Multimedia
Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based, conversation model for evoking and enhancing intrinsic motivation to change behaviors. In this video-conversation, participants will discuss the core components of this model and practice using the skills of Motivational Interviewing, particularly in the context of substance use behavior change(s). Prior knowledge of Motivational Interviewing is not required. This learning community is open to everyone engaging in conversations about behavior change - educational degrees or credentials are also not required.
Published: April 23, 2023
Online Course
In this 1.5 hour course, you’ll learn about the NIATx Model of Process Improvement and the Rapid-Cycle Testing approach to systems change. Topics include: 1. An overview of the NIATx model, its theoretical foundation, and the steps for conducting a NIATx change project. 2. A skills introduction to rapid-cycle testing, how-to instructions using PDSA cycles and the change team structure. 3. A “skills in practice” look at rapid-cycle testing via a change project conducted by a juvenile probation department. 1.5 hours Continuing Education Available, NAADAC
Published: April 20, 2023
Multimedia
DESCRIPTION:
As the illicit opioid supply includes more and more fentanyl, there have been increasing concerns about increasing rates of buprenorphine initiation precipitating opioid withdrawal. This session will describe why we believe this is happening, how common it is, and buprenorphine initiation strategies to support patients in avoiding precipitated withdrawal.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Describe the challenges of buprenorphine initiation in the fentanyl era.
Name three potential approaches to buprenorphine initiation.
Counsel on reducing fentanyl-related harms.
TRAINER:
Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health and Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the Program Director of the Preventive Medicine Residency and core Faculty for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Salisbury-Afshar is board certified in family medicine, preventive medicine/public health and addiction medicine and her expertise lies at the intersection of these fields. Her work has focused on expanding access to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment and harm reduction services. Past public health roles include serving as Medical Director of Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore, Medical Director at Heartland Alliance Health (a healthcare for the homeless provider in Chicago), and Medical Director of Behavioral Health at the Chicago Department of Public Health. Dr. Salisbury-Afshar received her Medical Degree from Rush University Medical College and her Master’s in Public Health from John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Published: April 20, 2023
Multimedia
In recent years, there has been growing support for a harm reduction approach to drug policy, which emphasizes reducing some of the negative consequences associated with drug use through a variety of public health measures. Historically, this approach has been a core value of syringe service programs, expanding into other settings particularly as rising overdose deaths have made educating people about overdose risks and distributing naloxone more urgent.
This two-part workshop will explore how harm reduction is evolving, different interpretations of what harm reduction is (or isn’t), and ways to build bridges between harm reduction services and the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Discussion topics will include how harm reduction providers are offering or connecting participants to various types of treatment, broadly defined, and how treatment providers are incorporating harm reduction strategies into their services.
Published: April 20, 2023
Multimedia
Difficult moments don’t have to grow into ‘incidents’ that can threaten client engagement and retention. This workshop is designed to equip participants with basic concepts and preparatory actions that can be used to de-escalate a wide range of interactions.
Published: April 20, 2023
Print Media
The New England ATTC co-hosted the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction (RSHR) Reading Group meeting on April 20, 2023. This discussion reviewed the article, “Role of Peer Support Workers in Improving Patient Experience in Tower Hamlets Specialist Addiction Unit.” Article link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMWtbaMn6iFGZrHglV7JzAOW1QJL4aCH/view
View the April 2023 RSHR Reading group meeting summary that includes a brief article summary and key themes that arose in discussion with the participants.
Published: April 20, 2023
Multimedia
DESCRIPTION:
Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) support their communities by recognizing recovery from substance use challenges as a strength and by being willing to work intentionally with people in recovery. RFWs encourage a healthy and safe environment where employers, employees, and communities can collaborate to create positive change and eliminate barriers for those impacted by addiction.
Join us to learn how becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace promotes the physical health and mental wellbeing of all employees. In this 90-minute session we’ll learn about New Hampshire’s national RFW initiative and hear from a panel of professionals leading RFW efforts in their states.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Learn how to best replicate New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative
Identify and summarize RFW Initiatives in the Great Lakes region
Identify the strengths, opportunities, and challenges of supporting RFW Initiatives
TRAINERS:
Samantha Lewandowski is the Program Director of New Hampshire’s Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative. She first served as a Recovery Friendly Advisor for the initiative, where she worked 1:1 with over 80 workplaces, and then as its Assistant Director. She manages the day-to-day operations of the initiative, including overseeing staff and subcontractors, ensuring workplaces are supported in the RFW process, and promoting effective collaboration with partners, as well as helps implement the initiative’s strategic vision. She is also currently serving as RFW’s Multi-State Liaison, where she provides TA to other states looking to implement NH’s model.
