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A Division for Advancing Prevention & Treatment (ADAPT) provides substance use prevention Training and Technical Assistance to High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)
communities across the nation. The Prevention Post keeps HIDTA communities
up-to-date with the latest advances and opportunities in the field.
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Dear HIDTA Communities & Prevention Partners,
RELATIONSHIPS…they come in different forms, bring significant meaning to the work we do in prevention, and drive many of our outcomes. They are arguably one of the most important aspects of our lives! Yet, how often do we pause and recognize how vital they are? Or actively work on helping our relationships reach their full potential?
This issue of the Prevention Post illuminates the power of relationships in a variety of ways. For instance, several featured HIDTAs describe the critical role of developing strong relationships with partners in their prevention activities towards a common goal. In addition, a newly developed Youth Prevention Institute series that will be offered across 6 HIDTA regions brings the topic of “Health-Promoting Relationships” to life with a deep dive into the many ways trusted adults can maximize their relationships with youth to nurture protective and flourishing factors in those youth. Important data, updates, and resources from ADAPT’s prevention partners are also described. And finally, ADAPT excitedly announces a new member of our team!
Before any healthy relationship can develop, a strong connection must be established. I draw your attention to this issue’s Prevention Tip which is focused on 15 attributes of connection. I encourage you to spend just a few moments with each attribute and notice what stirs within you. Perhaps you are masterful at connecting with others, but more than likely one or more attributes such as “patience” might stand out to you as something you could work on to improve the quality of your relationships. I have appreciated the challenge of spending time with each attribute and thinking through opportunities to improve upon these attributes in both my professional and personal lives. Routine self-reflection on our ability to foster connection can support our ability to bring our best selves forward in everything we do, and to everyone we encounter.
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Lora Peppard, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Director of ADAPT
Deputy Director for Treatment & Prevention
Washington/Baltimore HIDTA
| | Northern California HIDTA Builds Prevention Capacity within Their Region | | | | Recognizing the critical need for more accessible prevention training in the region, the Northern California HIDTA (NC HIDTA) partnered with the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network to help bridge that gap. The PTTC Network supports the substance misuse prevention field by enhancing the implementation and delivery of effective prevention strategies, while also providing high-quality training and technical assistance. | | |
Last week, a small but dedicated group of prevention professionals came together to participate in PTTC’s latest offering, Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals. This training was originally developed as part of SAMHSA’s broader efforts to professionalize and strengthen the prevention workforce through the Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), and it continues today under the PTTC Network.
Designed for those new to the prevention field, as well as seasoned practitioners seeking to align with evolving standards, the training provides a comprehensive foundation in key knowledge and skills critical to effective prevention practice.
Participants who complete this training can also become certified trainers themselves, helping to expand the pool of qualified instructors and build long-term capacity for prevention efforts across the region.
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"Building up our cadre of prevention trainers is the first and most critical step toward expanding our regional capacity to deliver effective, evidence-based prevention strategies," said Mark Karandang, Drug Intelligence Officer and Demand Reduction Coordinator for NC HIDTA. "By investing in skilled trainers, we're laying the groundwork for sustainable, community-level impact."
Kudos to Mark and team for recognizing and meeting the needs of their regional prevention workforce through this partnership. For more information about this event, reach out to Mark at mkarandang@ncric.ca.gov.
| | | Michigan HIDTA's Approach to Preventing Substance Use | | |
Michigan HIDTA is taking steps to support substance use prevention and address substance-related issues across its region with a strong emphasis on education as a precursor to prevention. These efforts are led by the Michigan HIDTA ORS Team Robert Kerr (Drug Intelligence Officer) and Emily Godfrey (Public Health Analyst), who regularly provide education on drug trends and data to county and community-level organizations.
Michigan HIDTA also promotes the work of its local partner, Face Addiction Now (FAN; formerly Families Against Narcotics), a recipient of HIDTA discretionary funding in 2021. FAN is a community-based organization dedicated to the full continuum of care for substance use. Consistent with the Michigan HIDTA approach, FAN integrates education into its prevention strategy and has several initiatives dedicated to law enforcement education.
With HIDTA discretionary funding, FAN has achieved several important milestones, including:
- Creating an interactive web application for real-time analysis and reporting on client services data.
- Developing a comprehensive law enforcement training curriculum focused on substance abuse data decision-making.
- Addressing the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and fostering community-based solutions with law enforcement partners.
- Demonstrating to law enforcement how participation in community-based deflection and diversion programs can improve perceptions of law enforcement within communities.
- Expanding training on community policing practices that reduce the stigma of substance use disorder, reaching law enforcement agencies across Michigan.
