Training and Events Calendar

Adolescent use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) remains steady. Teenagers can easily recite the health risks of cigarette smoking, however, awareness of the risks of vaping and the impact of nicotine on development is variable. This 90-minute webinar will explore how adolescent brain development is altered by nicotine or co-use of nicotine and cannabis. We invite educators, mental health and substance use professionals, and family members to join us in learning about the possible consequences of adolescent vaping. Learning Objectives: Recognize the acute and chronic effects of vaping Describe how vaping nicotine, and nicotine-cannabis co-use, is an emerging trend which can disrupt normal brain development in adolescents Differentiate nicotine addiction among adolescents and adults Identify strategies employed to address adolescent vaping Bio: Abby Lange is a Community Health Educator with Fargo Cass Public Health focusing her work on mental health and tobacco education for youth. Her decade of paramedic experience has rewarded Abby with many stories from nearly every kind of neighborhood.

Stigma is a factor that can prevent those with substance use disorders from receiving evidence-based practices that allow them to seek and stay in recovery. This training is led by someone with lived experience of drug use, overdose, and navigating the care continuum to eventually becoming a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. We will look at this story and the role stigma played in delaying and distressing the recovery process. Participants will have the opportunity to observe how stigma affects their own experiences and discuss ways to shift attitudes and improve actions which lead to better outcomes and more people in recovery. This is a closed training for the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Description: Stigma of substance use can impede appropriate and preventive care that is critical for older adults and their wellness. Biased perceptions of substance use can often dismiss health related impacts of substance use and impede prevention efforts with the aging community. The presentation will explore how stigma of substance use with older adults underscores the lack of screening and tailored prevention. Content will further inform and educate on age-related challenges that increase substance misuse, medication adherence, and person-centered brief intervention approaches.

Addiction and Recovery:  Cultural Elements in Working with Hispanic, Latino/a and Latinx/e Populations April 17, 2024    9:00am- 4:00pm CT Northwestern State University *THIS IS A CLOSED EVENT* Learn how Cultural Change can impact Substance Use Disorders and Recovery in Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx/e individuals, families, and communities. Learning Objectives: Identify and address barriers faced by Hispanic, Latinos/as, Latinx/e communities and service providers regarding access, quality of care, and readiness for treatment and recovery. Explain the relationship between culture and the continuum of care. Understand the impact of immigration and migration on mental health, addiction, and family dynamics. Identify approaches to integrating culture into your practice. Trainer: Haner Hernández, Ph.D., CPS, CADCII, LADCI Dr. Hernández is Puerto Rican, bilingual and has worked for over 36 years in the health and human service field developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally and linguistically intelligent youth and adult health prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support programs. This event is in partnership with SSW ATTC Educational Consortium member, Northwestern State University. This event is for students, faculty, and partners of NSU only. It is not a public event. 

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted TA in “Foundational Motivational Interviewing” on 4/17/24 and 4/18/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. MI is a client-centered, evidence-based method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. This two-day training will introduce how to use MI with patients with substance use and mental health diagnoses. Participants will have extensive opportunities to practice integrating MI techniques into a range of therapeutic interventions. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

This training is approved for CARC/CRPA hours in addition to OASAS-approved hours.   Description: Research suggests that race and ethnicity are predictors of how services are delivered, and implicit bias is one component that has been identified as influencing the provision of poor care. The elusiveness of unconscious bias underscores provider perception, unwitting use of stigmatic language, and influences assumptions and microaggressions affecting a person's capacity to respond to care. This interactive two-hour training will discuss how cognitive bias develops, is sustained by intrinsic and environmental factors, and contributes to inequitable outcomes for persons of color. The content will also inform on bias reducing techniques and person-first language approaches that can enhance provider-client interactions and outcomes for marginalized communities. Trainer: Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T Credits: This training meets approval for 2 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 2 initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity - please check with your accrediting agency. This training is approved under the ASAP-NYCB Certification Board for CARC Elective & CARC/CRPA CE in addition to OASAS-approved hours. Participants are required to attend the training in its entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate in order to receive credit.

