Products and Resources Catalog

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 5: Data Storytelling Josh Esrick, MPP March 15, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 5 COURSE DESCRIPTION Learn the crucial skill of turning raw data into compelling narratives. From structuring your story to visualizing data, this session will empower you to communicate your research findings in a way that captivates and resonates with your audience. PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.  

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 4: Environmental Scans and Asset Mapping Josh Esrick, MPP March 14, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 4 COURSE DESCRIPTION Navigate the landscape of environmental scans and asset mapping as a tool for getting to know your community, while also discovering assets that can be leveraged during the implementation and sustainability phases of your prevention efforts. PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.    

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 3: Formulating Questions Nicole Augustine, MPH, MCHES, CPS, and Kristen Kidd, MA, CPS March 13, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 3 COURSE DESCRIPTION Craft questions that go beyond the surface and extract meaningful information. Explore the art and science of question formulation, ensuring your queries lead to insightful responses. Community change and impact starts with being able to understand the root problem, so that we can work alongside communities to create solutions. PRESENTERS Nicole Augustine, MPH, MCHES, PS is the owner of RIZE Consultants, a business focused on providing consulting services to businesses and community organizations. Nicole received her B.A. in Sociology from Cornell University and her Master of Public Health from The George Washington University School of Public Health. Throughout her career in public health, she has focused her work on understanding health disparities and social inequality. She’s a passionate public health consultant with experience providing strategic planning services to address community substance misuse issues.   Kristin Kidd MA, CPS, is the Co-Coordinator of the Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) at Wake Forest University School of Medicine where she manages the Center’s training and technical assistance for the substance misuse prevention professionals. Her focus area is on environmental strategies, specifically local policy change. Kristin is also the Principle Investigator for the North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative which partners with nine NC community agencies to improve health disparities at the local level. Prior to her employment with Wake Forest, Kristin was the Director of the Tobacco Control Training and Technical Assistant Team at the Colorado School of Public Health in Denver. There her team was charged with providing state-wide advocacy and policy guidance to local health agencies to eliminate tobacco disparities. Kristin partnered with multiple Colorado communities to successfully pass local tobacco control policies such as retailer licensing and expanded smoke-free/vape-free ordinances.  

Lunch and Learn Series: Mastering Qualitative Research Skills Session 2: Facilitating One-on-One Interviews Dorothy Chaney March 12, 2024, 12:00pm-1:00pm EST The Central East & Southeast PTTCs are pleased to present this week-long Lunch & Learn Series in collaboration with the Southeast Regional SPTAC Team. OVERALL SERIES DESCRIPTION Embark on a transformative journey to master the art of qualitative research in our Lunch and Learn Series. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your research journey, these five one-hour sessions are designed to enhance your skills in facilitating focus groups, conducting one-on-one interviews, formulating insightful questions, navigating environmental scans and asset mapping, and finally, mastering the art of data storytelling. Join us as we explore the depths of qualitative research, equipping you with the tools and techniques to unlock valuable insights and tell compelling stories with your data. Session Description: Uncover the secrets of successful focus group facilitation in this session. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to managing group dynamics, learn the essentials of guiding discussions that yield valuable qualitative data. SERIES LEARNING OBJECTIVES Develop proficiency in facilitating focus groups and creating an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. Hone the art of conducting meaningful one-on-one interviews to elicit rich, detailed insights from participants. Acquire the skills to formulate thought-provoking questions that unveil deeper layers of understanding. Explore the methods of environmental scans and asset mapping to identify key factors influencing your research landscape. Master the craft of data storytelling, transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with your audience. SESSION 2 COURSE DESCRIPTION Dive into the art of conducting one-on-one interviews. Discover techniques for building rapport, active listening, and probing for deeper insights. This session will equip you with the skills to conduct impactful individual interviews. PRESENTERS Dorothy Chaney, M.Ed., is the Founder of Wisconsin Community Health Alliance, an organization committed to supporting coalitions, agencies, and individuals to improve the health of their communities and the environments in which they live. Dorothy is committed to equity in community health and works with communities both nationally and internationally to address health disparities and support the development of local solutions to complex problems. For more than 20 years, Dorothy has worked with community-based coalitions to address the impact of substance use on youth and families. Dorothy has also served on many state level work groups and advisory committees in Wisconsin. Chaney also works with communities to implement collective impact approaches to improve community health.

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.

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 27th 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!   

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.  

This one-page brief highlights some of the resources individuals can access to help them study for the IC&RC Prevention Certification exam. To learn more about the prevention certification requirements for your own state, visit the PTTC's Prevention Specialist Certification Requirements page.    

