Prevention Perk

Prevention Perk is a podcast from Mid-America Prevention Technology Transfer Center (Mid-America PTTC). Our mission is to serve as a prevention catalyst, empowering individuals and fostering partnerships to promote safe, healthy, and drug-free communities across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas. Our services are evidence-based, culturally competent, and locally focused. We provide intensive technical assistance to support organizations' and systems' efforts to implement evidence-based prevention strategies. The Mid-America PTTC also forms partnerships with local and regional stakeholders to ensure that the training needs of the region are identified and met.

Episode #99 - Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults and Understanding Historical Trauma 06/13/2024

Episode #98 - Why Focus on LGBTQ+ People 06/06/2024

Episode 97: Leadership Comes from Within 05/13/2024

Episode #96: Laughter is the Best Prevention Medicine 04/29/2024

Episode #95: Why Prevention Works 04/15/2024

Episode #95: Why Prevention Works I am not a photographer by education or formal training. I often describe myself as an “accidental photographer” since most of what I know is self-taught - born out of a pure love of the outdoors and the beauty of creation. My journey into photography began near the end of my career as a federal drug prosecutor where I supervised the Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force – a group of agents, analysts and prosecutors who investigated and prosecuted high-level drug trafficking organizations. During that time, I was an eyewitness to some of the darkest aspects of society. Although my legal career was exciting and challenging, the investigation of these cases put me in direct contact with all forms of greed, addiction, violence, abuse and neglect of children, and the loss of dignity, health, freedom, and even life itself. Without recognizing it, all of those things weighed on my heart, mind and soul in ways that I couldn’t imagine at the time. It took a mid-life crisis to bring me into the world of serious photography when I realized that decades of exposure to the darkest side of humanity had impacted my ability to recognize many of life’s simple pleasures. Up to that point in my life, my wife and I had experienced blessings that are found in a blur of family activities – ballgames, school, church, Scouts, camping, hiking, birthdays, holidays, and occasional vacations. But as our children left home to attend college and raise families of their own, I found myself working longer hours and enjoying life less. After our last child left for college, I reached a turning point with the realization that I needed a hobby, something that would help me focus my attention on more positive thoughts and experiences. My choice at the time was an inexpensive film camera. Although I initially lacked the skills necessary to successfully capture a beautiful image, the simple act of looking through the lens of a camera allowed me to re-discover everything that is wonderful in life – a world full of amazing people, beautiful landscapes, fascinating creatures, and boundless opportunities and adventures. Through the lens of a camera, I rediscovered a sense of joy that I recognized as a gift from childhood when the world was full of wonder and awe. Now, many years later, I am blessed with opportunities to speak and train at local, state, regional and national conferences on a variety of subjects relating to the law, law enforcement, drug education, building strong communities, protecting and nurturing children, and photography. Because of my law enforcement background, many of my presentations require me to describe the grim realities of bad choices that negatively impact children, families and communities, but these opportunities also allow me to provide positive messages and solutions that can overcome feelings of hopelessness, pain, surrender, and despair. This is especially important in working directly with youth (ranging from those who are severely “at risk” to kids who seem blessed with every opportunity in life). At both ends of this spectrum I find that young people are eager to be “seen” AND heard by adults, and when given the right information and encouragement, they become eager to serve AND to lead. Increasingly, my youth workshops include teaching about photography and the great outdoors. My best days involve a photography/nature workshop followed by an outdoor excursion with a busload of kids. The combination of my professional background and love of photography allows me to share real life experiences that provide a stark contrast between choices that bring misery and pain with choices that can lead to a fulfilling and joyful life. By sharing these images, my purpose is to encourage others to make good choices and live happy and healthy lives. By tapping into the sense of wonder we all experienced as little children, we can all rediscover a world that is infinitely more satisfying than anything offered by a popular culture that often leads people in the wrong direction. One of my favorite photographers, Galen Rowell once said: “You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either.” I hope that you enjoy each sunrise and sunset as you journey through a wonderful life. · Website: · LinkedIn: · Instagram: · Facebook: /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/30766848

