Past Events

We would like to invite all TOR grantees to join us for a regional meeting! These meetings are intended to allow grantees to share ideas, discuss difficulties, and learn from experts on managing your grant. We will also break up into small groups and discuss common issues that opioid programs face, including integrating cultural practices, harm reduction, housing, MAT access, stigma, and operating during crises, or prevention, or others by your suggestion!

The New England ATTC, in partnership with AdCare Educational Institute of New England and the New England PTTC, is hosting the 5th cohort of its popular intensive technical assistance initiative: the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The new cohort began April 28, 2021 for addiction professionals in Region 1 and will continue through June 18,2021. For this cohort, the New England ATTC has introduced interviews to the application process as a new innovation intended to fill in any gaps from the written application, including verification of program commitment and supervisory experience. Another key innovation is the integration of Google Classroom as a key participant resource. The LDP focuses on key leadership skills using a range of learning methods designed to increase participant effectiveness. This program includes the use of a highly diverse, intact learning community that includes participants from across the prevention, intervention, and recovery support service continuum. Developing effective leaders is of particular importance as the profession faces the COVID-19 pandemic, the overdose crisis, a changing behavioral healthcare landscape, and the impending retirement of many "baby boom" generation leaders.   [This is a private event]

The Great Lakes ATTC offers this training to behavioral health professionals in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, and WI. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based method for reducing harm and improving outcomes for patients with substance use disorders. This SBIRT training will prepare participants to deliver SBIRT interventions in health care and other settings.  In this interactive two-part training, you will learn about and practice using screening tools, administering and interpreting assessments, giving feedback and making recommendations, including recommending treatment.    Training Dates and Times Participants will need to attend both sessions: May 6, 2021 May 7, 2021 Both sessions are from 8:00am–12:00pm CST (Please make note of time zone and adjust your calendar accordingly.)   Prerequisite   Participants in the SBIRT training are required to complete two prior training series:  Motivational Interviewing Foundation: Relational Skills  Motivational Interviewing Foundation: Technical Skills   If you have had extensive training in Motivational Interviewing and wish to be considered for an exemption, please contact the course instructor: [email protected]      Learning Objectives Define the 5 categories of use on the substance use continuum  Explain the rationale for universal SBIRT  State how to conduct each step of the SBIRT process screening, brief assessment, and intervention/referral), incorporating aspects of motivational interviewing  Administer SBIRT to adult patients  Discuss how to conduct follow-up after initial SBIRT sessions  Describe indications, adverse effects, and dosing for FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders  Delineate common barriers to administering high-quality SBIRT and how to overcome them   Trainer  Laura A. Saunders, MSSW, is the Wisconsin State Project Manager for the Great Lakes Addiction, Mental Health and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers. Her position is housed at the UW–Madison, where she’s worked since 1988. Since 2001, Laura has provided SBIRT and Motivational Interviewing training to physicians, nurses, medical students, psychologists, specialty addiction treatment providers, social workers, physical therapists, health educators, and staff who work in correctional settings. She has provided feedback and coaching to hundreds of social workers, correctional staff, and other human service providers who are interested in using evidence-based practices with fidelity. Laura joined the international group of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) in 2006 (Sophia, Bulgaria) and is an active member of the Wisconsin MINT group.        

Please join us for our ESAS Webinar: Counseling Families, Partners, and Significant Others on May 5th, 2021! 12:00-1:30pm CST Featuring our special guest speaker: Avis Garcia, PhD, LAT, LPC, NCC, Northern Arapaho Questions? Please email [email protected]

Description: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, (SBIRT), is an evidence based practice that uses a preventive public health approach to identify and intervene with people at risk for substance use related problems, depression, and other mental health conditions.This interactive training session will provide an overview of the SBIRT process with a focus on the PHQ-9 instrument used to screen for depression. It further includes skills practice for conducting a brief intervention dialogue and reviews essential components of successful facilitation of referrals to treatment.

Technical Assistance for Columbia U.

