October 2022
In this Issue:
Taking the IC & RC Prevention Credentialing Exam
Overcoming Testing Anxiety
with Seven Important Psychological Tools
By Fabricia Prado, LCSW

If you experience excessive worry, fear, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, irritability, nausea, stomachache, sweaty palms, shaking, fast heartbeat, procrastination, mental blank-out, and other symptoms before and while taking exams, you are NOT alone! The overall prevalence of test anxiety in college students, for example, is around 25 to 40%3...

Although feeling nervous before an exam is considered normal and tolerable stress, and may be energizing or motivational, test anxiety may be debilitating and as a result, test scores may not reflect a person’s true knowledge and skills. High levels of anxiety can impair concentration, memory, and contribute to poor test performance.2 One of the complications of test anxiety is that the urges to avoid unpleasant feelings and sensations related to the anxiety will lead to procrastination and this will create undesired consequences and more anxiety.

Epi Corner
Building Organizational Capacity to Face a Changing Public Health Landscape

By Iris Smith, PhD

The landscape of public health is constantly changing because of emerging trends, changes in the socio-political environment, health policy, and new research findings. The continued opioid epidemic and the COVID 19 pandemic have created new challenges for the public health workforce. Ensuring that the prevention workforce is informed and prepared to meet the challenges of this changing environment is an important part of the strategic planning process. Click here to continue reading
What's Happening Around the Region
New! #4 of 6 in the Coalition Affinity Group Short Booster Videos

Coalition Cohesion

In this fourth video, Sarah Davis, SSW PTTC Consultant, walks us through three components that foster coalition cohesion.
 
Using the Six Elements of Effective Coalitions framework developed by the Community Coalitions and Collaborators PTTC working group, this video series outlines each of the six elements discussed in the Six Elements of Effective Coalitions Resource Toolkit.
 
The South Southwest PTTC has created these short videos to supplement the learning for attendees of the Coalition Affinity Group series that took place January-March 2022. Each video highlights one of the six elements in the Six Elements of Effective Coalitions framework. Every other month, beginning May, 2022 and ending in December, 2022 you will be able to access a new video on strategies to develop the six elements of effective coalitions.
Ditching the Discomfort with Data, Part 5, Communicating and Visualizing Data
Somewhere along the data process, you are going to have to communicate data-related information with your partners. Data visualization involves taking data and presenting it in a way that is easy to understand. This can be done using charts, graphs, and maps. Part 5 of the Ditching the Discomfort with Data series will explore several methods and techniques prevention professionals and their partners need to visualize and communicate data around risks, consequences, and resources within a community.  
 
If you missed parts 1 – 4, visit our South Southwest PTTC website to view the recordings.
Connecting Alcohol Policy Strategies to a Comprehensive Prevention Approach
A 2-part webinar series

Did you miss the two-part alcohol policy series last month? View the recordings and material here.
Watch our website for
future events
Download resources
from our website
Subscribe and view past training from
our YouTube channel
Prevention Ethics
Do you need an ethics course for certification/recertification?

The PTTC has free moderated and online courses available.
 
  • Make sure you join the PTTC email list and look for registration in your email just prior to the listed 6-hour online moderated ethics dates.
  • October 24th to November 4th
  • November 14th to November 25th
  • December 5th to December 16th
 
  • 3-hour online course recertification on HealtheKnowledge
  • Individuals who only need a 3-hour ethics course for certification renewal are encouraged to enroll in the self-paced online course.
  • Enrollment is open and ongoing. 
National Awareness
Youth Substance Use Prevention Month

In October, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is observing Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The need for prevention has never been greater.

Read more
www.samhsa.gov
"This month, I call on everyone — parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, teachers, community members, and more — to reach out to the young people in their lives to share information, promote healthy lifestyles, and help transform lives through evidence-based substance use prevention. We thank every individual and every organization working on the front lines to prevent youth substance use. And we renew our commitment to building a healthier and more supportive Nation where all young people can reach their full potential and achieve their dreams." President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
As this years Hispanic Heritage month comes to an end on October 15, we invite you to continue to explore the rich and diverse cultures that make up the Hispanic/Latino community by accessing some of the resources listed below.