Past Events

  Join us to discuss supporting the successful re-entry of returning citizens through professional addiction counseling licensure.   Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Reception to follow) Monday, April 24, 2023 from 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. *Times subject to change*   Join us for an event that will bring higher education leaders, Tribal and New Mexico government leaders, and community leaders together to support the successful re-entry of returning citizens to their communities by offering a pathway to professional addiction counseling licensure and ultimately support successful reintegration.   Participants will examine issues specific to New Mexico Correctional Department (NMCD), New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department in context of providing alcohol and drug addiction/misuse counseling degree coursework within the NMCD. As well as identify multiagency, solution-focused strategies to implement addiction counseling degree plans in partnership with the NMCD and higher education, while also exploring regional pathways toward expansion and sustainment of Associate of Arts degree plans in Chemical Dependency Counseling (or related degree) in NMCD facilities utilizing higher education, workforce development and community alcohol and drug treatment providers.   Travel support and coordination will be available to those who qualify. For more information on qualifications, please contact Liz Flint at [email protected].   Sponsored by the SSW ATTC, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Corrections and hosted by New Mexico Highlands University.

The uptake in the use of telehealth for SUD treatment and recovery services since the start of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) has been swift and has transformed how services are delivered. Many experts predict that SUD treatment and recovery services will use a hybrid service delivery method (some services in-person and some online). Join the online consultation session every third Friday of the month to discuss/share virtual service delivery tips and practices for practitioners and peers focusing on telehealth and digital recovery support services. The facilitator, Maryellen Evers, is a person with lived experience and a provider of clinical services via telehealth. Guest speakers and national experts focused on digital recovery support may also present during the sessions.   To join Virtual Recovery Services 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

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

DESCRIPTION In this training participants will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved when the brain becomes an addicted brain and how these brain changes influence the often-confusing outward behaviors common when a substance use disorder is present. Participants will have the opportunity to gain an  appreciation for the factors that contribute to vulnerability for addiction as well as challenges faced by families who are impacted by substance use disorder  concurrent with pregnancy and parenting.   PARTICIPANTS WILL                 Recognize addiction as a chronic brain disease Understand the connection between early childhood trauma, ACE’s and vulnerability for addiction Recognize challenges faced when parenting and early recovery coincide   PRESENTER   Sharon Hesseltine, BSW is the Executive Director of Intentional Development and Intentional Beginnings, small businesses (one being a non-profit) providing consultation, facilitation, and training to strengthen treatment and recovery support services for pregnant and parenting families as well as individuals who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Sharon received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University in 1981, and in 2011 completed a 2-year post-graduate Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota. For over 35 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery support services.      

Learn how to strengthen your workforce by using the NIATx model of process improvement when recruiting, hiring, retaining, and promoting (RHRP) staff!     SESSION DESCRIPTION – IMPLEMENTING CLAS STANDARDS FOR RHRP: The growing diversity of the US population requires providers become as adept as possible in delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate services. This interactive training will teach participants about the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards and why they are vital to improving care, reducing disparities, and advancing health equity, as well as how they can be implemented in your organization.     LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Discuss the rationale for culturally informed policy and practice in behavioral health work settings. Define health equity and its correlation to challenges in RHRP. Outline the benefits of integrating CLAS Standards to improve workforce development. Assess the role of a change leader in implementing the CLAS Standards. Identify strategies to help the behavioral health and prevention workforces achieve their full potential through CLAS.     TRAINING SCHEDULE: All sessions in this series will take place virtually from 3:00 PM–4:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM–5:00 PM ET. Please visit the RHRP series landing page for more information and registration for all sessions in this series.      CONTINUING EDUCATION: Those who fully attend all 13 hours of the RHRP series will be eligible to receive a total of 13 NAADAC continuing education (CE) hours. NAADAC CE certificates will be sent to qualifying participants via email within 1-2 weeks after the conclusion of the training. Participants who fully attend each of the 5 foundational sessions of the RHRP series will be eligible to receive 1 NAADAC CE hour per session. (Sessions: April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18) Participants who fully attend all 5 sessions of the RHRP Change Leader Academy will be eligible to receive 5 NAADAC CE hours. No partial credit will be awarded. (Sessions: June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Participants who fully attend all 10 sessions of the RHRP series will be offered the opportunity to participate in an additional 3 hours of free one-on-one organizational coaching with Mat Roosa that will be tailored to your team and/or agency. Those who participate in these virtual coaching sessions will be eligible to receive 3 NAADAC CE hours. No partial credit will be awarded.       TRAINER: Alfredo Cerrato is the Senior Cultural and Workforce Development Officer for the Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies (CHESS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He currently manages Intensive Technical Assistance (ITA) projects for addiction, mental health, and prevention at the Great Lakes Technology Transfer Centers funded by SAMHSA. He is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and Trainer of Trainers (ToT) of the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards and other culturally related topics. As a senior consultant for the NIATx Foundation, Mr. Cerrato specializes in the relationship between the National CLAS Standards and Process Improvement, focusing on organizational change, cultural communications, worldview dynamics, and conflict resolution. As CEO of various NGOs, Mr. Cerrato has 25 years of international relations experience and has conducted advocacy, policy, and disaster relief work in collaboration with multiple governments across the globe.   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.