According to the Dougy Center: The National Center for Grieving Children and Families, individuals cope with losses in different ways; therefore, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. In adolescents and young adults, feelings of loss and grief can develop from many things beyond a loved one's physical death, such as loss of developmental experiences or milestones. This webinar will explore the various definitions and components of grief and loss and how it can manifest in adolescents and young adults. Using the SBIRT model, participants will learn to identify warning signs and screen for complicated grief in adolescents and young adults, conduct a brief intervention, and link them to appropriate resources for further treatment, including substance use and depression. The presenter will also outline protective and mitigating factors to help adolescents and young adults cope with grief and loss.   Presented by Lisa R. Connors, LCPC, NCC For more information about this webinar: https://sbirt.webs.com/grief-and-loss      

The New England ATTC serves as a lead partner on the Substance Exposed Newborn Taskforce at the Rhode Island Department of Health. The Taskforce, will offer a weekly Pregnancy & Parenting Peer Recovery Specialist Training Series from May 7 – June 25, 2021 in partnership with the Parent Support Network of RI. This series is designed for peer recovery support specialists to develop tailored skills for working with individuals who are pregnant and/or parenting.   This is a FREE virtual training series. Registration requirements are as follows: Commitment to attending every session (Every Friday from 9:30AM - 12:45 PM EST from April 30 - June 25, 2021) Completion or currently enrolled in 46-hour Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Training  Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with RI Certification board or other endorsed peer recovery training program  Professional providers who are working closely or supervising peer recovery specialists working with pregnant and parenting women with OUD/SUD    Training topics include: Coordinating Care Partnering with Caregivers NAS 101 and Infant Care What to Expect at the Hospital Confidentiality Treatment Options The Specialist Courts and DCYF Community Base Supports for Caregivers Family Centered Care Coordination   Participation in the training series will make you eligible for up to 21 CEUs towards CPRS certification through the RI Certification Board and BHDDH. Register via the registration button above. 

The objective of this training is to provide skills in the Motivational Interview approach. • Present the Transtheoretical Model of Change and its stages as tools to understand how change occurs. • Discuss the fundamentals of the Motivational Interview (theoretical aspects) so that the participants become familiar with the principles and strategies that this approach uses. CEUs are not offered for this course. A certificate of attendance will be provided.

Psychopharmacology is the study of substances that influence mental states. Such agents induce changes in mood, sensation, thinking, or behavior, and may be derived from plants or other natural sources or chemically synthesized in a laboratory. More information to come.   Trainer: Jasmine Carpenter     This is a closed event.

Event Description: Please join ASU School of Social Work for Compassion Fatigue for Social Workers webinar course. Compassion Fatigue is a state characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion over time. It is common among individuals that work directly with trauma victims such as social workers. However, sufferers can exhibit several symptoms including hopelessness, a decrease in experiences of pleasure, depression, constant stress and anxiety, sleeplessness or nightmares, and a pervasive negative attitude. We find in the behavioral health arena it has a significant presence and can lead to negative outcomes for these helpers and can have an impact on patient care, relationships, and can lead to health issues. Mindful Self-Care is all about learning how to take care of yourself and identify those issues that trigger you to act in a negative manner. This is where the real work begins. Please note that this training occurs online, via the ZOOM Platform. The link will be provided the morning of the training via email. Please log in at least 15-20 minutes in advance of the event start time so you can get situated, and troubleshoot if needed. In-person attendance is limited to ten people. Remain vigilant against the virus by continuing to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing. ASU continues to offer fast, easy and free COVID-19 testing to all students, employees and the general public. Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment, or visit https://eoss.asu.edu/health/announcements/coronavirus/management for additional information on ASU's Coronavirus management policies and protocols. For in-person attendees, paid parking close to our ASU offices on the 1st floor of the Westward Ho is available at the corner of Fillmore and Central, at street meters, and other parking lots downtown. We are unable to provide or validate parking for this event. Attendees must attend both webinars and will earn 3 hours of CEs. We will be providing the following continuing education: NAADAC, NASW, APA & NBCC. Registration: $59 per person. Student Registration: Enrolled students may receive a discount. Please email [email protected] for questions. Registration Link:  https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=601078&

Event Description: Please join ASU School of Social Work for Suicide Prevention & Intervention training. Suicide is a major public health concern indiscriminate of one’s age, gender, or socioeconomic status. In 2017 alone, the Centers for Disease Control reported over 45,400 suicides in the United States. This course will discuss ways individuals can become more comfortable with the topic of suicide, as well as educate and empower citizens to connect those in need to lifesaving services. Additionally, this course will delve into the difference between suicidal ideation and suicide itself. The National Suicide Hotline – 1-800-273-Talk(8255). Start by programing that in your phone today and tell others to do the same. Please note that this training occurs online, via the ZOOM Platform. The link will be provided the morning of the training via email. Please log in at least 15-20 minutes in advance of the event start time so you can get situated, and troubleshoot if needed. In-person attendance is limited to ten people. Remain vigilant against the virus by continuing to follow all public health protocols, including wearing a face covering and practicing physical distancing. ASU continues to offer fast, easy and free COVID-19 testing to all students, employees and the general public. Visit our testing webpage to make an appointment, or visit https://eoss.asu.edu/health/announcements/coronavirus/management for additional information on ASU's Coronavirus management policies and protocols. For in-person attendees, paid parking close to our ASU offices on the 1st floor of the Westward Ho is available at the corner of Fillmore and Central, at street meters, and other parking lots downtown. We are unable to provide or validate parking for this event. Attendees must attend both webinars and will earn 3 hours of CEs. We will be providing the following continuing education: NAADAC, NASW, APA & NBCC. Registration: $59 per person. Student Registration: Enrolled students may receive a discount. Please email [email protected] for questions. Registration Link:  https://na.eventscloud.com/ehome/index.php?eventid=601640&

