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My Guest today is Nicole M Augustine is the Founder & CEO RIZE Consultants, Inc, a strategic consulting firm founded in January 2015. Nicole is an entrepreneur, public health professional and social justice advocate. Nicole gained the Prevention Specialist credential in 2014 and has worked at every level of prevention practice - from providing prevention education to providing training and technical assistance to communities, states, and federal agencies. In August 2022, Nicole published the Prevention Specialist Exam Study Guide to help readers understand the competencies and knowledge necessary to become a Prevention Specialist (PS) and adequately prepare prevention professionals to pass the Prevention Specialist certification exam. Nicole is a passionate prevention thought leader with a desire to be of greater impact and drive community change through innovative strategies.   Show Notes: Email: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemaugustine Web: www.rizeconsultants.com Book: Prevention Specialist Exam Study Guide Articles: https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/Nicole-M.-Augustine The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED) is a network of community-based organizations focused on the mental health and substance use issues of diverse racial and ethnic communities.  Learn more at https://nned.net The Prevention Core Competencies guide provides professional direction affecting staff development, career ladders and pipelines, and provides guidance for training programs and service delivery qualification. SAMHSA Prevention Core Competencies.

Amy Ronshausen is the Executive Director of both Drug Free America Foundation and Save Our Society from Drugs. Both of these national nonprofit organizations work to defeat drug legalization attempts, promote sound drug policies, and prevent drug use, abuse and addiction. Amy is passionate about reducing illegal drug use and drug prevention, coordinating grassroots advocacy campaigns, prevention summits, analyze and track state and federal drug policy legislation, and training prevention professionals at local and national conferences.   Links: ·      www.dfaf.org (drug free America foundation)  ·      www.saveoursociety.org (save our society from drugs) ·      https://onechoiceprevention.org/ (One Choice) ·      https://www.listenfirstproject.org/ (Listen First Project) ·      https://learnaboutsam.org/ (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) ·      https://onechancetogrowup.org/ (One Chance to Grow Up) The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Did you know nearly 700 publications and digital products are available online at https://store.samhsa.gov Learn about the real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults, and women who are pregnant or nursing. SAMHSA has online resources available at www.samhsa.gov/marijuana 

Sara Kohlbeck is the Director of the Division of Suicide Prevention at the Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin. In her role, Sara works with collaborators around the State of Wisconsin to research, develop, implement, and evaluate strategies for suicide prevention. Her work currently focuses on suicide prevention among veterans as well as farmers and marginalized populations, including Black and Latinx individuals living in urban areas. Sara is also a PhD Candidate in the Institute for Health and Equity at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her dissertation research is focused on better understanding farmer suicide through qualitative methods, including photovoice. Sara received her Master’s in Public Health from the Zilber School of Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Sara currently lives in Milwaukee, WI with her husband, Aaron, her two children, Grace and Harrison, and her rescue dogs, Brisco and Ollie. ·       Links: www.afsp.org ·       Podcast:@mcwsuicideprev The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. You’ll find several resources about suicide on the SAMHSA website, to learn more visit https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org There are a wealth of resources available about 988 on the SAMHSA website. The more we know the better equipped we are to save a life. There’s a link in the show notes or search SAMHSA 988 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

My guest today is Julie Stevens who has dedicated her career to prevention across the lifespan, and the treatment of substance use disorders.  Along the way she’s served in various leadership capacities, including her current term on the Board of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, and also serves on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals.  Since 2013 Julie and her partner Mitchell Moore have operated the non-profit Prevention Training Service, reaching an international audience with virtual trainings and conferences. Learn more about Prevention Training Services The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Get Connected a free downloadable resource helps understand the issues associated with substance misuse and mental illness in older adults.  The toolkit also contains materials to educate older adults. Download Get Connected    

My guests for this episode are Dr. Evelyn Higgins and Jacqueline Hall from Wired for Addiction.  Dr. Higgins, an international expert in the epidemiology of addiction, works to inspire communities to talk openly about mental health and addiction from a solutions-oriented perspective. Ms. Hall is the COO of Wired for Addiction She works as the liaison to ensure that criminal justice, state and federal government; along with the medical community and others have access to the pioneering services they provide. The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Learn all about SAMHSA, who they are, the various centers they support, council’s they lead, even their strategic plan and employment opportunities. Visit samhsa.gov/about-us  for more information.   Prevention Perk is a platform which serves as a prevention catalyst, empowering individuals and fostering partnerships to promote safe, healthy, and drug-free communities. Follow us on Facebook and direct your questions or comments to midamerica@pttcnetwork.org To learn more about the subject we’re been discussing visit www.wiredforaddiction.com View Dr. Higgins Tedx Talk: https://www.tedxjacksonville.com/talks/evelyn-higgins-addiction-researcher 

