Products and Resources Catalog

    This virtual presentation is sponsored by the Southeast ATTC Regional Center and will focus on the innovative ways that Tennessee has approached partnering with the faith-based community to combat addiction and mental health issues. The approach is to help the faith-based community volunteers build recovery support services/ministry work by using a best practice model that directly connects them with state and local initiatives. The goal is to build more recovery-conducive communities utilizing natural/organic resources in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina. Mental Health Specialists, Addiction Specialists, treatment providers, peer support communities, and faith community-based organizations in Region 4 are encouraged to register for free.      Identify two practical steps that were taken in Tennessee to partner with faith communities related to substance use and mental health recovery Verbalize two different stakeholders in their community Articulate one step they can take to help draw upon organic community supports in supporting recovery   ......................................................   Monty Burks, CPRS, PLC, Ph.D., serves as the Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, where his role is engaging and connecting Tennessee’s faith communities to the behavioral health care system, with the goal of expanding addiction and mental health support services across the state. He also oversees the Tennessee Lifeline Peer Project, a state program aimed at reducing the stigma associated with people who suffer from addiction, and the Tennessee Faith-Based Community Coordinators, who seek to help congregations build their capacity to combat addiction and mental health issues in their respective community. Dr. Burks earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from Middle Tennessee State University, his Doctorate in theology from Heritage, and wears the honorable badge of Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. Burks has more than 20 years of experience working with the criminal justice system in various roles, including adjunct criminal justice professor at Motlow State Community College, Criminal Justice Student Research Analyst at Middle Tennessee State University, and Criminal Justice Program coordinator at adjunct professor at Tennessee State University.

Monthly e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. May 2021 issue includes a focus on mental health awareness month, calendar of events, and new publications from SAMHSA.

This event series takes place on the second Tuesday of every month. This recording is from our session that took place on May 11th, 2021. This series of sessions features traditional Native American storytelling, along with time for discussion on what can be learned from the stories, as well as the ways these stories can be incorporated by Native American providers into their work with patients. Please note that while we encourage non-Native providers to attend these sessions to increase your cultural understanding and sensitivity, we ask that out of respect for cultural traditions, you do not use these stories as your own if they are not a part of your culture. Native storytelling is an long honored way of teaching lessons of life. We, as Native people, need to laugh while learning. For example, laughing at how Coyote makes funny mistakes. This can teach people how to avoid behaving as Coyote does. Further, Native legends can offer stories about Creation or the Trickster. However, some stories can only be told during certain times of the year. For example, Coyote legends are only told during the winter time because that is often when Native people would be in their lodges practicing survival skills to help the tribe thrive in difficult times. Traditionally, the storyteller needed to be an excellent psychologist and able to understand peoples’ perspectives. A story might be used in treatment to help a patient come to a realization in a culturally informed way. Learn about our next storyteller: Robert Begay "My name is Robert Begay, I am Navajo and my clans are Near to Water People, my Fathers are the Edge of Water People, my Maternal Grandparents are Towering House People and my paternal Grandparents are the Red Streak Running Into Water People. I am from Crystal New Mexico. I grew up on the Navajo Nation and continue to live here. "I graduated from Navajo Community College in Tsaile, Arizona in 1989, then went to the United States Marine Corps from 1990-1994. After the Corps, I obtained my BS in Psychology 1996 and in 2003 my MA in Socio-Cultural Anthropology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. "My career started in Cultural Resource Management, the switched into Behavioral Health, Local Governance, and currently a Regional Area Archaeologist with BIA Navajo Region working the field of National Environmental Policy Act. "I have 5 Children and have been married going on 27 years in June. I grew up on the Navajo Reservation, and lived in Salt Lake City in a Mormon foster home during my elementary years and into high school. In addition, I spent over 15 years as an apprentice to late clan brother for a Navajo Traditional Enemyway Ceremony before becoming a traditional practitioner, and today continue to be an apprentice for other Navajo Traditional ceremonies. "My interest are helping Navajo people with the use Navajo traditional practices. I enjoy our family life which include training horses, tending to sheep, cattle, and spending time with our children. Learning Navajo Traditional ceremonies is one of my main interests."

