Services and Workshops Offered

Prevention Rocks! (Plenary) (1-1.5 hours)

Prevention has often been referred to as “fluff,” ineffective, and unnecessary.  There are assumptions about prevention, both positive and negative.  This session will discuss the importance of prevention as an integral part of the spectrum of addiction and mental health services.  Objectives include:  1) defining prevention and behavioral health promotion, 2) discussing the role of prevention in addiction services, and 3) discussing the importance of prevention certification and a competent prevention workforce.

Supervision of the Prevention Specialist (3 hours)

As an advancing field of professional service, substance abuse prevention is expanding through levels of certification and through concurrent initiatives with behavioral health.  As the certification process advances in states, jurisdictions and tribes, there is little to no training specifically for supervising prevention staff.  The basic goals of supervision of the prevention specialist are to assure the delivery of high-quality interventions, create a positive work environment, and develop staff professional and administrative skills.  This session will discuss characteristics of effective supervisors, the prevention supervisor job description, and supervision tools.

Ethics for the Prevention Professional (6 hours)

“Ethics for the Prevention Professional” is designed specifically for the behavioral health promotion and substance abuse prevention professional and fulfills the Prevention Specialist credential ethics requirement. This workshop will improve the understanding of and ability to apply a set of accepted standards/principles that guide the behaviors and actions of both individuals and organizations working in the prevention profession. The principles in the Prevention Code of Ethical Conduct articulate the prevention professional’s recognition of responsibilities to the public, to service recipients, and to colleagues.  This workshop will introduce a decision-making model which will assist the prevention professional in making difficult ethical decisions.

Basic Prevention Ethics:  A Refresher (3 hours)

The goal of this workshop is to provide a refresher for those prevention specialists who have already fulfilled their 6-hour requirement but would benefit from a review and update of basic prevention ethics concepts.  Emphasis will be placed on the principles of non-discrimination and competence.  Participants will review ethics in the field of prevention, describe the key elements of the Prevention Code of Ethics, apply a 4-step ethical decision-making process, and apply the Ethical Decision-making model to a case study.

Certified Prevention Specialist Exam Preparation Course (6 hours)

The Prevention Specialist Exam Preparation Course will assist in preparing participants to study for and subsequently take the prevention specialist exam.  This course covers the requirements and application process to become a Certified Prevention Specialist.   The workshop presenter will discuss the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), authors of the exam, how the exam was developed, and how it is conducted.  The workshop presenters will identify the domains and tasks covered in the new exam, study resources, the types of questions that are on the exam and tips for studying and taking the exam.  There will be an opportunity to establish a study group.  This course will NOT cover exam content.

Social Determinants of Mental Health (3 hours)

An examination of the social determinants of mental health reveals that some persons are at risk of mental illness and substance use disorders because of unfavorable social, economic and environmental circumstances.  These disadvantages are cumulative, beginning at birth and remaining throughout life.  The World Health Organization has published key findings and recommendations to bring awareness to the issue of social health disparities.  This workshop will discuss the interacting forces that help shape individual and population-level mental health and well-being, including employment, food, access to and quality of health care, education, income, environment, social isolation, housing, and adverse childhood experiences.  Social health disparities can extend across the life-span, beginning with exposure to risk factors from formative stages and decades beyond.  The World Health Organization proposes that actions and policies addressing the problem need to be universal and inclusive, yet proportional to the need.  This workshop will discuss the key messages and actions to reduce the risk of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders proposed by the World Health Organization and other resources.

Opioids:  The Making of a Crisis (3 hours)

The opioid epidemic has caught the country off guard, draining resources which were designed to address the problem.  Alarmed federal and state agencies are scrambling to address the problem.  But it is the communities that have borne the brunt of the opioid crisis.  Communities blame the pharmaceutical companies that have, since the 1980s, promoted opioids as a panacea for relieving pain.  This workshop informs participants about the various forms of narcotics and opioids, their prevalence, effects on the physical and psychological well-being of users.  This workshop examines the events that contributed to the crisis, and failed attempts to deal with it.

Marijuana:  The Science and Society (1.5 hours)

With the decriminalization and legalization of possession of medicinal and retail marijuana in many jurisdictions, our society’s norms are more tolerant and permissive of its use.  Research is being conducted that is documenting the harmful short term and long term effects on the brain and behavior.  This workshop will discuss the basic structure and development of the human brain, the effects of marijuana on the brain, and the risk of mental illness with early and chronic marijuana use.  Media messages and their influence regarding the normalization of marijuana use will be discussed, as well as issues of the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana.

