December 2023 ✧ Volume 2 ✧ Issue 3

Prevention is better together and together, we are stronger a statement which rings true when we all have a chance to meet, form alliances, and forge paths to new opportunities. The last two months have been a great example as Mid-America has been active in the region; attending conferences, conducting presentations, and sharing in unique opportunities.

The Kansas Prevention Conference, held in early October, connected a path to Dr. Fred Rottnek who will be discussing the intersection of trauma and substance use on Prevention Perk (see details below). Chad Childs is always fun to see and Kansas NPN Stephanie Rhinehart stepped into the frame (top right).

The Annual AC4C Conference in Iowa provided a great connecting point to their leadership (Jennifer Husmann and Kris Rankin bottom left), along with interactions with Jen Sleiter from Iowa DEC, Karie Terhark a ToP professional, and Monte Stiles (bottom right); a man who not only is a leader in prevention nationwide, but is a fabulous photographer (check him out).

The Missouri Prevention Conference saw another opportunity to listen to Senator (and memoire author) Holly Rehder, who also spoke at the National DEC Conference in August, and Steve Miller closed out the conference with a talk about music and its benefits for workforce development.

Finally, ACT Missouri hosted a screening of Laura Morris' documentary Compassion Cures. Laura got her start with prevention in Missouri and has gone on to lead many prevention efforts that incorporate arts and other creative ventures. She now resides in the New England states, but it was great to be a part of the welcoming she received for her work. Listen to this podcast episode to find out more about Laura.

We hope to make a connection with you at your upcoming event or see you in person or on-line during a Mid-America PTTC sponsored training soon.

Join us beginning January 15th for a week-long lunch-n-learn series that explores why language matters. Our topics will be Diversity, Equity and inclusion (DEI), LGBTQI+, Youth, Veterans, and Neurodivergent Populations. This series will being with a special recognition on MLK Day with our host Nicole Augustine from RIZE Consultants. Each day we will explore unique considerations when delivering substance use prevention efforts within these populations. All sessions will be held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. CST. More information and registration details are coming soon.

Prevention Perk, the podcast from Mid-America PTTC produces content that reflects the mission of our network to serve as a prevention catalyst, empowering individuals and fostering partnerships to promote safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.

Welcome, come on in for a perk to your prevention efforts.

Reframing Language for Healthier Outcomes 

Anna Simonson is the Project Director for a Regional Partnerships for Success Grant in Missouri. She began her career as a Prevention Specialist in 2019, she feels rewarded for being able to help community-led coalitions leverage resources for effective, equitable, and sustainable community betterment.

Listen: Episode 87

Why is Science Important When Discussing Prevention

Dr. Fred Rottnek speaks in a relatable tone about the Intersection of Substance Use and Trauma. Our audience will enjoy the simplicity with which he speaks about stigma, the lizard brain/wizard brain and how to have kitchen table conversations that are engaging.

Episode 88

(coming 12/21)

Healtheknowledge Prevention Foundations Training for Community Health Workers

Our colleagues from AdCare Maine, and the New England PTTC have developed a 4-session training series in prevention foundations that is for community health workers.

This course is intended to provide Community Health workers with an understanding of substance use prevention and the role of Community Health Workers in substance use prevention. 

Training Objectives:

1. Understand the foundations of substance use prevention utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).
2. Identify a minimum of 3 shared Risk and Protective factors for substance use and mental health prevention.
3. Identify a minimum of 2 strategies for substance use prevention that I can implement in my work as a community health worker.

***

Category link listing

Direct link to course