Presenter: Dan Dubovsky, MSW April 2021 This is a continuation of the webinar that was presented on January 27, 2021 that provided information on FASD and its manifestations in treatment and other settings, with a focus on the brain basis of the behaviors that are often misidentified as willful, manipulative behaviors. In this webinar, we focus on a discussion of the importance of identifying strengths in those with an FASD and those surrounding them, and strategies that can be implemented in treatment settings that can result in better outcomes for the individual and the setting. Download slides | Watch recording Webinar category: Specific populations, Treatment - General

Description: This presentation is focused on specific considerations in the treatment of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)   Learning Objectives: Understand the role of assessments in treating those with SUD and TBI Describe the implications of specific cognitive challenges Examine the executive dysfunction and the process of applying standard SUD treatment to people with executive function difficulty   Presenter Information Dr. Sparadeo began his career as the Director of the Mayor’s Task Force on Substance Abuse in the City of Providence, R.I. and he was also the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Providence Mental Health Center at that same time. After creating a system of clinical services for the City of Providence he was appointed as CEO of Talbot House. Talbot House was the largest residential substance abuse treatment facility in New England. Dr. Sparadeo then completed his doctoral studies with a residency at the Boston V.A. Medical Center followed by a 2-year fellowship at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital (RIH). The focus of his clinical training was neuropsychology and chronic pain. He completed his fellowship and was appointed to the Brown University School of Medicine faculty and the Rhode Island Hospital medical staff in the position of Director of Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Sparadeo trained numerous interns and fellows at Brown University. As Director of Rehabilitation Psychology, Dr. Sparadeo created the first comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for survivors of traumatic brain injury. After 8 years in his position at RIH Dr. Sparadeo was appointed National Director of Substance Abuse and TBI rehabilitation services at New Medico Health Systems in Boston, Massachusetts. He created inpatient substance abuse treatment programs in 8 rehabilitation facilities throughout the U.S. He returned to RIH and Brown University to become the director of the Concussion Care Center in the Emergency Department at RIH. He was also the chief clinical consultant to the Trauma Center and Stepdown Unit, and he was the co-director of the Interdisciplinary Spine Center in the Neurosurgery Department at RIH for 5 years before opening a private practice specializing in the neuropsychological assessment, pain assessment and pain management. He developed a specialized substance abuse treatment program for people with both TBI and substance abuse. Eventually, he developed a specialized treatment program for people with chronic pain and opiate addiction. Over the many years of his career Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant to many agencies and healthcare programs throughout the U.S. He has also served on numerous boards of directors. He was the founder and president of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. He was also the Chairman of the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on TBI. He was also a member of the national committee on substance abuse and disability at SAMHSA in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant and chief trainer on a federally funded grant at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Dr. Sparadeo’s career has also included the publication of many scientific papers and book chapters, and he has been on the faculty of Salve Regina University graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling where he teaches the Neuroscience of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness, Psychopharmacology for Counselors and the Neuroscience of Opioid Abuse. Video Link This training is a collaboration between Mid-America ATTC, Mountain Plains ATTC, and NASHIA.

  This even took place on Wednesday, May 5th 1-2:30 EST . 12-1:30 CST . 11-12:30 MST . 10-11:30 PST . 9-10:30 AKST About our Speaker: Avis Garcia, PhD, NCC, LPC, LAT  Avis Garcia is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, and is affiliated with the Eastern Shoshone Tribes of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Avis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addictions Therapist. Avis holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision who specializes in Addictions treatment and work with Native Americans. Avis works with individuals of all ages and does, individual, group, couples and family therapy. She specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders and trauma. Her therapeutic approach is to privilege Indigenous knowledge and draw on the strengths of individuals and families to promoting intergenerational healing, through research and clinical work.  

Counseling Families, Partners, and Significant Others took place on Wednesday, May 5th, 2021. 1-2:30 EST . 12-1:30 CST . 11-12:30 MST . 10-11:30 PST . 9-10:30 AKST About our Speaker: Avis Garcia, PhD, NCC, LPC, LAT  Avis Garcia is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, and is affiliated with the Eastern Shoshone Tribes of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Avis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Addictions Therapist. Avis holds a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision who specializes in Addictions treatment and work with Native Americans. Avis works with individuals of all ages and does, individual, group, couples and family therapy. She specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders and trauma. Her therapeutic approach is to privilege Indigenous knowledge and draw on the strengths of individuals and families to promoting intergenerational healing, through research and clinical work. Questions? Please email [email protected].