FAN’s successful collaboration with law enforcement is further exemplified in their Hope Not Handcuffs program, which prepares both law enforcement and community groups to connect individuals seeking help for addiction with treatment options. Additionally, FAN offers training on The Importance of Substance Use Prevention Programs, providing strategies, benefits, and considerations for implementing effective prevention initiatives.
For more information or to reach the Michigan HIDTA team, contact Robert Kerr at rkerr@mi.hidta.net. Inquiries for FAN can be sent to Dunya Kilano at dunya@faceaddictionnow.org.
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Connecting with Youth
Our last Prevention Tip highlighted youth flourishing and the vital role of relationships in supporting healthy youth development and wellbeing. At the core of any relationship lies connection. Naturally, people vary in their ability to foster, engage, and maximize connection opportunities.
| | The science of connection, however, highlights a number of attributes that when cultivated, facilitate relationship development. These connection attributes include: | |
- Self-awareness
- Self-acceptance
- Self-alignment
- Authenticity
- Care
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- Empathy
- Full Presence
- Honesty
- Humility
- Kindness
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- Love
- Nonjudgment
- Nurturance
- Patience
- Respect
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Take a moment to reflect and identify how these attributes present within yourself and your relationships with youth. Leverage the attributes that appear to surface as strengths for you and identify areas for further development.
Lastly, tune in to one of this year’s Youth Prevention Institutes (see Mark Your Calendars below) where resources will be provided to support participants in developing these connection attributes to aid in youth relationship development.
Source:
Peppard L, American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Connection Paradigm Toolkit. Published online October 2024. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.apna.org/connectiontoolkit/
| | New Mexico HIDTA Continues to Establish its Footprint Through Their Quarterly Prevention Series | | |
In January 2025, the New Mexico HIDTA held the third session of its Prevention Series, titled Communicating with Youth for Substance Use Prevention. Hosted by the New Mexico HIDTA’s Prevention Coordinator, Monica Trujillo, the Prevention Series is a quarterly regional meeting that draws attendees from across New Mexico. The series is designed to foster collaborations and partnerships to address substance use, and provides opportunities to connect, share resources and ideas, and learn more about best practices in substance use prevention.
The January session brought attention to a topic that has been of interest across many HIDTAs - substance use prevention communications. The presentation shared the best available evidence for how to effectively message to youth for substance use prevention. Content included an orientation to social norms intervention and communications strategies as well as principles of effective mass media campaigns.
The 26 attendees left with a new understanding of how prevention messaging strategies can enhance their prevention initiatives and several attendees expressed interest in reaching out to New Mexico HIDTA for guidance in these efforts.
The next session of the Prevention Series will be held on April 1, 2025. For more information, reach out to Monica at mtrujillo2@nmhidta.org.
| | ADAPT Welcomes New Team Member | | | |
ADAPT is excited to announce Dr. Brian Bumbarger, PhD, MEd has joined our team as its new Associate Director for Implementation Science and Strategy. With a decade of experience supporting criminal and juvenile justice efforts and over 30 years' experience implementing, evaluating, and scaling substance use and violence prevention initiatives, Brian will support ADAPT in responding effectively and efficiently to current and projected prevention needs across HIDTA communities through strategic growth, capacity building, and systems integration.
| | Having served as the Founding Director of the Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center at Penn State University where he oversaw the replication of prevention models in over 300 communities, Brian brings an expansive set of knowledge and skills to ADAPT, HIDTAs, and their communities. Welcome, Brian! | | 5 HIDTAs Plan for 2-Day Youth Prevention Institutes in 2025 | | |
This year, 6 HIDTAs will be offering a 2-day Youth Prevention Institute. These FREE in-person institutes will orient participants to the science of relationships and how to connect with youth to boost protection, prevent risk, and cultivate overall wellbeing. The focus will be on how trusted adults working with youth can support the development of values, belief systems, and skills known to contribute to protective factors. State and local prevention priorities and strategies will also be discussed, and participants will have opportunities to connect with others across their region to network and share information.
The first institute will be held April 8-9 in Redmond, Oregon, hosted by the Oregon/Idaho HIDTA (register HERE).
Future institutes and dates include:
- June 17-18, Rocky Mountain HIDTA in Colorado Springs, CO
- July (Date TBD), New Mexico HIDTA
- August 19-20, Appalachia HIDTA in Nashville, TN
- Fall 2025, Washington/Baltimore HIDTA
- Fall 2025, New England HIDTA
Be on the lookout for future institute announcements and reach out to ADAPT at adapt@wb.hidta.org if you would like to be informed when institute registrations for future events go live.
| | To view subscription links to all previously listed resources in this section, such as substance use prevention newsletters, click HERE and scroll to GET CONNECTED. | | Public Health/Public Safety Updates | | U.S. Drug Seizure Data Update | | |
The Drug Threat Analysis Group (DTAG), formerly the National Emerging Threats Initiative, offer a review of U.S. drug seizure data during the last half of 2024.