Session Two Case Management Practices for Supporting Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment; HHS Region 8 April 29, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm MST | 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST Effectively accessing care and leveraging case management services ensures positive outcomes for patients experiencing co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This session will explore crucial case management skills that minimize duplication of services, support access to care, and ensure a client-centered approach is maintained throughout interventions. 

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. This training meets the requirements for two renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and two initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). 

Description: 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. Dates: April 29, May 20, and May 27 Hours: 12pm-2pm 

DESCRIPTION Understanding the diagnostic criteria for PTSD can be challenging, especially for people whose trauma affects  them but may not meet a “clinical” level. This presentation focuses on how we can respect various trauma  experiences while providing care that honors the role that trauma may play in our participants’ lives. This presentation supports community health workers in understanding how they can best approach and support  people affected by trauma in achieving their health and life goals. Registration is through the Delaware Learning portal, which is open to all, although you must create an account. OBJECTIVES To describe the challenges associated with the diagnosis of PTSD for community health workers To promote deeper understanding of how trauma can affect participants’ access and utilization of  community health services To offer strategies, tips, and scripts re: how to support people in transcending their trauma experience  toward improved socio-emotional and physical health. TRAINER Laura Hinds, MSW, LCSW

The New England ATTC, in partnership with AdCare Educational Institute of New England and the New England PTTC, is hosting the 5th cohort of its popular intensive technical assistance initiative: the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The new cohort began April 28, 2021 for addiction professionals in Region 1 and will continue through June 18,2021. For this cohort, the New England ATTC has introduced interviews to the application process as a new innovation intended to fill in any gaps from the written application, including verification of program commitment and supervisory experience. Another key innovation is the integration of Google Classroom as a key participant resource. The LDP focuses on key leadership skills using a range of learning methods designed to increase participant effectiveness. This program includes the use of a highly diverse, intact learning community that includes participants from across the prevention, intervention, and recovery support service continuum. Developing effective leaders is of particular importance as the profession faces the COVID-19 pandemic, the overdose crisis, a changing behavioral healthcare landscape, and the impending retirement of many "baby boom" generation leaders.   [This is a private event]

  Please join us for this special presentation featuring our guest speakers: SAMHSA TOR Government Project Officers Amy Romero, William Longinetti! Wednesday, April 28th 1:00- 2:30 pm CST All TOR grantees are encouraged to attend this session. SAMHSA TOR GPOs will review allowable expenses and provide examples to help you generate ideas for spending down your grant funding. The presenters will discuss ways to re-budget your grant funding for grantees whose activities have been delayed or interrupted due to COVID-19. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]!  

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. By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: Identify five strengths typically seen in individuals with an FASD. Describe how therapeutic approaches can be modified for those with an FASD. Discuss what adults with an FASD have said is important to them. Download flyer

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. This training is a collaboration between Mid-America ATTC, Mountain Plains ATTC, and NASHIA. 

      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, PhD, 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 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.

The New England ATTC, in partnership with AdCare Educational Institute of New England and the New England PTTC, is hosting the 5th cohort of its popular intensive technical assistance initiative: the Leadership Development Program (LDP). The new cohort begins April 28, 2021 for addiction professionals in Region 1. For this cohort, the New England ATTC has introduced interviews to the application process as a new innovation intended to fill in any gaps from the written application, including verification of program commitment and supervisory experience. Another key innovation is the integration of Google Classroom as a key participant resource. The LDP focuses on key leadership skills using a range of learning methods designed to increase participant effectiveness. This program includes the use of a highly diverse, intact learning community that includes participants from across the prevention, intervention, and recovery support service continuum. Developing effective leaders is of particular importance as the profession faces the COVID-19 pandemic, the overdose crisis, a changing behavioral healthcare landscape, and the impending retirement of many "baby boom" generation leaders.   [This is a private event]

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. Apr 27, 2021 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) 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.

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 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.