This video provides an overview of the New England ATTC's mission, catchment area, strategic operations, and strategic advice for other training and technical assistance centers. It was recorded as an orientation for new International TTCs but has broad relevance for all audiences interested in learning more about the New England ATTC. 

The National Hispanic and Latino Addiction and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (NHL-ATTC and PTTC) are pleased to provide new Fact sheets in honor of Cinco de Mayo.  Learn more about the holiday and how does it affect Hispanic and Latino communities in regards to alcohol use, misuse and abuse within the context of COVID.  The information is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Click here to download the files: English Spanish Portuguese

This set of training slides addresses fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Teen Substance Use. It defines the CBT triangle, introduces several core skills, and provides concrete examples of how to apply the skills in clinical practice. 

  Participants in this webinar will be able to name ways addiction impacts the maternal and infant brain, identify prevention strategies, describe the significance of attachment parenting to promote infant resilience, and discuss the risk of inherited genetics. 

  Participants in this webinar will be able to name two brain systems impacted by exposure to adverse childhood experiences, describe three social, emotional, and behavioral impacts of exposure to ACEs during adolescence, and identify stigma in self and in others. 

The May 2021 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: New Buprenorphine Practice Guidelines & National Trauma Awareness Month | Mental Health: National Mental Health Awareness Month | Prevention: National Prevention Week 2021 & HIV Prevention | ORN: Fighting Stigma | Spotlight: Queer Affirming Therapy and DEA's Community Outreach Section. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated bi-monthly on the first Tuesday. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter, [email protected]. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.

  New England ATTC team members Raymond Sanchez and Mika Salas have developed a new training, "Transitioning to Effective Online Training: Parts 1 – 3" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic requiring the workforce to transition to training virtually. This 3-part training is designed to help trainers use Zoom effectively to engage participants in virtual learning. It may be especially useful to ensure that trainings and technical assistance activities are accessible for individuals living in rural and underserved communities.  Part 1, “Getting to Know Zoom” is a pre-recorded session focused on basic to intermediate Zoom functions in order to build the foundational skills necessary to host, facilitate, and provide technical assistance for any virtual training, meeting, and/or conference. Part 2, “Advanced Zoom Functions and Best Practices” builds the specialized skills necessary to host and facilitate an engaging and secure virtual training. This training describes strategies, techniques, and resources to manage and engage participants in their ‘virtual classroom’ internal to Zoom. Part 3, “Engagement Strategies and Application” explores techniques and best practices to manage and engage participants in their virtual training sessions using both internal and external resources. Participants also have the opportunity to practice integrating these changes into their current curriculum. Due to the evolving nature of the Zoom platform, please note that these presentation slides are current as of May 26, 2021.  After this date, there may be updates to Zoom that are not reflected in these materials.  