Discover the vital role peer supports play in fostering resilience, empathy, and sustainable pathways to recovery. Join us on a journey to understand the power of human connection and how peer supports are shaping a more inclusive, compassionate, and supportive future for individuals and communities alike. Learning objectives Comprehensive Understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and significance of peer supports in mental health, addiction recovery, and community well-being. Human Connection in Recovery: Recognize the transformative power of human connection in the context of recovery, and how peer supports play a pivotal role in facilitating meaningful connections. Practical Applications: Understand practical applications of peer support methodologies, including effective communication, active listening, and collaboration within the peer support framework. About the presenter: Dr. Mo (Melissa Dittberner), PhD, CPS, PS, LMT, is an award-winning lecturer in the Addiction Counseling and Prevention department at the University of South Dakota. She has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology in Education, a master’s in Addiction Studies and a bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Dr. Mo is a TEDx speaker, prevention specialist and peer specialist. She is the CEO of Straight Up Care, a telehealth platform for peer specialist. Dr. Mo is the Executive Director of Midwest Street Medicine. She is a co-author of, The Alcohol Reset. She does research on college students’ substance use, pedagogy, addiction, trauma, body brokering, tattoos as healing and harm reduction. Dr. Mo is a person in long-term recovery and her mission is to empower individuals to learn and navigate their paths to recovery and well-being.

Stigma is a factor that can prevent those with substance use disorders from receiving evidence-based practices that allow them to seek and stay in recovery. This training is led by someone with lived experience of drug use, overdose, and navigating the care continuum to eventually becoming a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. We will look at this story and the role stigma played in delaying and distressing the recovery process. Participants will have the opportunity to observe how stigma affects their own experiences and discuss ways to shift attitudes and improve actions which lead to better outcomes and more people in recovery. This is a closed training that takes place at the University Health Healing Canvas location in Kansas City, MO.

DESCRIPTION This webinar will explore the integration of medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and medications for opioid use disorders (MOUD) into existing levels of care for people with addictions. This webinar will provide an understanding of FDA approved MAT medications. We will discuss how these medications support recovery and retention in treatment. LEARNING OBJECTIVES At the end of this training, participants will be able to: Describe three FDA approved medications for addiction treatment. Accurately identify and explain neuroscience factors related to OUD and how MAT medications are effective to support clients and improve treatment outcomes. Describe how to integrate psychosocial intervention treatment strategies for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) with MAT by underlying how and why MAT is effective works and why its underutilized.   INTENDED AUDIENCE  Professionals in the Behavior Health field PRESENTER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           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.            For immediate questions, contact [email protected]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The Power of Perception: Why Addiction is a 'Disease' April 18, 2024 11am- 12pm CT VIRTUAL TRAINING 1.0 CEU Available Facilitator: Daphne Holmes Daphne Holmes serves as the Executive Director of CARE-Dallas, a non-profit organization committed to providing resources and education to individuals and families affected by addiction. This year, CARE is adding programs to extend its reach. Given the current Fentanyl crisis, there is a critical need for organizations like CARE to remain vigilant in their efforts to curb addiction. Daphne's personal journey has uniquely equipped her with the perspective to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Having overcome substance abuse herself, she is dedicated to serving individuals and families struggling with addiction. Through her own experiences and her work with individuals across Dallas, Daphne has gained unparalleled insights into the challenges, facts, myths, and potential solutions for addiction.  Summary: This webinar will explore addiction as disease, its physical and mental effects, the power of choice as it relates to addiction and the keys to recovery. Learning Objectives: Define addiction & recognize its effect on the brain and how it impacts choice and control. Understand the factors that contribute to the development of addiction, such as predisposition, environmental factors, and co-occuring mental health disorders. Understand why recognizing addiction as a disease reduces stigma and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment.   Hosted by SSW ATTC Educational Consortium Partner, UNT Dallas as a part of their 2024 Brown Bag Webinar Series, every 3rd Thursday between April – August.

