Primary Prevention Efforts for Selected and Indicated Populations Series
January 21 @ 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Problem Identification and Referral is a critical component of any comprehensive community primary prevention plan. However, many local prevention providers encounter challenges successfully integrating the strategy into their efforts. This series will explore some of the barriers, solutions, and successes often encountered with the Problem Identification and Referral Primary Prevention strategy, including understanding the difference between prevention and early intervention, explaining the strategy to key partners and administrators, and navigating ethical considerations as a primary prevention professional. Due to the sensitivity of the nature of this training, participants will have to attend all four trainings in this series.
Part 1: SAMHSA Primary Prevention Strategies: Problem Identification and Referral
Tuesday, January 21 • 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. PT
This four-part series explores Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Problem Identification and Referral primary prevention strategy. During session one, participants will learn about what this strategy is, what it is not, and how to effectively implement strategies at the local level. SAMHSA defines Problem Identification and Referral as the strategy that “aims to identify individuals who have indulged in illegal or age-inappropriate use of tobacco or alcohol and individuals who have indulged in the first use of illicit drug.” This session will delve deeper into the Problem Identification and Referral strategy, align strategy principles with primary prevention priorities in California, and support primary prevention professionals in appropriate application practices.
The recommended skill level for SAMHSA Primary Prevention Strategies: Problem Identification and Referral is for beginner prevention professionals.
Part 2: Ethical Considerations in Problem Identification and Referral
Tuesday, January 21 • 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s goal for the Problem Identification and Referral primary prevention strategy is to assess “if behavior can be reversed through education” noting that the strategy “does not include any activity designed to determine if a person is in need of treatment.” Session two of this four-part series will examine ethical considerations related to the Problem Identification and Referral strategy for primary prevention professionals. Topics of focus will include strategies such as motivational interviewing and brief intervention, indicated prevention vs. early intervention, and, when necessary, professionally aligned approaches to connect prevention participants to qualified screening and referral services.
The recommended skill level for Ethical Considerations in Problem Identification and Referral is for intermediate prevention professionals.
Part 3: Problem Identification and Referral Strategies in School-Based Settings
Friday, January 24 • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
School-based settings are one of the most common places for Problem Identification and Referral primary prevention services. Session three of this four-part series addresses the major considerations a primary prevention professional must include when working collaboratively within a school or educational setting. Participants will learn about Problem Identification and Referral best practices and strategies in school-based settings, navigate working collaboratively with school administrators and staff, and gain an understanding of California-specific laws and regulations as they relate to primary prevention.
The recommended skill level for Problem Identification and Referral Strategies in School-Based Settings is for intermediate prevention professionals.
Part 4: Involving Family and Caregiver Voices in Problem Identification and Referral
Monday, January 27 • 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT
At times, Problem Identification and Referral strategies might include seeking support from a young person’s parent, caregiver, or family member. At other times, this involvement could pose further risk, and possibly increase the outcome of risky behavioral health outcomes. How do prevention professionals navigate this process? What California laws and policies are in place that must be considered? This final session of this four-part series will discuss considerations, processes, and action steps for involving family and caregiver voices in Problem Identification and Referral prevention strategies.
The recommended skill level for Involving Family and Caregiver Voices in Problem Identification and Referral is for intermediate prevention professionals.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for this ABHPC training are offered by the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) at no cost to you. Information about how to request no-cost CEUs will be provided during the training.
About the Presenters
Dr. Alejandra Acuña’s (she/her) career focus has been in academia, research, and practice, notably in school social work. With a Ph.D. in Social Welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), she has studied stress, trauma, and resilience, particularly among adolescents and marginalized communities. Dr. Acuña has taught at UCLA and earned tenure at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She is currently the Executive Director of Valley Nonprofit Resources, a program in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at CSUN.
Gabe Teran (he/him) is a 20+ year professional in youth and community advocacy work. He is a subject matter expert in the fields of substance use prevention and youth development. He has also delivered engaging, prevention-focused workshops at statewide and national conferences. Gabe has provided direct services to young people for the entirety of his career – many from historically challenged communities. He has also directly overseen substance use prevention initiatives and developed youth leadership programming. Gabe holds a Master of Science degree in Management and Leadership as well as two certifications for substance use disorders work in the state of California.
Lane Krumpos (she/her) has witnessed firsthand the intersection of mental health, juvenile justice, and education and understands the transformative impact that can occur when these systems operate collaboratively, inclusively, equitably, and remain trauma-informed. She is passionate about leading with these values, supporting community partners in transformative ways of being, and amplifying youth voices to promote leadership. Throughout her career, Lane has worked in various roles, including the juvenile prison system, policy reform, education, peer counseling, and crisis response mental health. She has created training programs to support schools and community organizations with healing-centered practices, staff wellness and resilience, suicide prevention, suicide intervention, crisis postvention response, and restorative justice practices.
Lizzie Cayden (she/her) entered the prevention field in 2014 as a National Fellow within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) workforce development program. Following the completion of her graduate degree and fellowship at the National Association for Substance Abuse and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD) in Washington, DC, Lizzie relocated to the west coast with the goal of continuing in the prevention field as a young professional. Since 2015, Lizzie has worked in both Oregon and Washington, supporting prevention services for counties, coalitions, tribal communities, community-based organizations, and substance use prevention grantees. She currently lives in Olympia, Washington, where she advocates for equitable practices in behavioral health, addressing stigma, and reducing barriers to accessing care.
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