As we enter National Trauma Awareness Month, I’d like to pause for a moment to consider what we know about the families of individuals living with substance use disorders… and more importantly what we don’t know. Numbers and trends: In 2019 there were 70,630 deaths attributed to overdose[i]. Estimating accurate numbers of all non-fatal overdoses in the community is challenging – we can only track what is reported/treated. We can estimate the number of nonfatal overdoses treated in emergency departments (EDs) – approximately 967,615 in 2017[ii]. Since COVID-19 started, the numbers of suspected opioid and stimulant related overdoses being treated in EDs is up despite general trends of people delaying or avoiding care in EDs due to the pandemic[iii]. For both overdose deaths and nonfatal overdoses treated in EDs the highest rates were amongst adults ages 25-54, prime periods for parenting children, adolescents, and young adults.   Sadly, we do not know how many of those individuals experiencing overdoses were parents – to my knowledge that data is not being collected. Research on the impacts of substance use on families continues to fall frustratingly behind in research, national discussions, and policy initiatives[iv]. Why should we fill these gaps in data and policy? Data tells us its badly needed. Children and adolescents who grow up in households with substance misuse are at a higher risk for: developing mental health problems iv using substances in general and develop substance use disorders iv accidental opioid poisoning iv experiencing overdoses themselves[v] … and parental substance continues to rise as a contributing factor for child removal and CPS involvement[vi]. Add to the experience of courtesy stigma -  the idea that some people avoid or distance themselves from family members of those living with substance use disorders – and the outlook seems bleak for the young people in our systems of care. BUT…. We also have a lot of promising data on how we can support the families of people living with SUDs. What can we do? We can work with families to foster resilience and connections. Resilience involves maintaining flexibility and balance in life as you deal with stressful circumstances and traumatic events. Some ways to foster resilience include: Allowing for the experience strong emotions, and also realizing when they may need to avoid experiencing them at times in order to continue functioning. Stepping forward and taking action to deal with problems and meet the demands of daily living, and also stepping back to rest and reenergize. Spending time with loved ones to gain support and encouragement, and also nurturing themselves. Supporting efforts to make connections – strengthening old connections and developing new, positive ones Perspective taking including looking beyond the current stressors to a more hopeful future, looking at setbacks and relapses as learning experiences, and nurturing positive self-images and moving beyond stigmatizing labels applied to them and family members Modeling and encouraging relying on others, and also relying on themselves. Adopting a spirit of experimentation including trying a variety of coping skills, relaxation strategies and self-care practices to see which are the best fit for that individual For more information on fostering resilience check out the resources shared by the American Psychological Association and PositivePsychology.com. We can also be more inclusive of families in our systems by reflecting on and addressing stigma in our individual approaches to working with people and in our organizations: Include the voices of families and natural supports in policy in planning Adopt a recovery-orientation in organizational mission, vision, values, hiring practices, and training Practice intentional self-reflection about our own implicit biases and use that awareness to avoid missteps and take corrective measures Promote collaboration with families and natural supports in treatment planning and implementation Offer supports to families either by developing capacity in your organization or by developing a network of providers to refer to and collaborate with Provide education about substance use, addiction and recovery with materials adapted to be developmentally appropriate for children, adolescents and young adults Create a welcoming environment for service participants and their families Collect data to support systems level advocacy Working in our field is beautifully challenging because we cannot treat symptoms like substance use in isolation. Substance use occurs within the context of life lived in a body filled with thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, in a family, in a community, in an environment, in a society. While it may seem daunting to adopt a holistic approach that includes addressing the needs of the whole person in the context of their lives, this approach works. When we foster resilience and connection, we have the potential to start a ripple effect where our services’ impacts move beyond the individuals in care to their families, to future generations, to communities. We do this work as a community of providers to support our own resilience. We are in this together. By Kristen Wright, M.S., LCPC, Central East ATTC contributor About the author: Kris has been working full time in the behavioral health field since 2007, beginning with supportive and interdisciplinary services. She received her independent license as a therapist in 2011. Her licenses allow her to provide mental health counseling and therapy in Virginia and Maryland to individuals, families and groups. She is experienced working with adults of all ages and adolescents living with behavioral health concerns including mood disorders, substance-related disorders, and trauma histories. Kris has seen that everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. She is passionate about helping her clients renew hope and get excited about life again. Many of them have challenges with anxiety, depression, low motivation, post-traumatic stress, interpersonal problems, substance use getting in the way of day to day life, and work/school related issues. Regardless of the situations they are dealing with, she teaches her clients practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health, enjoy life and increase resiliency. Kris’ work is holistic and person-centered. She uses the best evidence-supported behavioral health interventions, identifies and addresses the impacts and influences of all areas of a person’s life on their mental and behavioral health. Her approach has a special focus on employment, somatic, environmental and cultural factors. Her practice includes interventions from Cognitive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Care Planning, Mind-Body Practices and Vocational Supports. In addition to work as a clinical therapist and as a trainer and consultant, Kris is honored to facilitate workshops for the American Red Cross’ Services to the Armed Forces serving service members, veterans, caregivers and families. She teaches Reconnections Workshops in Adult, Child and Mind Body modules providing psychoeducation, early identification of behavioral health symptoms, connections to resources, resiliency building, and health and wellness practices. She also teaches weekly yoga and mindfulness classes at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the inpatient behavioral health unit, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) unit, and cancer unit. Kris specializes in yoga for behavioral health and wellness, with training in Inner Power Yoga, Mindful Yoga Therapy, and Yin Yoga.  Visit her website: https://kriswrightwellness.com/ [i] Hedegaard H, Miniño AM, & Warner M. (2020).  Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 1999–2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 394. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db394-H.pdf [ii] Vivolo-Kantor AM, Hoots BE, Scholl L, et al. (2020).  Nonfatal Drug Overdoses Treated in Emergency Departments — United States, 2016–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:371–376. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6913a3external icon. [iii] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 16). Suspected Nonfatal Drug Overdoses during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/nonfatal/states/covid-19.html.  [iv] Winstanley, E. L., & Stover, A. N. (2019). The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Children and Adolescents. Clinical Therapeutics, 41(9), 1655–1662. https://doi-org.proxy-hs.researchport.umd.edu/10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.06.003 [v] Khan, N. F., Bateman, B. T., Landon, J. E., & Gagne, J. J. (2019). Association of Opioid Overdose With Opioid Prescriptions to Family Members. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(9), 1186–1192. [vi] National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (n.d.). Child Welfare and Alcohol & Drug Use Statistics. Child Welfare and Alcohol & Drug Use Statistics | National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW). https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/research/child-welfare-and-treatment-statistics.aspx.