Episode #94: A Community Needs to Assess the Impact of Alcohol 04/01/2024

Episode 92 - Social Media's Impact on Mental Health 03/01/2024

Episode 92 - Social Media's Impact on Mental Health My guest on this episode is Rikki Barton who has a passion for communicating essential messages to move individuals and communities onward in their goals. She is the Founder/Lead Consultant of Onward Consulting and holds the Missouri Advanced Prevention Specialist certification as well as international IC&RC certification. Rikki has over 14 years of prevention field experience and currently serves as a consultant to assist organizations, coalitions, and state/federal agencies in the areas of substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. She has extensive experience working with community coalitions, providing training, grant writing, managing funding sources, and leading a team of preventionists. Rikki trains for CADCA in their youth and adult training programs as well as trains for National Council for Mental Wellbeing as an Adult, Youth, and Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor. She holds a Bachelors degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters degree from Liberty University. In her free time, Rikki loves exploring the outdoors on hikes with her rescue dog, Oreo. Rikki recently returned from an epic adventure trip to Nepal, where she completed the Everest Base Camp trek (unfortunately, without Oreo). · Email: · Web site: · LinkedIn: · Instagram: · Facebook: The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The National Center of Excellence on social media and Youth Mental Health serves as a centralized, trusted source for evidence-based education and technical assistance to support the mental health of children and adolescents as they navigate social media. The internet has dramatically reshaped how we buy and sell everything – including each other. Social media has been used by traffickers to recruit victims, to proliferate their trafficking operations, and to control victims through restricting their social media access, impersonating the victim, or spreading lies and rumors online. A leader in helping us to understand this issue is the Polaris Project, they are a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking. /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/30024428

Episode 93 - Risk Factors for Youth Substance Misuse 02/19/2024

Episode #91: Building Blocks - Faith, Prevention, Recovery 02/12/2024

Episode #90: Safe & Sober 01/29/2024

Episode #89: The Power of Lived Experience 01/01/2024

Episode 88: The Science of Addiction 12/19/2023

Episode #87: Reframing Language for Healthier Outcomes 12/01/2023

Episode #86: The School of Hard Talks 11/28/2023

Episode #85: Lambi, A Book About Prevention 11/14/2023

Science of the Positive 10/30/2023

Science of the Positive As the Director and Chief Research Scientist at The Montana Institute, Dr. Jeff Linkenbach has developed national award-winning programs that change community norms. Jeff holds a Doctor of Education with a focus on community education, a master’s degree in counseling and has over the past 30 years of experience in public health leadership. He is a co-investigator of the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) study at the HOPE Center at Tufts School of Medicine and a past Fellow at the Mansfield Academy for Global Leadership at The University of Montana. In 1998, Jeff created the National Conference on The Social Norms Approach to Prevention, which has since transformed into the renowned Montana Summer Institute on Positive Community Norms. Jeff also founded the Center for Health & Safety Culture at the Western Transportation Institute and is the developer of the Science of the Positive and Positive Community Norms frameworks, which have been utilized by tribal, federal, state, and local organizations to achieve positive change and transformation around issues such as child maltreatment, substance abuse, suicide and traffic safety. Jeff is known for translating social norms science into practical applications and has trained others to implement effective norms interventions across North America. For the past sixteen years, he has led Positive Community Norms implementation across the state of Minnesota, which has resulted in significant reductions in teen alcohol and other substance abuse. Jeff was a member of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Knowledge-to-Action (K2A) think tank on Essentials for Childhood and was commissioned by the CDC to write a supplemental paper on Promoting Positive Community Norms. He has served as a consultant and trainer for numerous prestigious organizations such as the U.S. White House (Office of National Drug Control Policy), the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, The Canadian Agriculture Safety Association, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Harvard University, The American Medical Association, The National Football League, and many others. Email: Web site: The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/28433105

Prevention is NOT a Lonesome Field; 10/20/2023

Prevention is NOT a Lonesome Field; Shanelle was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She relocated to Columbia, MO in 2012 to begin her undergraduate career at the University of Missouri – Columbia. During that time, she developed a love for helping people and found that to be her area of passion. Shanelle graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with emphasis in Family and Lifespan Development and a minor in Social Justice. After graduating, she began working in the community to help meet the needs of the people. She has over 10 years of trauma-informed social service experience that includes work as a Domestic Violence Victims Advocate, Youth Specialist, Parent Child Educator, Foster Care Case Manager, and Foster Parent. During that time, she discovered her purpose in life, which is being the voice for the underserved populations in the face of adversity. Shanelle strives to bring equity, cohesiveness, and stability in communities to enhance the quality of them. This will be accomplished by rebuilding the families within them. However, she recognizes that in order to rebuild families you must focus on the individuals that make up the families first. For this to be achieved, parents will be guided in the process of personal development to help them gain confidence within themselves, learn to effectively advocate for the things they want in their lives, and form konnections within the community. She believes that every person deserves to obtain and maintain a high quality of life no matter what their past or current struggles are. Shanelle is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health from the University of Missouri in hopes of obtaining her LCSW license. Her end goal is to be a licensed clinical therapist and traveling keynote/motivational speaker. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling with her young daughter creating memories. View Shanelle's Storyboard here: Learn about all the BOLD Fellows: The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The Mission of the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is to address the need for greater equity and effectiveness in behavioral health services for African Americans. The center is determined to help transform behavioral health services for African Americans. For more information visit /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/28327493