Tyler Meenach graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Criminal Justice in 2011. He spent the next 10 years developing his career in correctional rehabilitation—earning his MS in Criminal Justice along the way. In late 2021, Tyler began a new career as a health coordinator with Hamilton County Public Health where he has been active in the development and growth of the Recovery Friendly Hamilton County program—a recent recipient of a Workforce Champion award from the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio. He is an avid bookworm, movie buff, and record collector.
The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Published: April 14, 2023
Multimedia
Presenter: Paul LaKosky, PhD, Executive Director, Dave Purchase Project, Tacoma, WA
In this session, Dr. LaKosky presented a brief description of the evolution of Harm Reduction in the United States. He introduced some of the major players in the U.S. Harm Reduction movement and the impact of their actions on the lives of people who use drugs (PWUD). He also provided an overview of how he and his colleagues practice Harm Reduction at Dave Purchase Project/Tacoma Needle Exchange.
Download slides | Watch recording
Published: April 12, 2023
Multimedia
In recent years, there has been growing support for a harm reduction approach to drug policy, which emphasizes reducing some of the negative consequences associated with drug use through a variety of public health measures. Historically, this approach has been a core value of syringe service programs, expanding into other settings particularly as rising overdose deaths have made educating people about overdose risks and distributing naloxone more urgent.
This two-part workshop will explore how harm reduction is evolving, different interpretations of what harm reduction is (or isn’t), and ways to build bridges between harm reduction services and the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Discussion topics will include how harm reduction providers are offering or connecting participants to various types of treatment, broadly defined, and how treatment providers are incorporating harm reduction strategies into their services.
Published: April 3, 2023
Multimedia
Peer professionals provide an array of recovery-oriented supports and person-centered care which include empathetic engagement with survivors of trauma circumstances. This work at times can increase the peer’s vulnerability to vicarious trauma or secondary stress. Potentially it can result in the loss of ability to objectively help others find their recovery pathways and can affect the peer’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
This two-hour interactive workshop will review how trauma situations may present, signs to recognize and cues alerting as to when to step away from a trauma inducing situation. Content will also offer practical strategies for self-care including ways to build resiliency.
Published: March 30, 2023
Multimedia
You know Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an evidence-based intervention that promotes behavior change… would you like to explore further? Join longtime friends, colleagues, and Motivational Interviewing Network Trainers Amy Shanahan and Paul Warren as they discuss the intricacies of the MI spirit, intentionality, evoking change talk, and reveal what MI is not. If you are curious about enhancing what you know about MI, reflecting on your practice, and improving your partnership with clients, then link arms with Amy and Paul and listen as they explore the path of MI learning using a fun and thought-provoking conversational style.
Published: March 27, 2023
Multimedia
DESCRIPTION:
In this webinar, Dr. Ryan Westergaard will review the epidemiology of HIV and Hepatitis C infection among people who use drugs. He will discuss current and future approaches for addressing infectious disease risks as the epidemics of opioid and stimulant use continue to evolve, sharing research findings from the National Institutes of Health Rural Opioid Initiative. With examples from community-based research conducted in Wisconsin and elsewhere in the Midwest, Dr. Westergaard will illustrate how changes in injection drug use, policies around harm reduction services, and the COVID-19 pandemic influence communities’ vulnerability to HIV outbreaks and pose challenges to the national goal of viral hepatitis elimination.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand how changes in the epidemiology of opioid and methamphetamine use disorder have posed obstacles to the goals of ending the HIV epidemic.
Recognize the potential impact of incorporating screening, linkage to care, and low-threshold treatment for hepatitis C infection in addiction treatment settings.
Discuss a research agenda for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to health and safety of people who inject drugs.
TRAINER:
Dr. Ryan Westergaard, MD, PhD, MPH, is a physician and epidemiologist, specializing in treatment and prevention for HIV and viral Hepatitis, with a special dedication to harm reduction among people who inject drugs. He is currently serving as Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer for the Bureau of Communicable Diseases (DPH, DHS). This is in addition to his research and physician-faculty position at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health where he’s an Associate Professor of Medicine and an Infectious Disease Physician for UW Health. Holding these positions has paved the way for building bridges between the institutions and leverage the many resources of all to benefit the health and well-being of residents across Wisconsin.
