Supporting the Work of So Many

Every day, prevention specialists and prevention providers across America dedicate their lives to supporting those struggling with substance misuse. Prevention First works directly with those preventionists or providers, supporting their work with the tools, training, and resources needed to change lives and build healthy communities.

Since 1985, Prevention First has been Illinois’ preferred provider of training and technical assistance. We train an average of 1,300 people annually and deliver 55 training sessions.

We employ many different approaches to most effectively disseminate this information, including live events (classroom-based, virtual, and webinars), on-demand options (online self-study and recorded webinar events), one-on-one technical assistance, coaching services, and web-based resources. All of which are rooted in evidence-based prevention approaches. 

The result: Our training and technical assistance services provide professionals and volunteers the training and information they need to effectively impact substance misuse in their communities so they can, in turn, spend their time directly impacting their communities rather than spending valuable time researching appropriate prevention methodology.

To register for a course, please become a member of Prevention First!

Set Up Free Membership

Prevention First Training Policy


Training Options


Classroom-based (instructor-led) training offers a guided, interactive learning experience where participants and facilitators can discuss new information and practice new skills.

Virtual classroom (instructor-led, online) training offers participants a guided, interactive learning experience outside the Prevention First classroom.

Webinar (instructor-led, online) events offer participants a structured learning experience that is less interactive and often has a shorter time frame. 

Self-paced training (online) allows participants to complete the material independently. 

Live Webinar

Asset-Based Community Development: Strategies for Engagement and Sustainability - Session I

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

Award-winning TEDx speaker, De’Amon Harges is a highly sought-after speaker and trainer for the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute of DePaul University and became nationally and internationally recognized after his ten-minute TEDx Indianapolis speech about his experience as “The Roving Listener.”

In the first session, participants will discover and explore asset-based community development, social banking, the five community currencies, and their functions.

*Note: Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions but may elect to attend only one session.

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS SERIES

Developing Materials for Locally-Designed Campaigns

Tuesday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 22, 2024
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns is a series of three courses introducing Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP) providers to the basic skills, information, and concepts needed to plan and implement effective communication campaigns. The three courses in the series include Introduction to Communications Campaigns (online), Ten Steps for Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns (virtual classroom), and this training, Developing Materials for Locally-Designed Campaigns.

During this interactive virtual classroom course, participants will learn the steps and best practices involved in planning and implementing a locally designed communication campaign. Participants will become familiar with print ad principles and obtain tips, tools, and resources for designing and pilot testing materials.

All SUPS and CSUPS staff implementing locally-designed communication campaigns who have not previously completed Planning and Implementing Communication Campaigns are required to complete this course.

 

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Tuesday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 22, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the fourth edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE CONVENING COALITIONS AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS SERIES

Convening Coalitions and Community Collaborations 3: Productive Group Processes and Facilitation

Thursday, May 23, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

During this course, participants will discuss best practices for coordinating and facilitating community coalition or collaboration meetings, keeping stakeholders engaged, and evaluating the group’s effectiveness in making improvements. To maximize learning opportunities, participants should have a specific collaboration in mind when completing training activities.

*This course is 3 hours, and an additional 30 minutes of prework is required.*

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Virtual Classroom
THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE CONVENING COALITIONS AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS SERIES

Convening Coalitions and Community Collaborations 3: Productive Group Processes and Facilitation

Thursday, May 23, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Online
Description

During this course, participants will discuss best practices for coordinating and facilitating community coalition or collaboration meetings, keeping stakeholders engaged, and evaluating the group’s effectiveness to make improvements. To maximize learning opportunities, participants should have a specific collaboration in mind when completing training activities.

*This course is 3 hours with an additional 30 minutes of prework required.*

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Live Webinar

Telebehavioral Health Essential Best Practices and Ethics

Tuesday, May 28, 2024
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Providing telebehavioral health services legally, ethically, and safely requires preparation and protocols that are different for each profession. Learn the essential ethical considerations for direct-to-consumer telebehavioral health services and how to prevent and respond to ethical issues. Illinois-specific regulation guidelines and practical resources will be included. Intended for Illinois-Licensed Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Addiction Therapists, and Marriage and Family Therapists.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois. 

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie McCormick by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 1.800.252.8951 ext:123

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Live Webinar

Using a Trauma-Informed Lens and Health Equity When Working with Clients

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

Presented by Jay Hughes, this training will explore the principles of a trauma-informed approach in client interactions and the connection between trauma-informed care and health equity.  It will also discuss strategies for implementing trauma-informed care and health equity principles in various settings. Jay Hughes is founder of Committed Consulting LLC, a certified peer specialist for Addictive Disease (CPS-AD), and a certified peer specialist for Mental Health (CPS-MH) who is focused on increasing the impact of recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges through education, training, and advocacy. This training is sponsored by Mutual Ground. 