The New England ATTC in partnership with RICARES is providing a basic/universal TA session titled “Makeshift medicine is a response to US health system failures” on 4/18/24 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. In public health research, a theoretical framework is like a plan or a set of guidelines. It helps people understand the ideas and concepts they're working with, and it gives them a structure to organize their work. Like an instruction manual, a theoretical framework guides researchers or project planners in organizing their thoughts and designing their work in a logical and meaningful way. Pat Kelly created the ‘makeshift medicine’ framework, which describes how people address healthcare needs when they cannot access care by traditional means—that is, when they, for various reasons, may not be able to see a doctor, make an appointment at a clinic, or go to a hospital. This framework can help us understand, for example, why some people who inject drugs may not wish to have skin wounds treated in-clinic because they fear stigma against people who use drugs. Further, the ‘makeshift medicine’ framework is a critical first step in understanding how to better help care for the needs of people who are otherwise excluded by the traditional care delivery system. Article link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YuIJ6aC9724GiD7_Umcu8QB5aY3Q5xLM/view

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Health Education & Training Institute is providing targeted technical assistance in Motivational Interviewing – Advancing the Practice on 4/19/24 with nationally renowned motivational interviewing (MI) trainer Stephen Andrew. This training is for learners who have completed the Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals and who want to deepen their skill and understanding of motivational interviewing. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

Need assistance applying and/or integrating the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria? Join On-the-Spot the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. MT / 11:00 a.m. CT for a one-hour session with an ASAM professional who will answer and discuss questions related to: program development; 6-dimensional assessment and treatment planning; and continued service, transfer and discharge management.  Participants will have the opportunity to share case studies and receive guidance on how to use ASAM to make informed decisions with the client across the continuum of care. OtS is an open forum guided by the participants at each session. We look forward to meeting you and providing guidance on using ASAM. No registration required, join anytime within the hour.   Join ASAM Integration and Application OtS anytime during the scheduled day/time using the Zoom login below: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/761231872 Step 2:  Join by Telephone (ONLY if device does not have a microphone built in) Dial: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 761 231 872

Virtual service delivery in the substance use and mental health treatment fields is here to stay, according to Meurer-Lynn (2023) and other notable researchers (Aafies- van Doom, et al., 2023; Shore, 2021; etc.). As such, how to blend in-person and virtual service (hybrid) delivery becomes an important question. Hybrid service delivery is a mixture of in-person sessions with videoconferencing sessions and may include phone check-ins. Hybrid service delivery models are known for providing flexibility, especially to clients with access issues, such as clients living in rural areas or those with transportation issues. Join the online consultation session every third Friday of the month to ask questions and discuss/share hybrid service delivery tips for practitioners. Examples of topics that can be discussed are: how to determine the right combination/ratio of virtual and in-person sessions; leveraging in-person and virtual (video and phone) sessions; negotiating a schedule with clients that will increase engagement, attendance, and adherence to treatment; what clinicians and administrators need to consider when initiating hybrid delivery services (e.g., reimbursement, privacy/security issues, staffing, telephone policies). To join Hybrid Service OtS use the Zoom login below on the scheduled time and day: Step 1: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://zoom.us/j/99479731969 Step 2: Join by Telephone (ONLY if device doesn't have a microphone built in): Phone: +1 669 900 6833 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) Meeting ID: 994 7973 1969 Continuing education hours are not provided. 

Description: Nearly a third of all Americans have been affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) at some point in their lives. Health and behavioral health care professionals are well positioned to respond to cases of domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The trust within the provider and client/patient relationship offers opportunity to identify and support persons who may be victimized by IPV. This interactive training will review risk factors of IPV, screening tools for consideration, trauma informed interviewing techniques for eliciting information without re-traumatizing, and elements of a safety plan.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services is providing intensive technical assistance in "Basic Motivational Interviewing" on 4/23/24 from 9:00-4:00 (EST) with subject matter expert Robert Jope. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, evidence-based, goal-oriented method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence with the individual. This active, skill-building workshop provides participants with knowledge of the spirit, micro skills, and strategies of the model, and provides opportunities to practice the approach. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

