Central East PTTC

The Danya Institute, Inc.
8737 Colesville Road, Suite L-203
Silver Spring,
MD
20910
HHS Region 3
DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV
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The Central East PTTC serves the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region 3, which includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. The PTTC will provide technical assistance (TA) and training (T) geared toward developing and strengthening the capacity of substance use prevention field to provide services that are based on prevention science and use evidence-based and promising practices. The populations of focus are prevention professionals and organizations, community coalitions, social service groups, other community based and faith based organizations, healthcare workers, organizations, pre-professionals, peers, consumers and family members, and other stakeholders. 

Recent News

From the Central East PTTC
Jan. 07, 2025
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is hosting its 21st Prevention Day event on February 3rd, 2025. The event will raise awareness of substance use prevention. Community leaders, government officials, and prevention specialists throughout the U.S. will come together. Prevention Day offers a valuable opportunity to enhance partnerships across sectors, including community […]
Dec. 06, 2024
Although the holidays are often seen as a time for joy and celebration, many people struggle with stress, depression, and anxiety during this period. The season can be especially challenging due to the pressure to create the 'perfect' holiday, financial stress, loneliness, or the absence of loved ones. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and seasonal changes […]
Dec. 02, 2024
World AIDS Day is recognized every year on December 1st as a way to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness, honoring lives lost, and supporting those living with HIV. First celebrated in 1988, it was the first International Health Day. World AIDS Day makes the HIV/AIDS pandemic known, which […]