Vaping:  The New Social Phenomenon (1.5 hours)

Recent research has found that the use of e-cigarettes among youth surpasses the use of tobacco cigarettes for the first time, and that teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to initiate the use of combustible tobacco.  Youth are exposed to e-cigarette advertising from multiple sources, including advertising in retail stores, the internet, movies, and newspapers and magazines.  Policies have been enacted by airlines, city governments, the State of Texas, and the FDA regulating the use of e-cigarettes.  This workshop discusses the mechanics of electronic cigarettes, various e-liquids and the comparison of toxicants emitted by smoking combustible tobacco versus e-cigarette aerosol.  Perceived benefits of vaping such as use as an aid to quit smoking, adverse effects of vaping, and risk of fires, explosions and other battery-related malfunctions will be discussed.  Finally, the emergence of electronic cigarettes have given marijuana smokers a new method of inhaling cannabinoids and other types of psychoactive drugs.  The workshop will discuss perceived benefits of vaping over smoking marijuana, and the methods of vaping ground marijuana head tops, cannabis wax (BHO) or cannabis e-liquid.  The new culture of vaping can weaken the efficiency of anti-smoking campaigns.  New technology can attract young people and thwart cannabis prevention efforts.  Prevention specialists must encounter this new social phenomenon with eyes wide open.

The Truth About Prescription Drugs:

The prescription drug epidemic has caught the country off guard, draining resources which were designed to address the problem.  Alarmed federal and state agencies are scrambling to address the problem.  But it is the communities that have borne the brunt of the prescription drug crisis.  Communities blame the pharmaceutical companies that have, since the 1980s, promoted prescription drugs as a panacea for relieving pain.  This workshop informs participants about the various forms of prescription drugs, their prevalence, and strategies for preventing use.

Media as a Risk Factor  (3 hours)

Using humor and drama, this workshop will show how media condition people from birth to adopt reactive, compulsive behaviors that can lead to risky lifestyles and use of drugs.  Three media techniques which can be used to prevent drug use/misuse among young people will be discussed.  Media literacy is about giving people the skills and knowledge to analyze media messages critically and to become smart consumers.  Media advocacy is the strategic use of media as a resource for advancing a social or public policy initiative.  Social norms marketing is a strategy used to promote healthy behavior and attempts to change perceptions of how much alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs peers use.

Sustainability: When the Grant Goes Away (1.5 hours)

Most of the funding for prevention programming comes from federal, state and local government grants.  Often local foundations and businesses contribute financial support for programs aligned with their interests and goals.  Inevitably the funding comes to an end, although the problem does not go away.  Organizations must constantly pursue funding streams in order to sustain the level of services they are committed to.   Planning for sustainability must begin at the onset of the development of a program or strategy and continue throughout the implementation and evaluation of all activities.  This workshop will discuss predictors and barriers to sustainability, and strategies to ensure the continuation positive outcomes.

Keeping up with Change:  The Evolving Role of the Prevention Specialist (1.5 – 3 HOURS)

The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) recently introduced the new 2013 Prevention Specialist Job Task Analysis (JTA), including the six domains, tasks associated with those domains, and references utilized to create a new exam.  A new set of minimum standards was adopted, based on a survey of over 600 prevention specialists.  This workshop will discuss the new JTA and will provide an overview of the inclusion of Behavioral Health Promotion in the scope of services provided by substance abuse prevention specialists.  Learning objectives include:  1) becoming familiar with the new Prevention Specialist Job Task Analysis, minimum standards and exam, 2) discussing the core competencies required of Certified Prevention Specialists, and 3) understanding how Behavioral Health Promotion is now included in the scope of services provided by substance abuse prevention specialists.

A Qualified Workforce:  Core Competencies for Prevention Specialists (1.5 – 3 HOURS)

A profession arises when the trade or occupation transforms itself through the development of formal qualifications based upon education, apprenticeship, and examinations.  This workshop is designed to accomplish four objectives: understand how a field professionalizes its workforce, understand the type and value of competency standards in the substance abuse prevention field, understand what constitutes a prevention specialist’s scope of work, and identify additional professional development opportunities including prevention certification and graduate degree programs for prevention practitioners.