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Virtual Classroom

Emergency Department Coaching

Monday, June 3 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Online
Description

Recovery Coaching continues to gain momentum throughout the country and with good reason. Recovery Coaches can and do connect people to long-term and sustained recovery. Because of this, more and more coaches are being utilized in a variety of settings, including doctors’ offices, police stations, drug courts, treatment centers, and, most notably, Emergency Departments. The need for skilled coaches who can easily adapt and work in a fast-paced ED setting is growing exponentially. This course prepares participants for the challenging and rewarding role of a Recovery Coach in the Emergency Department. 
Learning Objectives for this course include: 

  • Describe the roles and functions of the Recovery Coach working in the Emergency Department; 
  • Understand and practice staying in your lane; 
  • Develop skills to advocate and educate staff, patients, etc.  as a way to demonstrate accountability within the role; 
  • Use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) to bring people through the stages of change into Recovery; 
  • Further develop your art of Recovery Coaching. 

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889.

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Live Webinar

Engaging Youth Leaders in Successful Prevention Programming

Monday, June 03, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

This YPRC training session is designed for professionals who support youth programming in schools and communities. Training will include dynamic strategies to engage youth leaders in successful prevention programming. Utilizing the YPRC’s “Year-Round Planning Guide,” participants will have a broader understanding of implementing monthly prevention programs that align with standards and engage youth leaders.

Objectives:

  • Identify strategies for engaging students in leadership roles with a growth mindset perspective.
  • Participants will be able to effectively utilize the YPRC's planning guides to measure their effectiveness in implementing year-round prevention initiatives with youth leaders as partners.
  • Identify and apply techniques for cultivating a growth mindset to enhance the development of young leaders.
  • Participants will be proficient in employing the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal framework to develop comprehensive prevention programs in collaboration with youth leaders.
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Live Webinar

Strengthening and Sustaining Intentional Relationships

Monday, June 03, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

By the end of this webinar, training participants will be able to define and apply principles and practices for building and sustaining strong relationships in families, schools, and communities. Participants will learn strategies for effective communication and conflict reconciliation.

Trainer Bio:

Sylvester Baugh is the owner-operator of Baugh Training & Consulting (BTC) in Illinois. Sylvester is an author, speaker, trainer, and life coach.  Sylvester has assisted a variety of educational institutions, businesses, and individuals in developing and sustaining quality relationships and viable systems. Sylvester has dedicated his life to serving and improving others for over 35 years. Sylvester provides training and workshops in the areas of cultural awareness, managing conflict, effective leadership, team building, diversity, equity and inclusion, and much more. Prior to the tragedy of 9/11, Sylvester worked with United Airlines in the area of Diversity Management. His background is in communications and diversity coaching. His messages are inspiring and life-changing.

*Attendance is required to receive a certificate of completion and CEUs.

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Classroom

CSUPS / SUPS Provider Spring Networking Events

Tuesday, June 04, 2024
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

This in-person networking event will give IDHS Substance Use Prevention Program Services (SUPS) and Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program Services (CSUPS) professionals the opportunity to discuss prevention-related topics with each other and share resources and experiences. Participants should come prepared to discuss their prevention program successes and challenges. SUPS and CSUPS professionals are encouraged to attend whichever event is most convenient.

*Additional details to follow.*

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Classroom

CSUPS / SUPS Provider Spring Networking Events

Wednesday, June 05, 2024
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Doubletree by Hilton Mt. Vernon - Mt. Vernon, IL
Description

This in-person networking event will give IDHS Substance Use Prevention Program Services (SUPS) and Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program Services (CSUPS) professionals the opportunity to discuss prevention-related topics with each other and share resources and experiences. Participants should come prepared to discuss their prevention program successes and challenges. SUPS and CSUPS professionals are encouraged to attend whichever event is most convenient.

*Additional details to follow.*

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Live Webinar

Tired, Wired, Mired And Inspired!: Strategies For Preventing Burnout and Secondary PTSD

Wednesday, June 05, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

Many people who work in human services consider their work to be a "calling." There are two occupational hazards, burnout and compassion fatigue/secondary trauma, which threaten to undermine that calling and diminish your effectiveness. Burnout is caused by feeling ineffective in your work and organizational/team stress. Compassion fatigue (also called secondary trauma/secondary PTSD) is caused by absorbing the traumatic stories and experiences of clients. Both occupational hazards can lead to a loss of energy, loss of hope loss of enthusiasm, loss of idealism, spiritual distress, and decreased effectiveness.

This virtual presentation focuses on how to prevent and recover from burnout and compassion fatigue. Emphasis will be placed upon: self care; four things high performers do to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue; how to maintain energy and reduce frustration in your youth development and/or clinical work and feel a greater sense of success.