Upcoming Events

Hosted by the Central East PTTC
Webinar/Virtual Training
Cost: FREE Contact Hours:  Up to 5 for attending Parts 1-4 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 Join us for our Using Environmental Scan Data for Strategic Planning Learning Collaborative comprised of 2 webinars, each with an accompanying learning lab. The learning labs will offer an immersive, hands-on environment where participants can actively practice and refine skills in real-world scenarios. WEBINAR 1: February 18: What are Environmental Scans? LAB 1: February 20: Identifying the Concepts and Resources Necessary for Environmental Scans WEBINAR 2: February 25: How to Conduct and Use Environmental Scans LAB 2: February 27: Identify the Skills and Opportunities for Utilizing Environmental Scans   WEBINAR 1: What are Environmental Scans? The first webinar in this learning collaborative will provide of an overview of environmental scans and their importance. The term “environmental scan” has multiple, competing definitions, depending on its source and context. This can present a challenge to prevention professionals seeking information and resources about them. This webinar will provide a shared definition of environmental scans that is relevant to substance use prevention and discuss how it relates to other types of assessments. The webinar will also discuss how and why environmental scans are an important tool for prevention professionals. Among other topics, the webinar will identify the common types of environmental scans and their uses and how asset maps can support environmental scans. WEBINAR 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Explain the basics of environmental scans and their similarities and differences to other types of assessments. Describe the importance of environmental scans to prevention. Identify common types of environmental scans and their core elements. Recognize how asset maps can support environmental scans. LAB 1: Identifying the Concepts and Resources Necessary for Environmental Scans This first learning lab in our environmental scan learning collaborative focuses on two of the most common types of environmental scans: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE) and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analyses. Both of these analyses are defined and described in the first webinar of this collaborative. Here, through guided exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the core elements of these analyses and what information they can provide prevention professionals. LAB 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this lab, participants will be able to: Identify the core elements of a PESTLE analysis. Identify the core elements of a SWOT analysis. WEBINAR 2: How to Conduct and Use Environmental Scans The second webinar in this learning collaborative will provide an overview of the practical steps to conducting an environmental scan and using its findings to support prevention efforts. The webinar will identify and discuss the steps to complete an environmental scan, as well as review the common challenges and opportunities that can arise. It will also review important resources that can support environmental scans, such as Geographic Information Systems. Lastly, the webinar will crosswalk potential environmental scan findings with each step of the Strategic Prevention Framework and discuss how the findings can improve planning efforts. WEBINAR 2 LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the steps of an environmental scan. Identify the resources needed to complete an environmental scan. Recognize common challenges to completing environmental scans and opportunities for overcoming them. Recognize opportunities for using environmental scan results throughout the strategic planning process. LAB 2: Identify the Skills and Opportunities for Utilizing Environmental Scans This second learning lab in our environmental scan learning collaborative focuses on preparing for an environmental scan and using findings to support strategic planning. Here, through guided exercises that build off the content provided in the webinars, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the practical skills required to fully utilize environmental scans. LAB 2 LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this lab, participants will be able to: Identify the skills necessary to conduct an environmental scan. Identify opportunities for using environmental scan data.   PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is the Chief of Training and Technical Assistance at Carnevale Associates, LLC. Mr. Esrick has over ten years of experience researching, writing, evaluating, and presenting on substance use prevention and other behavioral health topics. He is an expert in providing training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance use, having overseen the development of hundreds of T/TA products for numerous clients, including six of SAMHSA’s ten regional Prevention Technology Transfer Centers (PTTCs), the PTTC Network Coordinating Office, the Central East Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) and Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers (MHTTC), and SAMHSA’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT). These trainings and products have covered a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, data collection and analysis, and identifying evidence-based prevention interventions for youth. In addition to T/TA, Mr. Esrick has directly provided many of these services to behavioral health agencies and other entities. He has published several academic journal articles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University.   Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.   Olivia Stuart, MSW  supports the training & technical assistance (T/TA) team in the development and delivery of knowledge translation products across multiple projects. In this capacity, she assists with webinars, literature reviews, and infographics on a range of behavioral health topics. Prior to joining Carnevale Associates, Olivia interned with the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center where she supported projects to reduce inequities in the criminal justice system. Olivia also served as a Graduate Research Supervisor at George Mason University and worked for several years in LGBTQ+ advocacy and fundraising. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from George Mason University.     *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email webinars@danyainstitute.org at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing webinars@danyainstitute.org.
Webinar/Virtual Training
  Cost: FREE Contact Hours: 1.25 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 COURSE DESCRIPTION With the legalization of sports betting and increased access through mobile platforms, college students are at greater risk of problem gambling. This training is for young adults and those who work with young adults, focusing on the prevention of underage and problem gambling. This training will provide an overview of gambling expansion, an introduction to underage and problem gambling, an overview of Maryland’s problem gambling prevention grant programs, best practices in underage and problem gambling prevention strategies, and resources for help. Hear from representatives from Morgan State University, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and Frostburg State University who will provide information on gambling trends and prevention strategies implemented on college campuses. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify why problem gambling is a public health concern for emerging adults. Review prevention grant programs, strategies implemented, and resources for help for problem gambling in the Central East region. Cite colleges and universities that implemented a problem gambling prevention grant last fiscal year. Strategies implemented on campuses, challenges faced, and greatest successes will be discussed, as well as what is planned for 2025.   