Carlton Hall, President and CEO of Carlton Hall Consulting, he has been providing intensive substance abuse prevention focused and community problem solving services to the nation for 25 years, with successful achievements in South Africa, Ghana, Bermuda, Kenya, and others.  Carlton spent twelve years with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). Currently, his team of consultants provides executive training and technical assistance support to the Southeast PTTC (Region 4). Additionally, Carlton sits on several boards of directors, including, the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. https://www.preventionmastery.com     http://carltonhallconsulting.com  https://www.samhsa.gov/coe-social-media-mental-wellbeing  

My guest today is Samantha Sherman, the Prevention Resource Center Director at Community Partnership of the Ozarks. She leads a team that provides substance use prevention TA, and works tirelessly to reduce stigma, suicide, and improve mental health awareness. Welcome to the Prevention Perk. The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Did you know nearly 700 publications and digital products are available on the SAMHSA store front. Visit https://store.samhsa.gov Learn more mental health first aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Visit https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/

Sheryl “Ms. Sherry” Branch-Maxwell, has been a driving force in Missouri for more than four decades. During that time, she has overseen the provision of capacity-building assistance to promote evidence-informed practices with state and local partners. For over 35 years, Ms. Sherry has embraced positive youth development, policy change and truly believes in the strength and ability of youth in the Missouri Bootheel. Currently, Ms. Sherry serves as Assistant Area Coordinator for Lincoln University Cooperative Extension in Charleston, MO and is innovative in leading partnerships, integrating youth programming, food and nutrition programs, while working closely with state officials to expand assistance to those in need. Ms. Sherry’s most notable project, is Kids’ Beat. At one time the organization had an enrollment of over 1,500 members across more than 30 clubs in all 6 Bootheel counties, including Butler and Cape Girardeau. She has served on several gubernatorial boards, including but not limited to, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission, The Children’s Trust Fund, African American Task Force and the Missouri Commission for Volunteerism. Most recently, Ms. Sherry was the 2021 DeVerne Lee Calloway Woman of the Year Award recipient. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/One-Voice-One-Community- Welcome to the Prevention Perk. The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Visit the SAMHSA store front where you’ll find hundreds of publications, including One Voice, One Community offers strategies for communities on collaborating with faith-based organizations to address the service needs of people living with mental illness, substance use disorders, or both. Here's a link to this resource... https://store.samhsa.gov/product/One-Voice-One-Community-Building-Strong-Effective-Partnerships-Among-Community-Faith/SMA13-4739 The African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence was developed by SAMHSA to address the urgent need for greater equity and effectiveness in behavioral health services for African Americans. They are determined to help our field transform behavioral health services for African Americans. Visit their website... https://africanamericanbehavioralhealth.org

Our guests are Kate Kelley, Director of Community Programming with the Alliance of Southwest Missouri and Crystal Dalmasso, Prevention Specialist & Training Consultant with a TTA provider in Kansas called DCCCA.  In this episode we discuss SAMHSA’s recent Core Competencies training pilot. Visit the SAMHSA Evidence Based Practices Resource Center at: https://www.samhsa.gov/resource-search/ebp 

Our guests today are Kim Freese, Region-7 Administrator for SAMHSA and Catherine Satterwhite, Region-7 Health Administrator from the Office of Assistant Secretary of Health. In this episode we’re exploring Missouri's Overdose Prevention Planning Strategy. As a reminder, SAMHSA is the funder of this project along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC. Did you know that SAMHSA has an Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit, available free for download? https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Opioid-Overdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA18-4742 Learn more about opioid prevention on the HealtheKnowledge platform. They have 25 titles to choose from including two Spanish language courses, topics to assist Special Populations – and a whole lot more. It’s free to sign-up. Visit HealtheKnowledge.org

Stacee Read the Director of Network Development for the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children. She is responsible for the development and oversight of State, Local, and Tribal DEC Alliances, and for providing training and TA within the DEC network - and to professionals across the nation. Her previous work in child welfare has included such roles as Crisis Counselor, and a Fatality Review Team Facilitator. Her depth of experience on committees and workgroups includes Substance Exposed Newborns, Rural Methamphetamine, and Child Protection.  Stacee received her Master’s in Social Work and her undergraduate studies in Psychology with an emphasis on abnormal psychology and dependency behaviors. Ms. Read is also an adjunct professor and consultant helping students and professionals on various topic issues across the country. sread@nationaldec.org https://www.checkdec.org/en 

Ret. Lieutenant Eric Nation, who began his career in law enforcement and where he spent many years in a narcotics division. It was this exposure that eventually led him to recognize the impact that drugs and drug environments have on children, which ultimately led him to help start the Jasper County Drug Endangered Children Alliance. Upon retirement from formal law enforcement, Nation joined the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children as Director of Training and Development, who has been involved in training thousands of professionals across the United States. Mr. Nation has been recognized locally and nationally for his efforts, and as we’ll soon learn his story is one of transformation from ‘lack of awareness - to leading advocate’ for children and families caught in the cycle of drug use. enation@nationaldec.org https://www.checkdec.org/en 