The New England ATTC Harm Reduction Coordinator, Siena Napoleon, will co-host a meeting of the “Recovery Science and Harm Reduction Reading Group” in partnership with RICARES on 4/20/23. This group brings together a range of individuals (e.g., people with lived experience, service providers, family and friends, academics, students) to discuss a recent news or scientific article and its implications for harm reduction and/or recovery science in the community. The next RSHR Reading Group session will review the article: Role of peer support workers in improving patient experience in Tower Hamlets Specialist Addiction Unit. Click the registration link above to register now! Article link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pMWtbaMn6iFGZrHglV7JzAOW1QJL4aCH/view

  This is a closed event.   This will be the 3rd annual Learning Collaborative with HRSA/SAMHSA/DQTQ April 12, 19 and 25 with Maridee Shogren & Robin Landwehr. this one is mostly Tribal and rural.   Health center care team members will discuss the latest in maternal mortality and morbidity data as well as the impact of substance use disorders and perinatal mental health concerns in new mothers. Screening recommendations, clinical tools and resources, and community programs will be featured.   April 19 Topic: Perinatal Substance Use Disorders: Increasing Awareness & Screening to Reduce Impact on the Maternal/Child Dyad Speakers: Maridee Shogren DNP, CNM, CLC   This session provides foundational information regarding maternal and fetal outcomes associated with perinatal substance exposure and includes a brief overview of Neonatal Withdrawal Syndromes. The importance of increasing awareness about perinatal substance use disorders as well as using the SBIRT technique to screen for substance use during the perinatal period will be addressed.   If you are interested in hosting a similar event please contact Kim Miller at [email protected].    

This is an expanded version of the popular TOR Care & Share sessions that began in early 2020, now open to all prevention, treatment, and recovery professionals working with Native populations. This session is a guided discussion for participants to share their expertise, unique tribal and community practices, and offer peer-to-peer support for others serving Native people and tribal communities. Discussion topics are determined by registration responses. This session is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 2-3:30 ET / 1-2:30 CT / 12-1:30 MT / 11-12:30 PT / 10-11:30 AKT

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.       CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance. Certificates are disseminated via email to all qualifying individuals approximately two weeks after the conclusion of the event or training.      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.

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. CREDITS: This training meets approval for 3 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 3 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 in order to receive credit.

Did you know that AI/ANs, as an ethnic group, have one of the highest rates of abstinence from alcohol than any other group of people? In honor of Alcohol Awareness month, you are invited to join us for this special 2-hour event. A listening session created to discuss the ongoing impact of alcohol on Indigenous communities and the personal journeys to wellness and recovery. Today's event will feature discussions on the role alcohol has played in American Indian and Alaskan Native culture/communities in the past and its continued impact on Native peoples of this country today. Led by an informal panel of American Indian and Alaskan Native professionals, this listening session aims to explore solutions, prevention, early intervention, treatment, harm reduction, and other alcohol related recovery topics.

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Community Care Alliance of RI is providing targeted technical assistance in Addiction and Recovery: Cultural Elements in Working with Hispanic, Latino and Latinx Populations on 4/19/23 from 9:00-12:00 with subject matter expert Haner Hernandez. This training focuses on the cultural elements that exist within the Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx sub-groups in the United States.  Participants will learn about the development and impacts of disparities on individuals, families, and communities within the context of substance use disorders and mental health.  It will also focus on developing and delivering services grounded in the cultural elements, cultural humility, and health equity.  [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event.  If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]  

The New England ATTC is proud to co-sponsor the 6th Annual Howard Center conference: Breaking Barriers – Finding Purpose & Possibilities Together on 4/19/23 from 8:30am to 4:30pm. The conference focuses on confronting stigma, improving access, continuing advocacy, advancing policy, and giving voice. Speakers will provide unique perspectives for a broad audience, including educators, healthcare providers, representatives of local and state government, legal and law enforcement professionals, and community members. Register now!

