sections in grant applications Learn best practices for gathering data and making a compelling case for your community Develop skills for action planning PRESENTERS Dan Webb, PhD, is co-owner of Catalyst Research, LLC and Catalyst Insight, LLC. Dan has over eighteen years of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.  

Grant Writing Series 2024 – From Basics to Application Part 2: Getting Your Grant Started Dan Webb, PhD January 16, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will learn how to read a grant announcement and create a plan for responding to a request for proposals (RFP). LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learn how to determine eligibility for grant funding Explore best practices for building a grant writing team Tips and tricks for making the grant writing process smooth PRESENTERS Dan Webb, PhD, is co-owner of Catalyst Research, LLC and Catalyst Insight, LLC. Dan has over eighteen years of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.  

  The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), in partnership with ACF, developed a youth facing/youth developed digital platform resource.   Help young men develop good mental health practices. Share the latest resource from We Think Twice™, designed to encourage self-awareness and offer a set of tools for managing mental health. Please adapt the background information and social media posts to connect this mental health resource with those who need it.  

Grant Writing Series 2024 – From Basics to Application Part 1: Introduction to Grant Writing Dan Webb, PhD January 9, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION In this session, participants will learn introductory elements of grant writing. This session will introduce participants to grant terminology, where to find grant opportunities, and how to read grant announcements. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Review commonly used grant terminology Discuss how and where to find grant opportunities appropriate for your organization Explore next steps when finding an application that is of interest PRESENTERS Dan Webb, PhD, is co-owner of Catalyst Research, LLC and Catalyst Insight, LLC. Dan has over eighteen years of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.  

  Sustainability is one of the overarching principles of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). It sits in the middle of the Framework touching every step of the SPF. Yet we often fail to consider sustainability in our daily work. Sustainable, community-driven, outcome-focused substance misuse prevention isn’t built in the last 6 months of a grant cycle. Creating sustainable prevention happens every day, in every step of the SPF process. In this 90-minute webinar, we will explore how to build sustainability into each step of the SPF process through our daily prevention work.   PRESENTATION SLIDES AND HANDOUT:  Printable Presentation Slides  Printable Handout    LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define sustainability Describe how sustainability is woven into each step of the SPF process List the “everyday” tasks associated with building sustainable substance misuse prevention programs   PRESENTER: Erin Ficker, MPAff, CSPS Erin Ficker serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC. For more than 16 years, Erin has worked in substance abuse prevention supporting communities to use evidence-based strategies and data-driven processes in substance abuse prevention planning and implementation.  She works with community-level prevention practitioners and schools in the development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of prevention interventions.

Pre-Session Learning Activity: 30 minutes In-Class Learning Activity: 30 minutes Instructor Packet Student Packet Slide Deck   Purpose To enable students to understand the significance of substance use prevention, categorize prevention approaches, understand the spectrum of behavioral health care services, and apply the concepts through individual and interactive activities.   Learning Objectives Categorize the four types of behavioral health services by each of the Spectrum of Mental Emotional and Behavioral Health. Characterize Universal, Selective, and Indicated prevention services through an application activity.    

COURSE DESCRIPTION Whether you're a seasoned facilitator looking to refine your expertise, or beginning your journey as a trainer, this program is your gateway to excellence. Select Download at the top of the page to access the PowerPoint for the Art and Science of Facilitation training.  Marie Lindquist is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC). In that role, she builds the management skills of professionals through training and certification programs. In addition to leading the organization, Lindquist serves as the director of the Certified Group Facilitator Program. She teaches group facilitation, meeting facilitation, and strategic planning.    

  Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 2 November 28, 2023   Description During this 90-minute skill-building session, participants will receive a recap from part one of the series and then dive into the importance of clearly understanding how the logic model is dependent on a clear and articulate theory of change. Using real-world examples from the Pacific Southwest PTTC region, participants will learn to determine if a logic model effectively incorporates a theory of change into its design. Then, during breakout sessions, the participants will be able to use their own program’s logic model or utilize an example provided, to develop their own 90-second “elevator speech” related to the theory of change.    Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:  Explore where the theory of change is embedded into a logic model. Compare different logic model's use of a theory of change. Articulate a theory of change.   Learning Session Recording and Slides Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 2 Recording Logic Models and the Theory of Change, Part 2 Slide Deck (PDF)   Presenter Kyle Barrington, Ph.D., serves as the Principal Investigator on multiple projects related to substance abuse misuse, substance abuse treatment, and suicide prevention. For the past 23 years, as the Principal Investigator for Zajonc Corporation, he has served as a subject matter expert and supported the development of training on topics ranging from implementing evidence-based programs, using evidence-based programs to reduce risk-taking behaviors on college campuses, sustaining effective practices, and evaluating environmental strategies. In addition, he has utilized research results to help secure over $650 million in funding for rural and low-income communities.    Questions Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this learning session.

Empowering Prevention Professionals: A Deep Dive into Certification, Equity, and Essential Resources   Join the Southeast PTTC for this transformative webinar that unravels the pivotal role of certification for prevention professionals. In this session, we addressed the stark realities of pay equity and the hurdles many face in the path to certification. Dive deep into the state-specific requirements and arm yourself with the tools to make your journey smoother. As a highlight, we were joined by Nicole M Augustine, who shared a comprehensive study guide tailored for aspirants and introduced the Southeast PTTC’s enriching online course available on HealtheKnowledge that encapsulates the foundational performance domains integral to the certification test. This session also included a robust Q&A session where attendees clarified their questions and began a successful career trajectory in prevention.   Supplemental Resources: Webinar Workbook Presentation Slides Community Coalition Alliance Training Worksheet   Learning Objectives: Recognize the significance of certification in shaping a prevention professional’s career and its implications on pay equity. Identify the common challenges faced by professionals in obtaining certification and strategies to overcome them. Gain clarity on the varying certification prerequisites and procedures across different states. Familiarize oneself with the newly released study guide tailored to assist professionals in their certification journey. Understand the structure and content of the HealtheKnowledge online course which provides an overview of the pivotal performance domains essential for the test. Engage in a Q&A session to address individual concerns, doubts, and curiosities regarding the certification process and the resources available.    Presenter: Nicole M. Augustine, Founder & CEO of RIZE Consultants, Inc. Nicole M Augustine is the founder and CEO of RIZE Consultants. With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, Nicole is a seasoned strategist and advisor who has helped numerous companies across various sectors achieve their goals and grow their businesses. Her expertise includes business planning, strategic management, financial analysis, and organizational development, all while centering health equity and ensuring vulnerable communities have the resources they need to thrive. Nicole is a dedicated and driven leader who is passionate about helping her clients succeed. In addition to managing RIZE Consultants, Nicole serves as an Advanced Implementation Specialist with the Opioid Response Network and a consultant to the Prevention Technology Transfer Center.

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!

Practical Skills in Prevention: A Series Focused on Soft Skills When it comes to building workforce capacity, some fields overlook the importance of practical or “soft skills” as they are not as tangible as technical or “hard skills.” Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others. Soft skills are transferable, and useful in every domain of life. Soft skills enable you to collaborate, build relationships, and enhance productivity. For prevention professionals, strong communication skills instill confidence to engage with communities, foster meaningful connections and strengthen relationships. Developing soft skills may take time but is essential for advancing in the modern prevention workforce.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides Leading Community Change Handout (Prosper & Partners) Discussion Prompts for Leading Community Change Worksheet (Prosper & Partners)   Session 2: Contagious Leadership! If there is such a thing? Join us for an engaging webinar addressing burnout and high turnover in the prevention field. Prevention leaders face the challenge of attracting and retaining talented professionals in a competitive job market, where expectations are ever-changing. This interactive webinar covered the transformational leadership model and how it can improve team morale and personnel retention. Participants had the opportunity to discuss a case study, which allowed them to actively apply the leadership model and explore its potential applicability within their own work context.   Learning Objectives: Explore the challenges of retaining prevention professionals Define transformative leadership  Brainstorm strategies to motivate and engage prevention professionals   Presenter: Colber Prosper, M.S. Colber Prosper, M.S., is the CEO of Prosper & Partners International Consulting Firm, LLC and authored the book title, No Entry Examining the Powers that Undermine our Full Potential. Colber is an expert in various areas like education, organizational development, community public health and prevention. However, all of this work is centered around building community and creating inclusive spaces for all. He is passionate about spirituality, social justice, humans and South Florida sport teams.  