PRESENTER Heather Eshleman, MPH., is the Prevention Manager at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.  She works collaboratively with community organizations, schools, and government agencies to prevent underage and problem gambling as well as oversee special population and youth grants.  She currently leads the Center’s efforts in compiling an underage and problem gambling prevention needs assessment to provide baseline data to guide future prevention strategies.  She served as the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Supervisor at the Anne Arundel County Department of Health from 2006-2019, overseeing the Substance Abuse Prevention coalitions, the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program, the Strengthening Families Program, the Fatal Overdose Review Team, and Coordination of the Students Against Destructive Decisions Chapters.  Before becoming Supervisor, from 2002-2006, Heather was a Grants Administrator at Anne Arundel County Department of Health.  Heather received her Masters in Public Health from the University at Albany School of Public Health and her Bachelor’s degree in School and Community Health Education from Towson University.  Heather served in the United States Peace Corps in Morocco, North Africa, as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer, working on hygiene promotion and pre-natal care for two years.     Jess Jolly, M.S.W, LCSW-C (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker who has been serving the community in Southern Maryland for over a decade. Jess' roles have included serving as Clinical Manager and Director of Outpatient Services at Pyramid Healthcare LLC. Throughout her career, Jess has worked with both youth and adults from diverse backgrounds. She has also provided individual and group therapy modalities within residential and outpatient settings. She holds a BA in Sociology from Kutztown University and an MSW from West Chester University. Jess is passionate about serving the college community and providing services of excellence to students. Jess holds supervisory status with the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners and with the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Non-LCPC Approved Supervisor and a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Approved Supervisor.     Joseph McKenzie has been the Prevention Assistant for the SAFE Office since June 2021, utilizing his expertise in event planning, web design, video editing, film, photography, sound design, and media production. A proud Frostburg native and Frostburg Bobcat, he graduated from FSU in 2019 with a degree in mass communication and a minor in graphic design and fine art. Joseph founded the PAWSCAST, the FSU SAFE Office Wellness Podcast, and plays a key role in training Peer Educators through NASPA. By combining creativity with leadership, he supports and enhances prevention initiatives at FSU. His work focuses on addressing alcohol, cannabis, other drug use, and problem gambling, while fostering meaningful community engagement and strengthening campus support.   *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email webinars@danyainstitute.org at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you.   ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing webinars@danyainstitute.org.
Webinar/Virtual Training
Cost: FREE Contact Hours:  Up to 5 for attending Parts 1-4 (Certificate of Attendance) Target Audience: Professionals or organizations; Community members (members of a community or consumers); Students or educators (including faculty, administrators, supervisors, etc.) Developed for: SAMHSA Region 3 Join us for our Grant Writing Series comprised of 3 webinars and 1 learning lab.  March 5: Grant Writing Session 1: Introduction to Grant Writing March 12: Grant Writing Session 2: Getting Your Grant Started March 19: Grant Writing Session 3: Common Grant Sections March 26: LAB Session   Grant Writing Session 1: Introduction to Grant Writing In this session, participants will learn introductory elements of grant writing. This session will introduce participants to grant terminology, where to find grant opportunities, and how to read grant announcements. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Explain commonly used grant writing terminology Describe how and where to find grant opportunities appropriate for your organization Explore next steps when finding an application that is of interest Grant Writing Session 2: Getting Your Grant Started In this session, participants will learn how to read a grant announcement and create a plan for responding to a request for proposals (RFP). LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Examine how to determine eligibility for grant funding Explore best practices for building a grant writing team Discuss tips for making the grant writing process smooth Grant Writing Session 3: Common Grant Sections In this session, participants will learn about the most common grant application sections and how to address them. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Explore some of the most common sections in grant applications Illustrate best practices for gathering data and making a compelling case for your community List skills for action planning LAB Session In addition to three seminars on grant writing, this series also includes a learning lab where participants will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the first three sessions through case studies and practical application of the content. LEARNING OBJECTIVES By the end of this lab, participants will be able to: Apply the acquired grant writing skills to a case study. Identify agencies, websites, or other resources related to their grant concerns   PRESENTER Dan Webb is co-owner of Catalyst Research, LLC and Catalyst Insight, LLC. Dan has over eighteen years of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.   *CONTACT HOUR ELIGIBILITY In order to be eligible for the contact hours/certificate of attendance, you must join the live webinar in the Zoom platform. If you are having issues accessing the room/application at the time of the event: Please email webinars@danyainstitute.org at the start of the webinar so that we can assist you. ACCOMMODATIONS If you are in need of any special accommodations, please notify the Central East PTTC Webinar Team three weeks in advance of the event, or as soon as possible, by emailing webinars@danyainstitute.org.

Products & Resources

Developed by the Central East PTTC
eNewsletter or Blog
The January 2025 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: A Road Map to Success: Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Challenging Environments Prevention: SAMHSA's 21st Prevention Day Opioid Response: National Mentoring Month Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Print Media
Evidence-based prevention is a healthcare investment that can improve the economic well-being of states and communities. Prevention can reduce the societal costs of substance use and even increase individuals’ socioeconomic standing. Raising awareness of prevention’s economic value will help shift the perspectives of people and policymakers who view it as an expense to understanding it as a long-term investment. This resource provides important facts and figures that you can reference when advocating for prevention.
Print Media
Collaboration between prevention and harm reduction can improve health outcomes and expand the reach of services. Harm reduction touches services across the behavioral health continuum of care and can align with prevention strategies. This product explains the importance of collaboration between prevention and harm reduction and identifies potential collaborative opportunities and partners.
Webinars
View the Central East webinar catalog to watch past webinars and register for upcoming events!
View Seminars
Subscribe
Subscribe to the Central East's monthly eNewsletter, The Dialogue, for news and more.
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