Substance Abuse Prevention:  Strategies for Living in the World of Behavioral Health (1.5 – 3 hours)

Behavioral health must be a part of effective community prevention and treatment service systems that seek to produce positive health outcomes.  Behavioral health promotion is the focus of federal agencies, which face budget deficits and need to maximize the effect of funding dollars in the face of existing and emerging factors that impact health care.  This workshop will define key terms inherent in the new health care initiatives, describe the six 2015-2018 SAMHSA Strategic Initiatives, their prevention implications and their relationship to prevention of substance abuse, and outline the key concepts of the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report, Preventing Mental, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People, and its implications for prevention practice. Participants will be able to identify three possible outcomes for prevention in a health care reform environment, and list three actions to take to prepare for the changing environment of behavioral health.

True Colors (3 or 6 hours)

True Colors™ was created as a metaphor to translate complicated personality and learning theory into practical information we can all understand and use.  It is an easy and entertaining way to become competent in understanding others and ourselves.  By valuing our diversity, we can create unity.  This workshop requires purchase of the Keys to Success booklet.

The benefits of this knowledge are incredible!

  • It provides us with an opportunity to open our hearts and minds to our own potential.
  • It helps us recognize and encourage potential in others.
  • It teaches us to bridge the gaps in communications, leading to respect and compassion for others and ourselves
  • It opens doors to successful relationships and a climate for effective teamwork.

OK Boomer! Risk and Protective Factors for Older Adults (1.5 – 3 hours)

The first wave of Baby Boomers is now entering retirement age and for the next twenty years, the United States will have a major shift in population demographics.  This workshop defines ageism and discusses the stereotyping and history of the treatment of older adults and related risk and protective factors.  It also discusses the growing demographic of older adults in America, elder abuse issues, protective legislation, and the future financial situation of retirees.

Changing Community Conditions through Public Policy (3 HOURS)

Public policy and environmental conditions conducive to health and well-being are fundamental components of substance abuse prevention.  Prevention Specialists should advocate for environmental strategies that empower individuals and systems to create conditions that promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors.  Public Policy and Environmental Change is one of the IC&RC Prevention Specialist domains and comprises approximately 12% of the questions on the Certified Prevention Specialist exam.  This workshop will discuss the tasks associated with advocating for effective public policy and environmental change and resources for study.  Learning objectives include: 1) becoming familiar with resources, training and consultation that promote environmental change, 2) learning how to use media strategies to support policy change efforts in the community, and 3) learning about enforcement initiatives that affect environmental change.

Organizing the Community for Prevention (1.5 – 3 HOURS)

An understanding of community organizing is something that every Prevention Specialist should possess.  Effective prevention requires the support of the target community, knowledge of the demographics and norms of the community, and formation of strategic alliances.  Community organizing is one of the IC&RC Prevention Specialist domains and comprises approximately 15% of the questions on the Certified Prevention Specialist exam.  This workshop will discuss the tasks associated with community organizing and resources for study. Learning objectives include:  1) becoming familiar with tasks associated with community organizing, 2)  learning how to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in prevention planning activities, and 3) learning how to build community ownership of activities by collaborating in planning, implementing and evaluating prevention strategies.

Alcohol and Drug Effects on the Brain (1.5 ATOD-specific hours)

This workshop examines the basic structure and function of the human brain, and how we are wired for survival based upon reward.  There is discussion about how alcohol, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens and marijuana intoxicate and affect the brain long term and how they change our behavior.

  • Examine the basic structure and function of the human brain
  • Learn how alcohol, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens and marijuana intoxicate the brain
  • Learn the behavioral correlates of these different drugs.

Cultural Competency and Inclusion (3 hours)

This workshop defines key concepts related to cultural competence and inclusion, describes the importance of cultural competency and inclusion to successful prevention practice, identifies the sources of attitudes and values about substance use and abuse, and identifies skills that enhance cultural competency and inclusion.

Collective Efficacy:  Creating a Community Collaboration (3 hours)

An understanding of community collaboration is something that every prevention specialist should possess.  Effective prevention requires the support of the target community, knowledge of the demographics and norms of the community, and formation of strategic alliances.   This workshop will discuss the tasks associated with community organizing and collective efficacy.

Participants will

  • become familiar with tasks associated with community organizing,
  • learn how to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in prevention planning activities
  • learn how to build community ownership of activities by collaborating in planning, implementing and evaluating prevention strategies.

