January 2024 ✧ Volume 2 ✧ Issue 4

Mid-America PTTC saw participation in 89 separate trainings, workshops and virtual convening in 2023. We welcomed 864 participants across all activities.

In Year Five, the Mid-America PTTC had six areas of special focus. The commitment to support the National Alliance for Drug-Endangered Children remained. Communities of Practice (COPs) continued. Health e-Knowledge was accessed more than any other year. General training courses were held organized around themes of addressing inequities, working with data, and evaluation.

Leadership has always been a topic of interest for the Mid-America PTTC, and Year Five was no different with involvement in the introduction of Prevention Core Competencies to the region, sponsoring SAMHSA BOLD (Building Our Leadership and Diversity) Fellow Shanelle Moore, and continued production of Prevention Perk podcasts.

Looking to the new year, Mid-America will continue to support the efforts of National and State Alliances for Drug Endangered Children, conduct Prevention Core Competencies, SAPST and Ethics in Prevention trainings, and launch a series on why language matters later this month. Look for new episodes of the Prevention Perk and some virtual trainings on music and media literacy.

Join us for a week-long exploration of the vital role that language plays in promoting inclusion and cultural humility in the field of prevention. Each day, we'll delve into specific topics and engage in interactive discussions led by experts in the field. Together, we'll deepen our understanding of the diverse communities we serve and how to create more inclusive prevention strategies.

This lunch-n-learn begins the week of January 15th with a different topic each day. Register for individual sessions, or the entire series. All presentations will held from Noon to 1:00 p.m. (CST). See topic descriptions below and a registration link at the bottom of the page.

Monday, January 15^th, 2024

Becoming a JEDI Prevention Professional: Why Language Matters

Description: Explore the foundations of being a JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Prevention Professional and discover how language can empower positive change. We'll dive into the fundamentals and set the tone for the week.

Presenter: Nicole M. Augustine

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Tuesday, January 16^th, 2024

Advancing Equity for LGBTQ+ People through Language

Description: This session will explore equitable LGBTQ+ terminology that promotes social justice for the population. Language describing this population has often been used to shame LGBTQ+ individuals, enforce prejudice, or limit visibility. During the session, the presenter will review updated terms and talk about how and why language evolves over time.



Presenter: Angela Weeks

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Wednesday, January 17^th, 2024

Understanding Neurodiversity in Prevention Practice

Description: Our presenter will share from lived experience the challenges faced in the world of neurodiversity and the implications for substance use prevention. Explore how language choices can impact neurodiverse individuals and communities, and gain insights into adapting prevention strategies accordingly.

Presenter: Priscila Gomora

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Thursday, January 18^th, 2024

Bridging Generations: Engaging Youth in Prevention Practice

Description: Explore the importance of involving youth as active participants in prevention efforts, not just as recipients of services. Learn how to bridge the generation gap through effective communication and engagement strategies.

Presenter: Erin Washburn

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Friday, January 19^th, 2024

The Language of Service: Effective Communication with the SMVF Community

Description: This session is centered on the pivotal role of language in our interactions with the Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF) community. It's designed to encourage participants to reflect on the nuances of language and its practical implications. The goal is to foster a greater understanding of how language shapes our engagement with the SMVF community and to explore what respectful, empathetic communication looks like in action.

Presenter: Dave Closson

Overall Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of inclusive language & cultural humility in prevention work
• Explore various aspects of diversity and inclusion within prevention practice
• Develop practical strategies to enhance prevention efforts for diverse populations
• Foster a sense of community and collaboration among prevention professionals

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.

The Power of Lived Experience

Seth Dewey has been an advocate for social change in the substance use arena since 2017. He is a co-founder of the Kansas Recovery Network, is active in recovery housing efforts, and was recently appointed to the Governors Behavioral Health Services Planning Committee for the State of Kansas

Episode 89

(listen now)

SAFE and SOBER

Kurt Larson has been representing personal injury clients as a Missouri lawyer for more than 20 years.

One of Kurt’s greatest projects is Missouri Safe and Sober. Founded by Kurt in 2004, the Safe and Sober program is designed to keep students and others safe from the dangers of drunk driving.

Episode 90

(coming January 18th)