This series provides a broad and basic overview of youth development, with a focus on adolescence. Also, research- and clinical-based strategies and approaches regarding prevention, treatment, and recovery will be addressed.

Millions of Americans have a co-occurring disorder that affects their daily lives. The brain is a complicated and delicate organ. Because of this, understanding some of the basics about co-occurring conditions is essential to providing care.    Objectives Define co-occurring disorders. Provide psychoeducation about co-occurring disorders.   Evidence Based Treatment approaches to address co-occurring disorders.   Victoria Anderson founded her own private practice, Rooted Counseling, with the belief that life’s challenges provide an opportunity for people to know themselves more fully and create positive change. Believing that we are not defined by what has happened to us as we all experience life situations that are out of our control. For the last 10 years, she has been helping individuals through those challenges. Finding that her down to earth approach provides a comfortable atmosphere.   Victoria offers both mental health and substance use services to adolescents and adults. Offering the only adolescent substance use program in the area.   Victoria obtained her Masters in Addiction Counseling from Winona State University. She further obtained her Masters in Social Worker from Boise State University.  

Millions of Americans have a co-occurring disorder that affects their daily lives. The brain is a complicated and delicate organ. Because of this, understanding some of the basics about co-occurring conditions is essential to providing care.    Objectives Define co-occurring disorders. Provide psychoeducation about co-occurring disorders.   Evidence Based Treatment approaches to address co-occurring disorders.   Victoria Anderson founded her own private practice, Rooted Counseling, with the belief that life’s challenges provide an opportunity for people to know themselves more fully and create positive change. Believing that we are not defined by what has happened to us as we all experience life situations that are out of our control. For the last 10 years, she has been helping individuals through those challenges. Finding that her down to earth approach provides a comfortable atmosphere.   Victoria offers both mental health and substance use services to adolescents and adults. Offering the only adolescent substance use program in the area.   Victoria obtained her Masters in Addiction Counseling from Winona State University. She further obtained her Masters in Social Worker from Boise State University.  

The New England ATTC in partnership with the Community Care Alliance of RI is providing a targeted TA workshop titled "Addiction and Recovery: Cultural Elements in Working with Hispanic, Latino and Latinx Populations" on 4/19/23 with subject matter expert Haner Hernandez. This training focuses on the cultural elements that exist within the Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx sub-groups in the United States. Participants will learn about the development and impacts of disparities on individuals, families, and communities within the context of substance use disorders and mental health. It will also focus on developing and delivering services grounded in the cultural elements, cultural humility, and health equity. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

  Join us for South Southwest ATTC's third Spotlight Webinar with our Educational Consortium partner school, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for: "Recovery Ally Training - Community Outreach."   Recovery Ally Training provides an overview of what constitutes substance use and their effects. The training also aids in discussing substance use, conversation strategies, and available community resources. Training is formatted to include all interested parties, no special prerequisites required.   Friday April 14th 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (CT) Register Today!   Presenter:  Presented by Richard Clayton, MS, CRC, LPC, LCDC, Program Coordinator for the UTRGV Collegiate Recovery Program. Currently a Clinical Therapist at the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley Counseling Center specializing in Veterans outreach and addictions. Serving as a staff advisor to the UTRGV Collegiate Recovery Program and Adjunct Lecturer with the UTRGV’s School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling department. Education: Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services and a Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Served in the US Army for 23 years in various positions including logistics, Military Police and as an Attack Helicopter Pilot.   Continuing Education:  Earn a certificate of attendance and 2 free CEU's toward Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC).    Additional Information:  For more information contact: Fidencio Mercado  [email protected] / [email protected]         

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. CREDITS: This training meets approval for 6 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 6 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 both sessions in their entirety, turn on their video cameras, and actively participate in order to receive credit.

    South Southwest ATTC's second Spotlight Webinar with our Educational Consortium partner school, the University of Central Arkansas, "Clinical Supervision: Ugh! Do I really have to go? Yes, you do and here’s why."   A three-hour webinar regarding the importance of clinical supervision, the impact of no or poor clinical supervision and the impact of good clinical supervision. A discussion of the research, ethics and fostering good relationships with your clinical supervisor or your supervisees.     Friday, April 14th 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (CT) Register Below!    Presenter: Lisa K. Ray, MS, ACADC, CS-D, PR, has just retired as Program Director for the Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies Program at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) with the Department of Health Sciences. She presently teaches adjunct for UCA, Ottawa University, and Rio Salado Community College. She also had a private practice in Addictions Counseling and Consulting, with offices in Conway and Little Rock for eight years.   Prior to her association with UCA, she was employed by the Arkansas Department of Community Correction for over 17 years.  Initially, she served as a probation/parole officer and subsequently as the first Treatment Manager for the Probation/Parole Division and aided in the creation of the Treatment Division for that portion of the agency.   While she served as Treatment Manager, she had the opportunity to oversee the implementation of 28 Drug Courts in the state as well as the placement of over 20 counselors in area probation/parole offices.  The Treatment Division grew from one staff member to 53 during her 5-year tenure.  In addition to all of that she is also a mother and grandmother to both human and 4-legged furry children.     