The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
Published: March 24, 2023
Print Media
The use of electronic vaporizing devices (“vaping”) has skyrocketed in popularity since their widespread introduction across the United States. Through these devices, consumers inhale an aerosolized liquid compound, most commonly liquid nicotine or cannabis-derived chemicals (both CBD and THC). Risks stemming from vaping present an important public health challenge, particularly for youth, but also among adults. While significant research gaps remain, a growing number of evidence-based practices are available to behavioral health practitioners.
Published: March 21, 2023
Multimedia
This live interactive training through professional development plan assignments, combined with “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training, met the 30-hour Clinical Supervision training requirement for the Advanced Counselor and Master Counselor status, as referenced in the OASAS Substance Use Disorder Scope of Practice. This training recognizes the crucial role that Clinical Supervision holds as the cornerstone of performance improvement at both the program and client level. Clinical Supervision, when properly implemented by competent Clinical Supervisors, improves client care, develops clinical skills, and improves the knowledge and professionalism of clinical personnel. It is also paramount in imparting and maintaining ethical standards in the addiction profession.
Published: March 8, 2023
Multimedia
This live interactive training through professional development plan assignments, combined with “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training, met the 30-hour Clinical Supervision training requirement for the Advanced Counselor and Master Counselor status, as referenced in the OASAS Substance Use Disorder Scope of Practice. This training recognizes the crucial role that Clinical Supervision holds as the cornerstone of performance improvement at both the program and client level. Clinical Supervision, when properly implemented by competent Clinical Supervisors, improves client care, develops clinical skills, and improves the knowledge and professionalism of clinical personnel. It is also paramount in imparting and maintaining ethical standards in the addiction profession.
Published: March 8, 2023
Multimedia
This live interactive training through professional development plan assignments, combined with “Clinical Supervision Foundations I” training, met the 30-hour Clinical Supervision training requirement for the Advanced Counselor and Master Counselor status, as referenced in the OASAS Substance Use Disorder Scope of Practice. This training recognizes the crucial role that Clinical Supervision holds as the cornerstone of performance improvement at both the program and client level. Clinical Supervision, when properly implemented by competent Clinical Supervisors, improves client care, develops clinical skills, and improves the knowledge and professionalism of clinical personnel. It is also paramount in imparting and maintaining ethical standards in the addiction profession.
Published: March 8, 2023
Online Course
The intent of this course is to serve as a bridge to intensive technical assistance for healthcare organizations seeking to implement contingency management (CM) programming in their setting. The course offers coordinated instruction and resources specific to administrative assistants (those in nonclinical roles who support client care through administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing a waiting room). This course includes an introduction to CM describing its core elements, scientifically-supported systems, and how it can be used in healthcare settings to have a positive impact on clients. It also offers unique content on how personnel in the Administrative role can contribute to the successful integration of CM into the clinical services their organization offers. For organizations utilizing this course, a strongly recommended initial step is for those in leadership roles to complete the decision-maker course module, including its activity for drafting CM programming customized to the settings needs and resources. Once leaders have formulated and discussed these initial ideas about CM programming, the content of course modules for Clinical Supervisors and Direct Care Staff are likely to be more useful to those staffing groups. Given the complexities of implementing a systems-level practice like CM, organizations are urged to additionally seek out consultation and coaching as intensive technical assistance via a Technology Transfer Center in their region. Also available: Decision Maker, Clinical Supervisor, and Direct Support Staff courses. 1 hour Continued Education Available, NAADAC
Published: March 7, 2023
Toolkit
A toolkit for behavioral health prevention and treatment providers, recovery community organizations, and individuals in recovery with practical information and tools to enhance their capacity to engage in effective stigma reduction efforts.
This guide provides practical information about a variety of approaches to prevent and mitigate behavioral health-related stigma. Some approaches are straightforward and can be initiated by individuals on their own. These approaches include tips on using stigma-free, positive person-first language and writing letters to the editor. Some approaches are comprehensive, such as developing a community action group and implementing a community-based messaging and media campaign.
The revision of this toolkit was made in collaboration with the Central East MHTTC and the Central East PTTC.