Prevention Specialist Certification:  An Overview (1.5 hours)

The Certified Prevention Specialist credential identifies professionals who are experts in the field and is a quantifiable milestone of achievement.  For Prevention Professionals, the CPS credential establishes credibility and verifies competency in the field.  This presentation will review the requirements for becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist as well as education and training that is acceptable to use toward certification.  Learn about the IC&RC Prevention Specialist examination, its development, scoring, preparation strategies, and take a sample examination.  Questions will be answered and discussion about the sample examination will be provided.

Strategies for Strengthening Families (1.5 hours)

A strong and healthy family is perhaps the most important determinant of healthy growth in children and adolescents.  This workshop focuses on building protective factors to build positive outcomes for all youth and families and recognizing parents as decision-makers and leaders.

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify family risk and protective factors
  • Understand the critical role of parents
  • Understand value of culture and unique assets of each family
  • Identify strategies that lead to better outcomes for children, youth and families.

The Risk and Protective Factor Framework:  Fostering Resiliency in Kids (1.5 – 3 hours)

Despite overwhelming adversity, many children successfully manage to bounce back and become healthy, productive adults.  The foundation of health promotion and prevention is evidence-based risk and protective factor research.  This workshop will discuss those factors that put children at risk, and those that promote resiliency.

Participants will

  • understand what constitutes evidence-based prevention.
  • be able to describe risk and protective factors, and the resiliency approach to prevention.
  • examine the Social Development Strategy which fosters healthy beliefs and clear standards.

Prevention Across the Lifespan (3 hours)

Unlike many public health issues, the prevention of substance use and abuse has been done in silos.  This workshop examines the issues related to altering the “silo” approach so that “conception-to-grave” substance abuse prevention can be implemented. This workshop offers information that is foundational to a proper understanding of lifespan issues including such important topics as human growth and development, brain development, the impact of substances on the brain at various stages of development, and strategies to address service provision issues.

Child and Adolescent Development (1.5 – 3 hours)

This workshop will discuss the most influential theories of child and adolescent development and patterns of emotional, social and moral growth.  It will illustrate the influence of substances on healthy brain development.

Participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the importance of human development prevention.
  • Describe foundational development theories.
  • Illustrate patterns of life changes related to emotional, social, and moral development.
  • Explain how alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs affect the adolescent brain differently than the adult brain.

A Competent Workforce:  Prevention Specialist Certification

As an advancing field of professional service, substance use prevention is expanding through levels of certification and concurrent initiatives with behavioral health.  It is imperative that prevention specialists achieve a level of competency and acquire a specific body of knowledge and evidence-based practice.  A qualified prevention workforce is critical to achieving and sustaining positive outcomes for both individual and population-based strategies. The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium conducts a prevention specialist job task analysis every 5 – 7 years and has identified Community Organizing as one of the six prevention specialist competencies.   This workshop will discuss the prevention specialist’s scope of work, the importance of prevention competency standards and the requirements for becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist.

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • understand the scope of work, core competencies and standards for prevention specialists set by Subject Matter Experts in the profession.
  • identify the tasks that a prevention professional may perform, and the knowledge, abilities and skills it takes to perform them in a competent manner.
  • recognize the benefits and barriers to certification

The Path to Certification

As an advancing field of professional service, substance misuse prevention is expanding through levels of certification and concurrent initiatives with behavioral health.  It is imperative that prevention specialists achieve a level of competency and acquire a specific body of knowledge and evidence-based practice.  A qualified prevention workforce is critical to achieving and sustaining positive outcomes for both individual and population-based strategies.  This workshop will discuss the prevention specialist’s scope of work, the importance of prevention competency standards and the requirements for becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist.

At the end of this session, participants will:

  • understand the scope of work, core competencies and standards for prevention specialists
  • identify the tasks that a prevention professional may perform, and the knowledge, abilities and skills it takes to perform them in a competent manner
  • recognize the benefits and barriers to certification.

Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (CSAP, 2012) (4 days, two trainers)

The Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training is the foundational course of study in substance abuse prevention intended for entry-level prevention practitioners working in states, jurisdictions, tribes and communities.  The training is grounded in current prevention research, and provides knowledge and skills to implement effective, data-driven prevention programs, practices, and policies that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness.

Training can be customized or combined upon requests. 

Specialized training can be developed upon request.

 

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