  Mary McCarty-Arias, M.A. Research Project Manager Division of Substance Use Disorders New York State Psychiatric Institute Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center This webinar will introduce participants to marijuana and some of the changes around legalizing recreational marijuana. It will include the mechanism of action, some legal implications (federal law vs. state law) and possible uses of medical marijuana.  

The Counselor's Corner blog series brings timely tips and inspiration for counseling professionals. The first posts in our series feature guest blogger Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC. Mark shares insights he's gained over 30 years in the field as a clinician and trainer. 

The purpose of this FREE series is to spark a shift in perspective among health care staff as it relates to pregnant and parenting families experiencing substance use disorder. The ultimate goal is that families experiencing SUD will be met with compassion and understanding and receive care that is grounded in recovery-oriented values and principles. Download the training flyer to learn more about this 3-session learning series and to register!

Mary McCarty-Arias, M.A. Research Project Manager Division of Substance Use Disorders New York State Psychiatric Institute Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center This webinar will introduce participants to marijuana and some of the changes around legalizing recreational marijuana. It will include the mechanism of action, some legal implications (federal law vs. state law) and possible uses of medical marijuana.

The occurrence of the combined problem of TBI and Substance Use Disorder is common and presents major complications in the usual course of rehabilitation. Physical, cognitive, and emotional issues related to this combination of disorders require an acute understanding of brain function, cognitive assessment, and various modifications to the usual rehabilitation approach. Understanding the prevalence and scope of the issue of TBI and SUD will be reviewed along with a full description of the processes of assessment, treatment, and long-term care of people with this complex disorder.   Learning Objectives: Review the scope of the SUD problem in the US Review the scope of the TBI problem in the US Review neurobiological systems relevant to working with people experiencing TBI and SUD Review assessment procedures Describe specific treatment planning components Describe typical treatment modifications needed in treating TBI and SUD   Presenter Information Dr. Sparadeo began his career as the Director of the Mayor’s Task Force on Substance Abuse in the City of Providence, R.I. and he was also the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Providence Mental Health Center at that same time. After creating a system of clinical services for the City of Providence he was appointed as CEO of Talbot House. Talbot House was the largest residential substance abuse treatment facility in New England. Dr. Sparadeo then completed his doctoral studies with a residency at the Boston V.A. Medical Center followed by a 2-year fellowship at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital (RIH). The focus of his clinical training was neuropsychology and chronic pain. He completed his fellowship and was appointed to the Brown University School of Medicine faculty and the Rhode Island Hospital medical staff in the position of Director of Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Sparadeo trained numerous interns and fellows at Brown University. As Director of Rehabilitation Psychology, Dr. Sparadeo created the first comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for survivors of traumatic brain injury. After 8 years in his position at RIH Dr. Sparadeo was appointed National Director of Substance Abuse and TBI rehabilitation services at New Medico Health Systems in Boston, Massachusetts. He created inpatient substance abuse treatment programs in 8 rehabilitation facilities throughout the U.S. He returned to RIH and Brown University to become the director of the Concussion Care Center in the Emergency Department at RIH. He was also the chief clinical consultant to the Trauma Center and Stepdown Unit, and he was the co-director of the Interdisciplinary Spine Center in the Neurosurgery Department at RIH for 5 years before opening a private practice specializing in the neuropsychological assessment, pain assessment and pain management. He developed a specialized substance abuse treatment program for people with both TBI and substance abuse. Eventually, he developed a specialized treatment program for people with chronic pain and opiate addiction. Over the many years of his career Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant to many agencies and healthcare programs throughout the U.S. He has also served on numerous boards of directors. He was the founder and president of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. He was also the Chairman of the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on TBI. He was also a member of the national committee on substance abuse and disability at SAMHSA in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant and chief trainer on a federally funded grant at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Dr. Sparadeo’s career has also included the publication of many scientific papers and book chapters, and he has been on the faculty of Salve Regina University graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling where he teaches the Neuroscience of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness, Psychopharmacology for Counselors and the Neuroscience of Opioid Abuse.   Traumatic Brain Injury and SUD Part 1 Implications of Brain Injury Addiction This training is a collaboration between Mid-America ATTC, Mountain Plains ATTC, and NASHIA.

