Central East ATTC

DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide an in-depth examination of the intersection between overdose and suicide risk, emphasizing both the shared and distinct factors that affect individuals. It will identify the communities and populations facing the largest risks and emphasize the urgency of acting before these risks grow even more. Participants will gain insights into how mental health, trauma, social determinants of health (SDOH), and substance use disorders (SUD) contribute to risk, as well as how these elements shape effective prevention and intervention strategies. This session is tailored for health professionals seeking to expand their understanding of these critical issues and strengthen their approaches to supporting those at risk. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Identify the communities and populations at greatest risk of overdose or suicide Describe the shared and distinct factors that influence risk of overdose or suicide Recognize opportunities for collaborating on and implementing evidence-based services 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, LMSW is a research assistant at Carnevale Associates, LLC. She supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects on a range of behavioral health topics. Olivia has several years of experience supporting research and evaluations focusing on emerging adults and criminal justice issues. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. Olivia holds a Master of Social Work from George Mason University.

DESCRIPTION: This event explores the ways in which Trauma specific to an HIV diagnosis and Treatment can intersect with historic personal trauma to create a unique experience for those living with HIV.  First Responders will be offered practical information and strategies re: how to best support clients with this complex trauma experience. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Discuss ways in which HIV diagnoses and treatment may result in trauma for clients pursuing Behavioral and/or Medical Health Care 2. Summarize the considerations that First Responders working with persons with HIV need to utilize to be effective interventionists 3. Recite at least 5 strategies to increase effective support to persons with HIV related to their health and well-being.               SPEAKER: Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW Principal Partner, Hindsight Consulting Group Consultant, Health Federation of Philadelphia   Laura Hinds is a clinical social worker with experience in medical, behavioral and mental health settings. Laura has had the pleasure of working with high acuity special needs populations and their providers for over 22 years. An alumna and instructor at Penn’s School of Social Policy and Practice for 13 years, and Bryn Mawr’s School of Social Work and Social Research’s for the past 4 years, Laura has supported the learning and education of new social workers, veterans in the field, and their interdisciplinary partners. With a focus on trauma, human and gender development, racial equity, and crisis intervention Laura supports special needs populations and those who serve them.     You can view more details about this event by using the Register button.

DESCRIPTION Cannabis is one of the most widely used psychoactive substance globally. The harm perception towards cannabis use is at its lowest in 40 years, especially in pregnancy individuals who may use it for a variety of pregnancy related symptoms. The webinar will elaborate on some of the risks associated with cannabis use in pregnancy. LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Describe the regulatory landscape around cannabis use. Review cannabis user history and biological impact. Explain the prevalence and reasons for cannabis use during pregnancy. Discuss neurobiological mechanisms impacting development in utero and post partum. Discuss informed decision making, public health strategy, and need for further research.   PRESENTER  Vishesh Agarwal, MD Dr. Vishesh Agarwal is an award winning board-certified general adult psychiatrist, with additional board certification in addiction psychiatry and obesity medicine. He received the Delaware Today Top doctors award in 2022. Along with his clinical work, Dr. Agarwal supervises and mentors trainee physicians and student learners. He is an invited speaker at regional, and national conferences, and has published in peer-reviewed journals.

DESCRIPTION In 2022, over 150,000 people were in the custody of jails and prisons in the Central East Region (DE, MD, PA, VA, WV, and DC).1 Among those detained or incarcerated, over 15% had an opioid use disorder (OUD), compared to 1.9% to 3.6% of each jurisdictions’ general population.2,3 Despite a clear need, there are significant barriers to receiving treatment services in correctional settings – especially for medications for OUD (MOUD). Expanding access to MOUD can reduce illicit opioid use, prevent overdose, and help people stay in treatment after returning to the community.4   To download the entire version of the fact sheet, please use the Expanding OUD Tx button on the right side of the page.

DESCRIPTION  As public support and acceptance of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people has grown, more and more facets of the community have begun to disclose their identities publicly. The terms that SGM individuals use to identify themselves are numerous and ever evolving, but respectfully using and discussing these terms doesn’t need to be intimidating. This webinar will introduce a variety of current identifying terms using real-world examples, explore the reasons behind SGM individuals’ varying levels of disclosure, and prepare providers to confidently engage with these emerging identities. To download the entire version of the fact sheet, use the Emerging Identities button on the right side of the page. Additional Resources  To view the webinar that accompanies this fact sheet, use the button below. Below is an article shared by Kate Bishop, MSSA, the subject matter expert on this topic. Multiple Minority Stress and LGBT Community Resilience among Sexual Minority Men  

DESCRIPTION Microaggressions are subtle expressions that create barriers to recovery and discourage help-seeking. These can manifest as internalized stigma, verbal comments, behavioral actions, or environmental cues. Types include self/internalized microaggressions, like thoughts such as “It’s all my fault”; verbal microaggressions, such as “They brought this upon themselves”; behavioral microaggressions, where individuals receive differential treatment; and environmental microaggressions, characterized by a lack of representation and recovery resources. Cultural awareness is vital in addressing stigma, as beliefs about addiction significantly influence attitudes toward help-seeking. Different cultures may hold varied perspectives on substance use disorders and recovery approaches, affecting individuals' willingness to engage in treatment. To combat stigma, a multifaceted approach is needed: community collaboration, culturally relevant practices, public awareness campaigns, and promoting empathy. By embracing these strategies, communities can mitigate the effects of stigma microaggressions and foster environments that support recovery and social integration. To download the entire version of the fact sheet, please use the Microaggressions button on the right side of the page.