DESCRIPTION This webinar will utilize a roundtable discussion format that will include the synthesis and overview of the previous three webinar as talking points and topics for deeper discussions with attendees. The facilitator will invite participants to share "real world" clinical examples and experiences based on the content from the previous learnings. Case examples, and vignettes will be utilized to further illustrate concepts around MAT, harm reduction, and the brain science of addiction. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this training, participants will be able to: Explore and discuss care examples in the areas of medication for addiction treatment, harm reduction, and other evidenced based approaches. Discuss changes in treatment approaches based on eth brain science of addiction. Share specific areas from previous webinars around implementation and changes in clinical approaches and treatment planning. Will provide feedback, shared experiences and best practices with each other in a learning community environment.   It is preferred, but not required, that participants attend any of the following trainings prior to attending the roundtable discussion:  Elevating Addiction Treatment Skills and Practice through the Neurobiological Advances in Addiction (DBH & CE ATTC) Understanding Harm Reduction as a Way to Enhance Treatment Outcomes (DBH & CE ATTC) Integrating MAT and MOUD in Counseling and Recovery Support   INTENDED AUDIENCE  Professionals in the Behavior Health field PRESENTER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           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.            For immediate questions, contact [email protected]                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Description: Recent data suggests that colorectal cancer rates are higher in African Americans over 50, compared to the general population, and is increasing among younger community. Research also indicates that Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is effective in using a public health approach in identifying persons with at-risk behavior for various psychosocial and potentially debilitating health conditions including colorectal cancer. This interactive (role plays, videos, large group activities) training will review evidence-based health screening tools, and considerations for culturally framing screening in communities of color. Content will also include skills practice focused on the brief intervention, and components of successful facilitation of referrals to treatment with be discussed.

SSW ATTC Annual Advisory Board Meeting April 24, 2024 8:30am- 3:00pm  In- Person event in Austin, TX   The annual convening of the SSW ATTC Advisory Board members, stakeholders, and partners. This meeting will focus on the current needs and current services for HHS Region 6 States; AR, OK, NM, LA, and TX. We will discuss on promising practices in the field, current drug trends, planned activities and trainings hosted by the SSW ATTC and its Educational Consortium partners. It will also create valuable networking opportunities to foster relationships and promote collaborations among Region 6. *This meeting is by INVITATION ONLY.*

Description: Participants will increase awareness about sexual orientation, gender identity, and how personal biases impede care and ultimately identify how to develop an environment that is LGBT user effective. Trainer: Paul Warren, LMSW Credits: This training meets the requirements for two renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and two initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offer reciprocity - please check with your accrediting agency. Participants are required to attend the training in its entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate to receive credit.

Implementing harm reduction initiatives can be challenging, and doing so in rural communities can present unique difficulties due to communication barriers, competing interests, and a lack of familiarity with the benefits of these approaches. This 90-minute webinar will provide participants with strategies to overcome these obstacles and ultimately create buy-in for harm reduction initiatives in rural communities. Healthcare providers, public servants, policy makers, elected officials, and other community members will all benefit from joining us for this presentation and discussion. Learning Objectives: Describe unique barriers to harm reduction in rural communities Identify strategies to overcome ambivalence about harm reduction initiatives Learn approaches to foster supportive and collaborative community partnerships Bio: Eric Atkinson is a retired police chief and the current city administrator for Menomonie, Wisconsin. He is the co-founder of Project Hope — a county-wide collaborative initiative that works towards abating the methamphetamine and opioid epidemic sweeping Wisconsin.