This event was held on April 27th, 2021 at 3-4 EST . 2-3 CST . 1-2 MST . 12-1 PST . 11-12 AKST   Guest Storyteller: Keaw'e Bone Mr. Keaw'e Bone holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with an interdisciplinary minor in Cherokee studies. He is currently practicing as a Qualified Mental Health Professional working with the community of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He has held other job titles as well such as a child care worker, cultural coordinator, Targeted Case Manager, and storyteller. Keaw'e is an (EBCI) member with lineage from the Lakota nation and Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian) ancestry. Keaw'e is the youngest storyteller in his tribe within six generations. This series of sessions features traditional Native American storytelling, along with time for discussion on what can be learned from the stories, as well as the ways these stories can be incorporated by Native American providers into their work with patients. Please note that while we encourage non-Native providers to attend these sessions to increase your cultural understanding and sensitivity, we ask that out of respect for cultural traditions, you do not use these stories as your own if they are not a part of your culture.  Native storytelling is an long honored way of teaching lessons of life. We, as Native people, need to laugh while learning. For example, laughing at how Coyote makes funny mistakes. This can teach people how to avoid behaving as Coyote does. Further, Native legends can offer stories about Creation or the Trickster. However, some stories can only be told during certain times of the year. For example, Coyote legends are only told during the winter time because that is often when Native people would be in their lodges practicing survival skills to help the tribe thrive in difficult times.  Traditionally, the storyteller needed to be an excellent psychologist and able to understand peoples’ perspectives. A story might be used in treatment to help a patient come to a realization in a culturally informed way.

Slides for the 4/28/2021 webinar TOR Webinar: Guidance on Spending Your TOR Grant Funding. 

This is a recording of the webinar on 4/28/2021: TOR Webinar: Guidance on Spending Your TOR Grant Funding

This three-part series will focus on the principles of harm reduction and its strategies to advance holistic services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUDs). Research indicates that harm reduction programs are evidence-based public health strategies designed to prevent overdose deaths, infectious disease, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancies, and injection drug use. For example, expanding access to naloxone for individuals using opioids is considered a harm reduction strategy. Specifically, this webinar series will include: an overview of the principles of harm reduction and their application in a harm reduction center; the importance of engaging law enforcement especially in rural areas and co-responder models; and a panel of experts discussing their expertise in offering harm reduction strategies in their service delivery as well as a consumer of harm reduction services.   Session One March 30, 2021, from noon to 1:00 MT, will feature Lisa Raville, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver, CO. Ms. Raville will provide an overview of the principles of harm reduction.   The learning objectives include: -An examination of the principles and evidence for the application of harm reduction strategies. -The role of harm reduction programs in eliminating stigma and shame. -Strategies to work cross-systems to advance harm reduction. -Data from a recent survey of healthcare workers.   Video Link Session Two April 13, 2021, from noon to 1:00 MT, will feature Chief Rick Brandt, Chief of Police in Evans, CO. Chief Brandt will provide content specific to engagement with law enforcement in harm reduction to include:  -Strategies to educate law enforcement on harm reduction in rural communities. -Content on how to implement harm reduction in a PD and the leadership strategies employed. -The role of law enforcement in working cross-system to prevent overdose deaths. -Application of co-responder models. Video Link   Session Three April 27, 2021, from noon to 1:30 MT, will feature a panel discussion to include the following panelists: (1) Lisa Raville, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in CO, (2) Chris Harsell, ATTC Technical Trainer and Medical Director for Spectra Health in ND, (3) Gabriela Zapata-Alma, Director of Policy and Practice on Domestic Violence and Substance Use for the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health in Chicago, Il, (4) and a consumer of harm reduction services. The focus will be on: -Responding to questions surrounding implementation strategies. -Community and consumer benefits of harm reduction services. -How harm reduction can be employed in any agency. Video Link