OBJECTIVES: By the end of this workshop participants will:

  • Be aware of the 4 stages of Burnout
  • Understand the differences between burnout and compassion fatigue
  • Evaluate your personal vulnerability for developing compassion fatigue
  • Be able to utilize 10 strategies to help prevent burnout and compassion fatigue 
  • Have skills to reduce frustration in your youth development/clinical work
  • Be able to feel a greater sense of success in your work.

 

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Classroom

CSUPS / SUPS Provider Spring Networking Events

Thursday, June 06, 2024
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville - Lisle, IL
Description

This in-person networking event will give IDHS Substance Use Prevention Program Services (SUPS) and Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program Services (CSUPS) professionals the opportunity to discuss prevention-related topics with each other and share resources and experiences. Participants should come prepared to discuss their prevention program successes and challenges. SUPS and CSUPS professionals are encouraged to attend whichever event is most convenient.

*Additional details to follow.*

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Live Webinar

The Evolution of the ASAM Criteria: What's New in the Fourth Edition

Thursday, June 06, 2024
10:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

The fourth edition of the ASAM Criteria builds on the past 30 years of the Criteria and provides an updated, streamlined, and pragmatic approach to assessment and treatment planning. This 4.5 hour session will provide a consolidated overview, in addition to some of the "why" in relation to the major changes in terminology, levels of care, dimensions and assessment processes. 

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

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Live Webinar

Establishing and Elevating Inclusive Relationships

Monday, June 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Online
Description

By the end of this webinar, training participants will be able to define and apply principles and practices for establishing and elevating inclusive relationships. Participants will learn strategies for cultural humility and accountability.

Trainer Bio:

Sylvester Baugh is the owner-operator of Baugh Training & Consulting (BTC) in Illinois. Sylvester is an author, speaker, trainer, and life coach.  Sylvester has assisted a variety of educational institutions, businesses, and individuals in developing and sustaining quality relationships and viable systems. Sylvester has dedicated his life to serving and improving others for over 35 years. Sylvester provides training and workshops in the areas of cultural awareness, managing conflict, effective leadership, team building, diversity, equity and inclusion, and much more. Prior to the tragedy of 9/11, Sylvester worked with United Airlines in the area of Diversity Management. His background is in communications and diversity coaching. His messages are inspiring and life-changing.

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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria Skill Building

Monday, June 10 - Tuesday, June 11, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

Limited spots are available.

This training is focused on the ASAM 3rd edition.

This two-day, application-focused training provides participants with an in-depth look at the theoretical foundations of the Criteria, including clinically–driven services, biopsychosocial assessment, the six dimensions, continued stay, and transfer/discharge criteria. Incorporating the use of the new edition of The ASAM Criteria book, participants have opportunities for skill practice at every stage of the treatment process: assessment, engagement, treatment planning, continuing care, and transfer or discharge.

All participants receive an in-depth training journal and e-book to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application as part of the training.

This training is interactive; please have a microphone and webcam.

The link to join the training will be emailed to you prior to the training. 

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

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Live Webinar

Culturally-Responsive and Trauma-Informed Practices for LGBTQIA+ Youth in Out-of-School Settings

Tuesday, June 11, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

In this interactive webinar session,  training participants will cultivate shared language, support increased organizational capacity for equity work, and develop commitments that build individual responsibility and capacity regarding systemic change.

Learning Objectives

Objective 1: Participants will build their own skills toolbox that addresses three main areas that support anti-racist/pro-queer approaches:

  • Protecting and empowering young people’s right to self-determination
  • Thoughtful and intentional communication
  • Addressing complex needs of harm, justice, and healing

Objective 2: Participants will be able to develop commitments that build individual responsibility and capacity regarding systemic change, as well as increase personal understanding of systemic oppression and their role in the system.

Objective 3: Participants will be able to discern between different types of accountability. Additionally, participants will understand the complexity of being accountable as an ongoing, ever-evolving practice.

 

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Live Webinar

Clinical Supervision: Mastering the Basic Skills for Ethical & Effective Practice

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Online
Description

Elevate your impact as a clinical supervisor and ensure the ethical and professional growth of your team. Clinical supervision, an integral facet of behavioral health, necessitates its own unique skill set and knowledge base. The journey from being an excellent clinician to a competent and effective supervisor requires specialized training. 

In this presentation, Dr. Frances Patterson will help you embark on a transformative learning experience. Gain an intricate understanding of the distinctive aspects that set clinical supervision apart from therapy or counseling. Our aim is to fill the gaps where many supervisors are left unprepared by equipping you with the essential knowledge and expertise to excel in your role.??Empower yourself with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to drive professional growth, maintain ethical standards, and become a confident, capable clinical supervisor. Join us on this enlightening journey towards mastery in clinical supervision. 