Prevention Spotlight: Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) November 8, 2023   Webinar Description Empoderando Familias (EF- Empowering Families)- when translating materials isn’t enough.  Equitable access to substance use prevention education plays a vital role in prevention work, but it is not easy.  Are you a coalition looking for another way of engaging with Latinx Populations?  Are you a prevention program having minimal success with Latinx populations and need some guidance? In this session, the EF team will discuss the innovative techniques and methods EF used to mobilize support from Latinx communities. Webinar Objectives In this webinar, participants will: Identify at least two (2) effective strategies for increasing participation from Latinx families. Understand the critical role that community plays in developing strategies. Identify at least one (1) factor, which underlies and contributes to non-participation from Latinx Families.   Webinar Recording and Slides Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) Recording Empoderando Familias - When Translation isn’t Enough - A Guide on How to Succeed with Latinx Communities (English) slide deck (PDF)   Presenters Trevor Higgins, MHPE Trevor Higgins, MHEP, is a Senior Program Planner in Clackamas County Oregon and is the Founder and Chair of the Empoderando Familias Planning Committee (EF). Trevor is a first generation Portuguese and is bilingual. Before coming to Oregon, Trevor worked in Washington as an Opioid Task Force Coordinator and in Utah as a prevention unit supervisor.  Trevor credits his time as a prevention unit supervisor in Utah as the place where he truly learned how to utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework to move communities towards action. Michelle Kutnyak, MPH, CPH Michelle is the Prevention and Policy Coordinator with the Vibrant Future Coalition. Her role involves coalition building, community outreach, and policy, emphasizing youth substance use prevention in Clackamas County. Michelle is passionate about the wellbeing of Clackamas County’s youth and believes that the best approach to substance use prevention and treatment involves community-wide efforts with an emphasis on the social determinants of health. Michelle received her B.S. in Public Health from Oregon State University and a Master’s of Public Health from the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State School of Public Health, with a concentration in Health Systems & Policy.  Briana Correa, MSW Briana Correa has her master’s degree in social work. Her professional background in using evidence-based approaches that will fit the best need for everyone, family, and communities. Being in the field for 5 years consists in working with children, adolescents, and families. Briana has worked in many communities supporting diverse and underserved populations. Briana always believes in putting together different jigsaw pieces that form a solution. The pieces include unique experiences, strengths, resources and skills of the adolescents, families, and the community, which they live in.  Briana is a first generation chicana that was raised in rural Oregon. She is a founding member of the Terrible Trio. Clair Raujol Clair Raujol-She/Her, Portland-native, go Grant Generals! I am the Big Village Coalition Director and my role is to assist our membership in developing and achieving their annual goals. I live on a small hobby farm in the metro area where my family raises sheep, mini cows and more chickens than can be counted. I enjoy spending time with my husband and obsessing over my border collie, Adley. Questions Contact Kathy Gardner ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Practical Skills in Prevention: A Series Focused on Soft Skills When it comes to building workforce capacity, some fields overlook the importance of practical or “soft skills” as they are not as tangible as technical or “hard skills.” Soft skills are abilities that relate to how you work and interact with others. Soft skills are transferable, and useful in every domain of life. Soft skills enable you to collaborate, build relationships, and enhance productivity. For prevention professionals, strong communication skills instill confidence to engage with communities, foster meaningful connections and strengthen relationships. Developing soft skills may take time but is essential for advancing in the modern prevention workforce.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides Exploratory Questions to Increase Contact Worksheet (Prosper & Partners) Identifying Group Belonging Worksheet (Prosper & Partners)   Session 1: Nurturing a Sense of Belonging The goal of this webinar is to explore the concept of belonging in our communities and its application in the prevention field. Dr. Kelly-Ann writes that a sense of belonging, "is a fundamental human need that predicts numerous mental, physical, social, economic and behavior outcomes." If this is true, do we have a responsibility to make sure everyone in our communities feels like they belong? What's the individual community member's responsibility? This interactive session explored these questions and how forms of exclusion can lead to substance use/misuse. Participants were placed in breakout groups to discuss and brainstorm strategies to recruit and retain diverse community members to lead prevention initiatives.   Learning Objectives: Define what is meant by "a sense of belonging" Analyze past recruitment and retention efforts and their effectiveness  Design a preliminary recruitment action plan   Presenter: Colber Prosper, M.S. Colber Prosper, M.S., is the CEO of Prosper & Partners International Consulting Firm, LLC and authored the book title, No Entry Examining the Powers that Undermine our Full Potential. Colber is an expert in various areas like education, organizational development, community public health and prevention. However, all of this work is centered around building community and creating inclusive spaces for all. He is passionate about spirituality, social justice, humans and South Florida sport teams.      