Published: March 3, 2023
Multimedia
The New England ATTC in partnership with the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals recently hosted a webinar titled, "Data-Based Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment, Recovery, and Implications for Recovery Courts" Dr. Michael J. Sofis reviewed recent findings from the Cannabis Public Policy Consulting’s Regulatory Determinants of Cannabis Outcomes Survey (RDCOS) from 25 adult use, medical-only, and illegal/low-THC states on the prevalence of cannabis use harms like cannabis use disorder (CUD), driving under the influence of cannabis. (DUIC), and youth cannabis use. He highlighted promising up-and-coming treatment and prevention approaches designed to help prevent cannabis harms and contextualize how such approaches will impact recovery courts.
View the recording from the Data-Based Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Implications for Recovery Courts by clicking on the view resource button above.
Published: February 24, 2023
Presentation Slides
The New England ATTC in partnership with the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals recently hosted a webinar titled, "Data-Based Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment, Recovery, and Implications for Recovery Courts" Dr. Michael J. Sofis reviewed recent findings from the Cannabis Public Policy Consulting’s Regulatory Determinants of Cannabis Outcomes Survey (RDCOS) from 25 adult use, medical-only, and illegal/low-THC states on the prevalence of cannabis use harms like cannabis use disorder (CUD), driving under the influence of cannabis. (DUIC), and youth cannabis use. He highlighted promising up-and-coming treatment and prevention approaches designed to help prevent cannabis harms and contextualize how such approaches will impact recovery courts.
View the slides from the Data-Based Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Implications for Recovery Courts by clicking on the view resource button above.
Published: February 24, 2023
Multimedia
In recent years, there has been growing support for a harm reduction approach to drug policy, which emphasizes reducing some of the negative consequences associated with drug use through a variety of public health measures. Historically, this approach has been a core value of syringe service programs, expanding into other settings particularly as rising overdose deaths have made educating people about overdose risks and distributing naloxone more urgent.
This two-part workshop will explore how harm reduction is evolving, different interpretations of what harm reduction is (or isn’t), and ways to build bridges between harm reduction services and the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Discussion topics will include how harm reduction providers are offering or connecting participants to various types of treatment, broadly defined, and how treatment providers are incorporating harm reduction strategies into their services.
Published: February 22, 2023
Multimedia
In recent years, there has been growing support for a harm reduction approach to drug policy, which emphasizes reducing some of the negative consequences associated with drug use through a variety of public health measures. Historically, this approach has been a core value of syringe service programs, expanding into other settings particularly as rising overdose deaths have made educating people about overdose risks and distributing naloxone more urgent.
This two-part workshop will explore how harm reduction is evolving, different interpretations of what harm reduction is (or isn’t), and ways to build bridges between harm reduction services and the continuum of care for people who use drugs. Discussion topics will include how harm reduction providers are offering or connecting participants to various types of treatment, broadly defined, and how treatment providers are incorporating harm reduction strategies into their services.
Published: February 22, 2023
Multimedia
Presenter: Lisa A. Marsch, PhD (Dartmouth Center for Technology and Behavioral Health)
Digital therapeutics–software used to prevent, treat, or manage a medical disorder or disease–are redefining the future of healthcare. Digital therapeutics package an entire model of care that can be delivered with fidelity and in accordance with state-of-the-science best practices into a unified, seamless digital delivery system. Digital therapeutics have been particularly transformative in the field of substance use, mental health, and other behavioral health conditions and can markedly improve access to care, quality of care, and treatment outcomes, while reducing costs, for a wide array of audiences in diverse settings. In this presentation, Dr. Lisa A. Marsch (Dartmouth Center for Technology and Behavioral Health) will review the state of the science of digital therapeutics for behavioral health and timely opportunities to scale up access to these digital health tools via multiple paths to deployment around the world.
Sponsored by the Northwest and Pacific Southwest ATTCs and the Western States Node of the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.
Download slides | Watch recording
Published: February 16, 2023
Print Media
The 2023 Leadership Institute presented by the Mid-America Addition Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) is open to persons who work in behavioral health, mental health, or recovery agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Candidates must complete the Candidate Application Form and be nominated by leadership within their agency using the Agency Nomination Form. Both forms must be submitted no later than March 15, 2023. For more information on the Leadership Institute, please download the forms by clicking the "DOWNLOAD" button above.
Published: February 13, 2023