Supervision is more than tending to schedules, checking documentation, and reviewing cases. Clinical supervisors are in the unique position to assist clinicians in their ongoing clinical skill development. Adopting the concept of deliberate practice, supervisors can help clinicians implement clinical skills that may lead to better outcomes for the people they serve. These interactive sessions will guide participants in exploring current practices, focusing on skill practice to enhance supervision, and incorporating routine feedback for specific skills. Participants will practice using real- and case-examples to examine managing feedback, difficult situations, and cultural differences. WHEN: Every Wednesday, April 24 – May 29, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm Eastern OBJECTIVES: Identify “stuck points” in current clinical supervision practices – managing differences and roadblocks Explore and learn about the concepts of deliberate practice Participate in exercises that promote competency in giving performance-based feedback INTENDED AUDIENCE: Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health, and Recovery Service providers located in HHS Region 3 (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) Have two (2) years of experience as a clinical supervisor and understand the concepts of supervision PARTICIPANT COMMITMENT & EXPECTATIONS Access to appropriate technology to utilize Zoom videoconferencing platform (internet connection, webcam, laptop/tablet, speakers and microphone) Attend a one-hour online Orientation on April 24, 2024 Commit to 5-weeks of online training for 1.5 hours weekly from May 1 – 29, 2024 Complete weekly self-study learning activities TRAINER(S)/FACILITATOR(S): Amy Shanahan, MS, CADC THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE: The first 35 registrants will receive a waiver that covers the entire $350 cost of participation. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full participant requirements, please defer this registration opportunity to others. Please Note: Registrants enrolled in this series are expected to attend the first two sessions (orientation and Week 1). In addition, it is expected that participants will have access to the appropriate technology in order to fully participate and be on camera at least 90% of the time. This is not a webinar series and active participation to gain/improve skills are required. Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full participant requirements, please defer this online training series opportunity to others.  Registration is not transferable to another person.  CONTINUING EDUCATION The series has been approved for a total of 13.5 contact hours (12.5 hours content instruction and one-hour orientation session) through the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) ACEP No. 6492. No credit will be awarded for non-attendance or partial attendance.  The knowledge and skills learned should be applied within the framework of any applicable Operating and/or Credentialing regulations in your State of practice.

The New England ATTC, in partnership with the Southeastern Mental Health Authority is providing targeted TA in “Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment” on 4/24/24 from 1:00-4:00 with subject matter expert Taylor D'Addario. This interactive and experiential presentation offers an overview of the impact of trauma on the recovery process from a social, biological, psychological, and spiritual perspective and will provide clinicians with skills to work with people affected by trauma throughout their recovery, as well as, understanding the conceptual framework of trauma-informed practice. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA, please contact [email protected]]

DESCRIPTION Fully leveraging community resources will be essential to stemming the tide of opioid use disorder disparities and the associated morbidity and mortality. These issues and outcomes are embedded in a rich environment of resources and opportunities for enhancing engagement of communities at greatest risk for opioid-related deaths. Potential community-informed solutions may include community-engaged health promotion activities, which have been effective in addressing health disparities among African Americans or potentially expanding OUD treatment models to include interventions in nontraditional community settings. Clinicians and researchers are invited to attend this seminar to learn about novel approaches for partnering with communities of color to increase SUD treatment capacity. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1.Describe the critical elements involved in establishing an effective community-based addiction treatment program. 2.Discuss the importance of institutional partners establishing trusting relationships with community leaders and involving them in driving the implementation of community addiction care. 3. Explore avenues for enhancing SUD treatment capacity and recovery within African-American communities.   PRESENTER  Morgan Medlock, M.D., M.Div., MPH, is a convener, educator, and clinician who is passionate about designing equitable, community-centered behavioral health interventions. Since completing adult psychiatry and health policy training at Harvard Medical School in 2018, Morgan has served in academia, local and state government, and on a national stage, advocating for a more just system of care for marginalized populations. She is the lead editor of the volume “Racism and Psychiatry: Contemporary Issues and Interventions,” which has become a resource for anti-racism work at institutions across the country. She is also adjunct faculty at Howard University College of Medicine where she researches strategies for centering the history and experiences of communities of color in substance use disorder interventions. With additional training in divinity, Morgan has contributed to the development of a church-supported counseling center in Washington, D.C., and intensive, trauma-informed approaches for supporting adolescents in Dallas. She is an alumna of the Milbank Fund Executive Fellows Program and Commonwealth Fund Minority Health Policy Program.