Recording: A Focus on Coalition Best Practices      This 90-minute webinar will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of how and why we use coalitions in substance misuse prevention efforts. We will focus on research-based best practices for coalition functioning, structure, membership, and leadership.  Participants will engage in discussion on their experiences, successes, and challenges in community coalition work in their area.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Define coalitions Describe why coalitions are essential to prevention List research-based best practices for coalitions Understand the importance of a diverse coalition that reflects the community population     PRESENTERS:  Erin Ficker Erin Ficker serves as a prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC. For more than 16 years, Erin has worked in substance abuse prevention supporting communities to use evidence-based strategies and data-driven processes in substance abuse prevention planning and implementation.  She works with community level prevention practitioners and schools in the development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of prevention interventions. Michelle Majeres  Michelle Majeres 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 Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 13th episode of our weekly podcast: Walking in Wellness. This series is dedicated to empowering prevention professionals like you with the mindset and skill set necessary to prioritize wellness...every day. This weekly podcast can be accessed via Soundcloud or Spotify. Be sure to follow or subscribe to have episodes delivered weekly!   

Webinar: Honoring Culture in Prevention - Cultural Interactions, Awareness, & Responsiveness Training   The goal of this webinar is to increase prevention professionals' understanding of how cultural humility and cultural standards can improve interactions with a variety of audiences. Participants will explore cultural humility and how to apply it, and the National Enhanced CLAS Standards (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care), in their profession.   Supplemental Resources: Presentation Slides An Implementation Checklist for the National CLAS Standards National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) in Health and Health Care CLAS ACTION PLANNING Worksheet   Learning Objectives: To apply cultural humility and the National Enhanced CLAS Standards (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care). Practice methods to overcome hurdles and avoid misunderstanding in cross-cultural communication, service delivery, and community engagement.   Presenter: Michael Browning, nationally recognized public health and Substance Abuse Disorder program developer, policy analyst, and trainer, has a passion for constituent-led community advocacy. He has provided support to several governmental agencies by providing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention proven practices in capability building, training, and day-to-day technical assistance to assist the departments in planning, grantee support and technical assistance and community engagement. Including and not limited to: US Federal government, State of California, District of Columbia, Atlanta, County of Los Angeles, Kern County, the County of San Bernardino, and other CA counties. He is a proven grant writer and program developer. He was a senior administrative analyst for the University of California, Berkeley - Institute for the Study of Social Change (now: Institute for the Study of Societal Issues, Prevention by Design. He is currently the Interim president of the Insight Center for Community economic Development. Browning was an executive director of a non-profit community coalition and deputy director at another. He has over 35 years of local, state, and national substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and tobacco control and prevention, early intervention and treatment, youth services, community organization, early childhood education, violence prevention, HIV/AIDS, public health, cultural proficiency development, program planning, development and evaluation, public policy advocacy, and strategic planning experience. His former employers include community-based programs in Pasadena, Inglewood, Los Angeles, and Michigan. Browning provided direct support to President Jimmy Carter’s “The Atlanta Project” and the Hilton Foundation’s Project Alert. Browning was a master trainer at CADCA for over 20 years. He is the former president of the Van Nuys Neighborhood Council, member of LAPD’s Van Nuys Division Community Police Advisory Board, health chair of the San Fernando Valley NAACP, and chair of the USC COVID-19 Community Advisory Board. Browning is a graduate of the University of Southern California and was a fellow at Boston University.

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The November 2023 issue honors National Native American Heritage Month, National Homelessness Awareness Month, and a brand-new Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy intensive technical assistance opportunity. 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!