The New England ATTC in partnership with Community Counseling of Bristol County is providing a targeted technical assistance workshop titled "SAMHSA’s National Outcome Measures Service Tool: Collecting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity Demographic Information in a Culturally Humble and Sensitive Approach" on 4/13/23 from 2:00pm-3:15pm with subject matter expert David Zelaya. This introductory overview of the evolving language regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and race/ethnicity helps to contextualize the demographic questions being utilized in SAMHSA's NOMS tool. Participants will be introduced to the concepts of reflexivity, cultural humility, and cultural competency in efforts to collect the data in a sensitive and respectful way. This workshop will help to increase the cultural competency of the behavioral health workforce providing substance use and addiction services. [This is a private, targeted technical assistance (TA) event. If you are interested in similar TA please contact [email protected]]

    Thursday, April 13th 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Free training webinar hosted by South Southwest ATTC for professionals working with the Latina population ___________________________________________________________________________ The purpose of this presentation is to get familiar with the concepts of mindfulness and how it can be useful for Latin immigrant women to manage uncertainty and reduce stress using an equity and inclusion framework. The training will teach specific strategies and techniques that participants can integrate during their daily life and at their place of work.   Learning Objectives:  Discuss familiar concepts related to mindfulness and their possible usefulness with Latina immigrants who face stressors that place them at risk for mental and co-occurring health disorders Identify specific mindfulness strategies and techniques that may be useful in working with Latina immigrants. Review findings from an 8-week mindfulness study, conducted by the presenter, to the Latina immigrant population in St. Louis and community partner organizations.   Presenter:  Diana C. Parra is a Research Assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, she is also a yoga and mindfulness teacher and a mindfulness facilitator for the Academy for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She focuses her research on the promotion of health and well-being through community-based programs for physical activity, nutrition, yoga, and mindfulness, geared towards marginalized, underrepresented, and oppressed minorities, particularly the Latinx immigrant population in the United States. Dr. Parra has significant experience mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds and has a diverse background and training in non-traditional methodologies to assess physical activity and diets.   Continuing Education: Participants will receive 1.5 FREE CEU hours based on attendance. This course has been approved for the following types of CEUs for National Association for Social Workers (NASW) and Texas Certification Board (TCBAP), an International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) for counselor     Share the Event -    

DESCRIPTION This webinar will review the current state of alcohol and nicotine use disorders in the Black community.  The presenter will focus on current evidence-based medication assisted treatments for these disorders.  A critical dimension of the webinar will be an exploration of the barriers to greater use of these treatments in Black communities and what can be done to overcome these barriers. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the factors which led to the disproportionate toll of alcohol and nicotine use disorders in the Black community Name the three primary medication-assisted treatments for alcohol use disorders and the three primary medication-assisted treatments for nicotine use disorders. Identify the barriers to greater use of these treatments in the Black community. PRESENTER    Dr. Stephen McLeod-Bryant, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine (MSOM) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. He was recently appointed a Co-Chair in the Dean’s Task Force on Structural Racism and subsequently headed the Department’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is also a member of the American College of Psychiatrists and was elected President-elect of the Black Psychiatrists of America in January 2022. He has been a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), President of the South Carolina Psychiatric Association, and served as the APA Caucus of Black Psychiatrists’ Representative to the APA’s Assembly for 13 years. He has previously been Medical Director for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health and is past Vice-Chair for Clinical  Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MUSC and Medical Director of Charleston Memorial Hospital. Dr. McLeod-Bryant has won numerous awards, including the APA’s Solomon Carter Fuller Award and the Jeanne Spurlock, MD Minority Fellowship Achievement Award. He has also received multiple faculty teaching awards at MUSC and MSOM, including MSOM’s annual Inpatient Clinical Teaching Award the past four years.   AUDIENCE: General Public (professionals, organizations, community members, etc.)

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     CERTIFICATES: Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.      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.