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Central East ATTC

The Danya Institute/Central East ATTC
8737 Colesville Road, Suite L-203
Silver Spring,
MD
20910
HHS Region 3
DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
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The Central East ATTC, managed by The Danya Institute, provides training and technical assistance (TA) and quality improvement activities to the substance use disorder workforce in HHS Region 3, which includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

Recent News

From the Central East ATTC
Feb. 06, 2025
The Ad Council has launched new PSAs aimed at encouraging 13-24-year-olds to carry naloxone with them. This medication is used to reverse an opioid overdose. Learn more.
Jan. 07, 2025
Author: Amy Shanahan, MS, CADC  Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are critical in addiction treatment, using scientific research to guide clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes. Despite their effectiveness, widespread adoption of EBPs is hindered by challenges such as limited resources, lack of training, provider resistance, and systemic barriers1. To address these issues, targeted strategies like increased […]
Jan. 06, 2025
A new study of nearly 10,000 adolescents has identified distinct differences in the brain structures of those who used substances before age 15 compared to those who did not. The journal JAMA Network Open  published the National Institutes of Health-funded study on December 30, 2024. Learn more.

Upcoming Events

Hosted by the Central East ATTC
Webinar/Virtual Training
DESCRIPTION A Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered and builds on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities to achieve abstinence and improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those with or at risk of substance use. More details on this event will be provided soon! Additionally, this is a two part event hosted on the dates below.  Participants are only required to register once and can attend either one or both sessions. March 11, 2025 at 2:30pm-4:00pm EST March 13, 2025 2:30pm-4:00pm EST *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. Contact Hours (Certificate of Attendance): up to 1. 25 for attending the entire session. Each session is worth 1.25 contact hours If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.   SPEAKER  Nicholas Szubiak, MSW, LCSW Nick brings more than 20 years of experience in direct service, administration, and clinical experience to the healthcare field. He is the Principal of NSI Consulting, an organization that provides support to integrated healthcare environments. Nick is the former Assistant Vice-President of Addiction and Recovery at the National Council for Behavioral Health. He has provided technical assistance, consultation and training toward bi-directional integration of behavioral health and primary care, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), SBIRT, measurement-based care, and population health management. His experience includes MAT implementation, FQHC integration models and partnerships, trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented systems of care, health homes, and developing high-functioning teams to provide integrated care to the communities they serve. His expertise also involves systems change management, leadership development, and supervisory skills. Nick is known for his heartfelt presentations and has sat on various expert panels, partnering with many organizations as a subject matter expert. Nick is an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii, Myron B. Thomas School of Social Work. He earned his master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University.   
Webinar/Virtual Training
DESCRIPTION In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Center (PACHC), the Central East ATTC is  hosting a two part event on depression and substance use disorder (SUD). Details for each event are below. PART 1 March 12, 2025 The first event will equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to effectively administer, score, interpret, and utilize the PHQ-9 to screen for and monitor depression in clients with substance use disorders. LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Identify the prevalence and significance of co-occurring depression and substance use disorders. Describe the PHQ-9 as a screening tool and its limitations. Explain PHQ-9 scores and make appropriate referrals. Discuss strategies for addressing depression in clients with substance use disorders. PART 2 March 26, 2025 Session two will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to understand remission in depression and substance use, effectively monitor progress using the PHQ-9, recognize relapse warning signs, and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions and psychosocial supports. LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Define and differentiate between full and partial remission in the context of depression and substance use. Recognize the importance of tracking remission status and how it affects treatment planning. Adjust the PHQ-9 tool to monitor patient progress and track changes over time. Identify common warning signs of relapse and apply early intervention strategies. Describe the role of therapeutic interventions and psychosocial supports in long-term recovery. Participants are only required to register once and can attend either one or both sessions.   SPECIAL NOTE:  Stay tuned for the Learning Collaborative that accompany this two part event being hosted April 23, 2025. Registration will be available in the near future. * *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. Contact Hours (Certificate of Attendance): up to 1. 25 for attending the entire session. Each session is worth 1.25 contact hours If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email [email protected] at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. GUEST SPEAKER Billie Jo Smith, MS, LPC Billie Jo currently serves as a Program Manager for the Behavioral Health Integration team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Health Plan.  Billie Jo has worked in the addiction treatment field for over 15 years, first as a clinician, and later a supervisor and manager in various clinical settings including residential and outpatient treatment facilities. Billie Jo trains and consults with providers in the behavioral and physical health fields across the United States. Billie Jo conducts all levels of Motivational Interviewing (MI) training up to and including coaching and supervision.  Billie Jo trains MIA-STEP (Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency), SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment), Technology-Based Clinical Supervision and other topics relevant to the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders.  Billie Jo has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2018.  Billie Jo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania.

Products & Resources

Developed by the Central East ATTC
Print Media
DESCRIPTION Fatal overdoses and suicides are two of the most severe behavioral health outcomes. They are also growing more common. Suicide rates increased 41% nationally from 1999 to 2022, while fatal overdose rates increased 440%.1 Reducing fatal overdose and suicide is a top priority for the behavioral health field. Fortunately, suicide and overdose share many risk and protective factors. In fact, many interventions designed to address one outcome can simultaneously help address the other. Addiction treatment professionals can play a key role, as ongoing substance use is a shared risk factor for both outcomes.2 To download the entire version of the fact sheet, please use the Overdose and Suicide  button on the right side of the page.
Multimedia
DESCRIPTION SCREENING, BRIEF INTERVENTION, and  REFERRAL TO TREATMENT (SBIRT) SBIRT is a comprehensive public health approach for delivering prevention, early intervention and referral to treatment services to people using substances in a harmful or risky way. During this training we will be discussing the conceptual framework of SBIRT as a public health model and its impact as a system change initiative. We will also review the skills necessary to provide screenings, brief interventions, and extended brief interventions.     The view the recorded webinar, click the View Resource button on the right hand side. Stay tuned for an upcoming SBIRT Learning Collaborative event! GUEST SPEAKER  Billie Jo Smith, MS, LPC Billie Jo currently serves as a Program Manager for the Behavioral Health Integration team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Health Plan.  Billie Jo has worked in the addiction treatment field for over 15 years, first as a clinician, and later a supervisor and manager in various clinical settings including residential and outpatient treatment facilities. Billie Jo trains and consults with providers in the behavioral and physical health fields across the United States. Billie Jo conducts all levels of Motivational Interviewing (MI) training up to and including coaching and supervision.  Billie Jo trains MIA-STEP (Motivational Interviewing Assessment: Supervisory Tools for Enhancing Proficiency), SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment), Technology-Based Clinical Supervision and other topics relevant to the treatment of substance use and co-occurring disorders.  Billie Jo has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2018.  Billie Jo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Pennsylvania.
Multimedia
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.   The view the recorded webinar, click the View Resource button on the right hand side. The accompanying fact sheet will be available soon. GUEST SPEAKER 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.
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