Objectives: 

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the distinctions between clinical supervision and therapy, recognizing the unique responsibilities and ethical considerations that come with supervisory roles. 
  • Acquire essential skills for effective clinical supervision, including providing constructive feedback, fostering supervisee growth, and addressing ethical and clinical dilemmas that may arise in the supervisory relationship. 
  • Discuss the ethical complexities of clinical supervision, helping them develop a strong ethical foundation to ensure safe and responsible care for patients and clients. 
  • Explain how to address transference and countertransference with supervisees. 
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Classroom

High in Plain Sight - Current Alcohol, Cannabis, and Vaping Trends, Concealment Methods, and Identifiers

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton Lisle Naperville - Lisle, IL
Description

This workshop is for educators, prevention providers, coalition members, law enforcement, probation officers, school administration, treatment providers, nurses, health care workers, and counselors. This workshop covers alcohol and drug clothing, alcoholic energy drinks, prescription drug abuse and misuse, alcohol and drug concealment methods and containers, drug paraphernalia, drug-related music and groups, logos, stickers, new technology, youth party tendencies, party games, non-traditional alcoholic beverages, social networking sites, synthetic drugs, OTC drugs, inhalants, marijuana concentrates, E-cigarettes, and popular party drugs, including opioids, Adderall, and ecstasy. This session also covers common stash compartments that can be used to hide weapons inside everyday clothing containers and other items, in addition to the impact on traffic safety.

This unique session provides over 70 visual aids for attendees to hold and become familiar with. In today's culture, everything is person-specific and has different meanings for different individuals. Meanwhile, certain items have gained popularity in the alcohol and drug scene - which changes every day.

 

Officer Jermaine Galloway, known as the "Tall Cop," is a nationally and internationally recognized presenter, five-time national award winner, international award winner, and resource for those involved with prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement. Officer Galloway began his law enforcement career in 1997 and has more than 24 years of experience in alcohol and drug education, enforcement, and prevention. As a full-time trainer, the "Tall Cop" currently dedicates thousands of hours to community scans, research, and substance abuse identification in various communities across the country. While in law enforcement, Officer Galloway was a member of the DUI task force, a CSI, a community policing unit, and a field-training officer. The Tall Cop calls the great state of Texas home as he travels and trains nationally and internationally.

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Live Webinar

Best Practices in Addiction Treatment

Thursday, June 13, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Online
Description

Participants will discuss appropriate, evidenced-based interventions and skills to best serve clients in substance use disorder treatment and help them work towards a recovery-oriented lifestyle.

The link to join the training will be emailed to you prior to the training. 

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

 

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Live Webinar

QPR - LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention

Thursday, June 13, 2024
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Online
Description
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn, in a short timeframe, how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.
 
The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People found that 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth. LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. Join Prevention First's Mental Health and Youth Prevention Resource Centers during Pride Month for a virtual QPR training with a special focus on preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ folks.
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Virtual Classroom

Two-Day ASAM Criteria 4th Edition Skill Building

Thursday, June 13 - Friday, June 14, 2024
08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Online
Description

This two-day, application-focused training will provide participants with an in-depth look at some of the significant changes and improvements in the fourth edition. Participants will have opportunities to apply and practice key components of the Criteria, including but not limited to; the six dimensions, level of care assessment, application of Risk Ratings to each of the Five Dimensions, Dimensional Admission Criteria Decision Rules, shared decision-making and an overview of Service Characteristic Standards, Discharge and Transition Criteria.

All participants receive an in-depth electronic training journal to guide the training experience and as a resource for continuing skill application, as part of the training.

Books are not required, but highly recommended.

The Illinois Department of Human Services funds this training and is only open to license-funded treatment professionals in the state of Illinois.

If you have any questions, please contact Maddie Seigfried by email at madison.mccormick@prevention.org or by phone at 217.993.2889

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Classroom

Asset-Based Community Development: Strategies for Engagement and Sustainability - Session II

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Prevention First's Chicago Office (Branch Office) - Chicago, IL
Description

Award-winning TEDx speaker, De’Amon Harges is a highly sought-after speaker and trainer for the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute of DePaul University and became nationally and internationally recognized after his ten-minute TEDx Indianapolis speech about his experience as “The Roving Listener.”

In the second session, participants will learn strategies to implement asset-based community development and social banking and practice how to utilize the five community currencies.

*Note: Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions but may elect to attend only one session.

Read More
Classroom

CSUPS / SUPS Provider Spring Networking Events

Tuesday, June 18, 2024
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington - Bloomington, IL
Description

This in-person networking event will give IDHS Substance Use Prevention Program Services (SUPS) and Chicago Substance Use Prevention Program Services (CSUPS) professionals the opportunity to discuss prevention-related topics with each other and share resources and experiences. Participants should come prepared to discuss their prevention program successes and challenges. SUPS and CSUPS professionals are encouraged to attend whichever event is most convenient.

*Additional details to follow.*

Read More