The two pie charts below provide a comparative overview of U.S. drug seizures during the final two quarters of 2024. After a period of steady decline, fentanyl seizures surged in the 4th quarter, while methamphetamine seizures declined.
Cocaine seizures remained relatively stable, whereas heroin seizures saw a slight decrease. Although the U.S. made significant progress in reducing overdose deaths in 2024, the rise in fentanyl availability may signal a potential reversal of this positive trend.
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| ODMAP Milwaukee Drug-Checking Project and New Tribal Nations Layer | | |
Milwaukee Drug-Checking Project
The ODMAP team is happy to announce their new drug-checking project with the City of Milwaukee Health Department. This project brings together partners from the Health Department, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Overdose Response Strategy's Wisconsin state team. The project will take drug checking results and map/analyze them on ODMAP, leading to more informed outreach and response strategies by local partners.
Tribal Nations Layer
On March 4th, 2025, ODMAP released the first phase of its newest feature, the Tribal Nations Layer. You can locate the Tribal Nations Layer on the 6th icon down on the right-hand panel on the National Map. This new feature allows users to filter on the National Map by Tribal Nation and view the name of the Tribal Nation in the incident pop up, as well as the analytical table chart. This feature also allows users to toggle the Tribal Nations Layer on and off on the National map.
Opportunity for Spotlights and Feedback
The ODMAP team is actively working on producing additional Spotlights to connect with new agencies to spotlight in 2025. These spotlights serve to recognize stakeholders and illustrate the innovative ways in which they employ ODMAP to positively impact their communities. By sharing these success stories, ODMAP aims to increase awareness of the exceptional work being undertaken by various agencies in the field of overdose prevention. The ODMAP team wants to continue to hear about how your agency is using ODMAP, its new features, or how it is helping your organization. If you would like to share your story, click HERE. Additionally, if you would like to provide feedback to ODMAP, please complete the brief ODMAP Customer Satisfaction Survey: ODMAP Customer Satisfaction Survey.
All ODMAP updates can be viewed on their ODMAP Overview document monthly. You can find the most recent updates HERE.
| | Resources/Science from the Field | | A Toolkit for Completing Community Health Needs Assessments | | |
The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Toolkit, developed through a collaboration between the Center for Behavioral Health Integration (C4BHI) and the Vermont Department of Health, is designed to help non-profit hospitals fulfill their requirement to conduct a community health assessments every three years. CHNAs also serve as a vital strategy for identifying pressing health concerns and optimizing available resources to address them. The toolkit offers hospitals and community organizations a structured framework for assessing local health needs, fostering collaboration, and implementing impactful solutions.
The toolkit can be accessed HERE.
| | Sustainability Planning in Prevention Guidebook and Toolkit | | |
The Sustainability Planning in Prevention Guidebook and Toolkit by Great Lakes PTTC provides substance abuse prevention providers, coalitions, and organizations with a step-by-step approach to long-term prevention sustainability. The tools shared can help communities critically assess their current prevention infrastructure, develop sustainability plans, and form key partnerships to ensure continued prevention beyond initial funding. The guide presents a five-step model for sustainability planning: taking inventory, establishing goals and objectives, resource and feasibility analysis, communications planning, and ongoing implementation and maintenance of the plan.
The toolkit can be viewed HERE.
| | Preventing Substance Use in Rural Settings | | |
Preventing Substance Use in Rural Communities by SAMHSA is a practical guide for prevention professionals looking to address substance use in rural communities. This tool provides key insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of rural prevention efforts, helping professionals develop effective strategies. The tool explores how rural is defined, highlights substance use patterns, and identifies barriers such as geographic isolation and limited resources.
Access the guide HERE.
| | What Research Shows Does NOT Work in Substance Misuse Prevention | | |
The Great Lakes PTTC has issued a brief, What Research Shows Does NOT Work in Substance Misuse Prevention, which is a comprehensive literature review designed to help prevention practitioners recognize ineffective approaches in substance misuse prevention.
For those looking for a summary of ineffective substance use prevention strategies, read the brief HERE.
| | Preventing High Risk Drinking Among Young Adults: Strategies and Interventions | | |
Preventing High-Risk Drinking Among Young Adults: Strategies and Interventions is a comprehensive resource for prevention professionals looking to tackle excessive alcohol use among 18- to 25-year-olds. Developed by SAMHSA, this tool highlights 78 evidence-based interventions across nine key strategies, offering clear guidance on selecting and implementing effective programs.
Access the tool HERE.
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