Syndemic Solutions Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW January 18, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION The term “syndemics” describes the relationship between two or more epidemics which often cluster together (e.g., substance misuse and HIV) and have shared social and environmental drivers. When these epidemics interact, they mutually exacerbate the negative effects of each condition, thereby worsening health outcomes. The syndemics framework recognizes the importance of addressing these interactions and seeks to implement a whole-person, integrated model of prevention and care in collaboration with other health care providers. These services focus on equity by putting people first and providing the services that people express interest in receiving. It also seeks to address shared population-level risk and protective factors that influence the co-occurring epidemics that can lead to health inequities. While the concepts of co-occurring epidemics and social determinants driving health outcomes are not new to the field of prevention, syndemics is an emerging framework that many prevention practitioners may be unfamiliar with. This 90-minute webinar will provide participants with an overview of the syndemics framework and its growing use in the field of prevention. It will explain the relationship between the syndemics framework and a public health approach to prevention, the importance of leveraging policy as a public health tool to address syndemic risk factors, and how to build collaborative partnerships between prevention professionals and other health-focused entities to better address syndemics. It will also review the importance of the social determinants of health to syndemics and recommend strategies to support the prevention workforce in improving health outcomes. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define the concept of the syndemics framework and provide examples of different syndemics Explain how the syndemics framework is interrelated with a public health approach to prevention and the social determinants of health Describe how partnerships and collaboration can help prevention professionals adopt the syndemics framework Identify opportunities for prevention professionals to address syndemics PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

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.  

This brief compares and contrasts the mission, services and audiences of the PTTC Network and SPTAC, and describes how to take advantage of their excellent free prevention resources.

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.  

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.    

Cultural Humility in Prevention: Integrating It into Our Work Josh Esrick, MPP, Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip, and Olivia Stuart, LMSW November 21, 2023, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Culture is integral to humanity, shaping who we are, what we value, and how we see the world. Because culture plays such an important role at all levels in society, it is important for prevention professionals to understand, value, and respect other cultures. The concept of “Cultural Humility” is a lifelong commitment to self-reflection about culture, addressing inequities, and developing non-paternalistic partnerships with communities. Prevention professionals should infuse the concepts of cultural humility into all aspects of their work. This webinar will describe the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics within prevention. It will review how these concepts intersect and how they build upon each other to work towards a more equitable field of prevention. It will also delve into how cultural humility fits into SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The webinar will discuss how the core tenants of cultural humility can be found across each step of the SPF and provide examples of how prevention professionals can incorporate cultural humility best practices into those steps. The webinar will also highlight a sample case study of a community seeking to incorporate the principles of cultural humility in its prevention services. Lastly, the webinar will describe how to adapt prevention programming using a cultural humility lens and provide examples of successfully adapted programs. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the relationships between cultural humility, social justice, and ethics in prevention Recognize how cultural humility is infused throughout the strategic prevention framework Compare an example scenario of cultural humility in action and accompanying case study Describe how to adapt programs using cultural humility PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.     Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.  

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.  

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 17th 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!   

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.      

Shanelle Moore recently completed the Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellowship Program which was established to focus on increasing the number of prevention scientists working within Black/African American communities. Shanelle represented the Mid-America PTTC through this process, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health from University of Missouri. Shanelle describes her purpose in life as being the voice for the underserved populations in the face of adversity.  She was born and raised in Chicago, IL. and since relocating to Columbia, MO she’s developed a love for helping people and found that to be her area of passion.  The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The Mission of the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is to address the need for greater equity and effectiveness in behavioral health services for African Americans. The center is determined to help transform behavioral health services for African Americans. To learn more visit - https://africanamericanbehavioralhealth.org View Shanelle's Paper  Read about Fellow Participants

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!   

The Central East Prevention Technology Transfer Center is excited to announce the 9th 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!   

In this Issue:   *New South Southwest PTTC Prevention Onboarding Roadmap Other PTTC Resources for Onboarding the New Prevention Professional Epi Corner: Using a Multi-faceted Approach to Adolescent Opioid Misuse and Overdose What's Happening Around the Region?

COURSE DESCRIPTION The product release of the Prevention Specialist Onboarding Roadmap webinar walks through the guide and discusses the importance of using an onboarding tool and how leaders can support new professionals entering the field of prevention. Select the View Resource button above to watch the recording and the Onboarding Roadmap and PowerPoint below. Onboarding Roadmap PowerPoint   PRESENTERS Derrick Newby began his work in prevention in 1997 after working as a veteran's counselor and advocate. Mr. Newby was drawn to the field of prevention in hopes of educating fellow veterans impacted by trauma about the impact of HIV and substance misuse to reduce the potential for negative future consequences.    For the past twenty years, Derrick has continued to work in the private and public sectors in fields affecting public health, family enrichment, community development, and prevention. He is currently serving as a T/TA Specialist with the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC HHS Region 6).   Sheila Boswell serves as the evaluation and design coordinator for the South Southwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (SSW PTTC). She writes, designs, and analyzes data for training and technical assistance (T/TA) reports and helps publicize services to optimize client relationships, engagement, and success with the center’s grant opportunities and T/TA. Her work plays a vital role in providing high- impact services to the prevention workforce, emerging prevention professionals, organizations, and community prevention stakeholders. During her ten years at the University of Oklahoma, Ms. Boswell has worked as an evaluator for state and federal programs that concentrate on mental health and substance misuse prevention. She communicates evaluation findings using graphics and data visualizations to inform decision-making. Through collaboration with her SSW PTTC team and partners, she focuses on creating deliverables that include the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion with a positive message to achieve successful program outcomes.          

Onboarding Roadmap Adapted from an onboarding document created by the New England PTTC, the South Southwest PTTC has developed a guide tailored for states, tribes, and communities in Region 6, which includes the 5 states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This new guide is intended to supplement program-specific training and give an overview of the prevention field to start preventionists on the road to success. The content is not specific to any one funding source or program and can be used by new preventionist working in any federal, state, tribal, or locally funded prevention project.