Chris Davis, who is the Vice President of Prevention and Youth Support at Community Partnership of the Ozarks in Springfield, Mo.  Chris began his career as a counselor, but 23 years ago started his journey into substance use and violence prevention. Mr. Davis and his team provide services across a multi-county region of Southwest Missouri, and in some regards, he is the un-official historian of prevention across his state and is affectionately known as Mr. Logic Model due to his interest in perfecting the model and his passion for teaching that skill. Websites: https://nida.nih.gov/videos/teen-brain-development  www.cpozarks.org/help www.taneycountyadapt.com  

Heather Harlan brings a wealth of information on a broad range of mental health and wellness topics. Currently, she is working with a County Department of Health. Her experience has also included, adult and adolescent drug and alcohol counseling and has been part of an initiative to support pediatric providers. Heather also serves as a volunteer family group facilitator for NAMI and interestingly in her "spare time" she is a professional storyteller. Heather says her performances are about connecting the audience. Ms. Harlan states, my highest hope is to connect the audience members with each other. The most satisfying level of experience occurs when the audience members can break down walls and interact with each other. Email: hcharlan@gmail.com Web: http://heatherharlan.com  

In today’s podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Caroline DuPont, she is Vice President of the Institute for Behavior and Health. The IBH mission is to reduce the use of illegal drugs.  In her role as Vice President, she focuses on the areas of addiction treatment and prevention. She maintains a private practice specializing in anxiety and addiction. She was the founding President and Principal Investigator of DuPont Clinical Research, where she directed a team that conducted studies of investigational medication for the anxiety and affective disorders. She is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the American Board of Addiction Medicine. She is the co-author of numerous publications and several book chapters on anxiety and addiction.  Before we get into the content, we would like to thank our funder the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Quick note, although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. One Choice Website: https://onechoiceprevention.org

After serving 26 years in law enforcement Cpt. Dana Mitchell spent no time in retirement, transitioning instead to civilian work coordinating Dover Youth to Youth, an empowerment program where students are part of “the solution” to the drug & violence problem. Each year Y2Y conducts a wide variety of programs, including educational presentations; creating & recording video/radio PSAs; and conducting a wide variety of awareness initiatives. In addition to winning several national awards, Dover Y2Y is well known for their multi-media, youth-taught presentations to students and/or adults on implementing youth empowerment programs, capacity building and advocacy skill development. The One Voice Toolkit of resources is available to coalitions and communities with staff & students continuously providing training on site and virtually. Email: mitchell@dover.nh.gov Links: http://dovery2y.org/resources/toolkit/ Resources: https://vimeo.com/dovery2y

Jerry Moe, whose widely emulated work helping young children in families facing addiction has been featured in award-winning projects by Sesame Street in Communities, Nickelodeon and PBS - and whose passion for kids and deep empathy have routinely moved audiences to tears. He recently retired after 43 years as a child counselor and industry icon who brought hope and healing to thousands around the globe. Jerry spent most of his career with the Betty Ford Center and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, where he was executive director of national Children's Programs. Moe's empathy, emotional connection to kids, and unwavering hope for them, likely stems from his own experiences with a father who struggled with alcoholism, accessed help, and lived his last 38 years sober. Moe is also a cancer survivor, husband, and father of three children of his own. Learn more about Kit for Kids and Kit for Parents https://nacoa.org  Meet Karli and her friends on Sesame Street https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/parental-addiction/   

Cindy Pharis, she is the owner of LiveOak Evaluation Consulting. She started her career in substance use prevention twenty-six years ago in Texas as a professional training coordinator. Since 2012 she has been honing her interest in evaluation and accountability of prevention efforts and launched her own practice in 2015.  According to Cindy she has always been excited by turning data into stories of impact and change. Find Cindy on LinkedIn Email Cindy - cindy@liveoakevaluation.com  Community Toolbox CADCA Evaluation Primer 

In this episode we visit with Missouri State Senator Holly Thompson-Rehder. In addition to being known as a voice in the fight against opioid addiction and the stigma of mental illness, she is also the author of a memoir entitled Cinder Girl, Growing Up on America’s Fringe.  Holly has lived experience from being raised on welfare, quitting school at fifteen, becoming a mother at sixteen, and ultimately, deciding to do things differently. Website: holly@hollyrehder.com Book: Cinder Girl: Growing Up on America’s Fringe

Kimberly Nelson (Kim), she is the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, otherwise known as (SAMHSA) Regional Administrator. Kim has served Region 7: Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska, since 2015, and has worked in the behavioral health care field since 1992. Perhaps most importantly, Kim is a person in long term recovery and is a Licensed Addictions Counselor and a Certified Peer Support Specialist.  Her foundation in clinical work in the community, or with serving criminal justice clients, and a stint as a Medicaid Coordinator; ensuring alignment with addiction services, demonstrates that Kim is passionate about guiding systems toward change.  In her current role she wears many hats on any given day, but that makes her uniquely qualified for our discussion today about recent data trends and how the future of harm reduction fits into the prevention of tomorrow. Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction Email: Kimberly.Nelson@samhsa.hhs.gov Poster: What is Harm Reduction