Creating a SOCIAL Network of Faith-Based Prevention 10/02/2023

Creating a SOCIAL Network of Faith-Based Prevention Stephanie DeRosa-Hillmann, LPC, Manager – SOCIAL Network, joined the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery in December 2017. Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 10 years’ experience in the fields of mental health and substance use. Stephanie received her B.A. degree in Psychology from Georgian Court University and M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling with specialization in Substance Use from Monmouth University. Stephanie’s faith has always played a large role in her life, laying the foundation for her career and passion for serving her community. Stephanie spent much of her early career conducting assessments and providing outpatient treatment to both youth and adults. Stephanie has extensive experience in providing clinical case management services within the community. Stephanie’s passion for community engagement and motivation to reduce substance use through collective impact brought her to the Institute for Prevention and Recovery. In her work, she has guided community partners and key stakeholders through a needs assessment process identifying community needs and resources. Stephanie works to open communication and inform collaboration among community partners to best serve youth and families. Her clinical background and strong relationship with faith have come together to kick off the SOCIAL Network project. The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Did you know that SAMHSA has actively engaged and supported faith-based and community organizations involved in substance use and mental health services since 1992. To learn more visit The 2023–2026 SAMHSA Strategic Plan presents a new person-centered mission and vision highlighting key guiding principles and presenting new priorities, goals, and objectives. To achieve its mission, SAMHSA has identified five priorities, including strengthening the workforce, to better meet the behavioral health needs of individuals, communities, and service providers. To view the strategic plan visit - Email: /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/28089131

Networking, The Foundation of A New Prevention Specialist 09/20/2023

Episode 80: Prevention, Rural Style 09/05/2023

Two Guys Talk Prevention 08/14/2023

Two Guys Talk Prevention Dave Closson, creator of DJC Solutions, is an established speaker, author, coach, veteran, and facilitator with a passion for linking arms with others who want to live an abundant life. He knows you have the grit to excel in a thriving career, inherit more time freedom, and have the “jump-out-of-bed” feeling every morning. Dave’s cornerstone is to meet you where you are, utilizing intent listening to understand the root of your current struggles and desired outcomes on the other side of them… A-Game style. Prior to his current roles, Dave’s drive and discipline were developed during his employment as a sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard as one of few handpicked for the sniper team. While the catalyst for his current success, Dave also suffered a traumatic brain injury while deployed leading to another battle: PTSD and a substance misuse disorder. Overcoming the greatest challenges of his life, Dave’s transformation happened slowly yet intently. Recognizing he had lost who he was at the core, Dave’s inner warrior emerged as he worked tirelessly to help his resiliency and self-awareness resurface. Dave now uses the same strategies and tactics to empower others of all walks of life to live in a sustainable state of passion, purpose, connection, and drive. The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. SAMHSA works with federal and other partners to increase the supply of trained and culturally aware professionals to address the nation’s behavioral health needs. Visit for more information. A focus on health equity allows communities to direct their prevention strategies towards the most vulnerable populations in the region they serve. You can learn to embed an equity lens into your everyday prevention efforts by viewing the series A product created in partnership with Rize Consultants and hosted on the mid-America PTTC YouTube channel. /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/27681627

Episode 77 - The Battle for Healthy Communities 08/01/2023

Episode 77: Understanding the Message - Digital Media Literacy 07/20/2023

Episode 77: Understanding the Message - Digital Media Literacy The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Stefan Denson is an experienced independent contractor in the field of civil rights. He is retired from public service. He has served on the board of various nonprofit organizations which have focused in the areas of higher education, civil rights, and community service. Working as a facilitator and trouble shooter between a university computer team and a federal civil rights enforcement agency, Stefan helped the parties develop a computer program using elements of artificial intelligence. Stefan’s professional pursuits are guided by his personal interests. This includes a strong interest in the field of media literacy where Stefan has assisted in co-authoring a revision of the textbook on Media Literacy (Approach to Media Literacy, 3rd Edition, M.L. Sharpe). Stefan is a graduate of Washington University – St. Louis with a master’s degree in legal studies. Dr. Silverblatt is Professor Emeritus of Media Communications at Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of Media Literacy: Keys to Interpreting Media Messages, Dictionary of Media Literacy, Approaches to Media Literacy, International Communications, Approaches to Genre Study, and Handbook of Media Literacy, as well as numerous articles focusing on the topic of Media Literacy. He is a Founding Member of DIMLE. A seasoned, life-long communications practitioner and devoted professional community connector and volunteer, Jessica Z. Brown-Billhymer has been advocating for citizens to be mindful media consumers and creators, for more than 25 years. She is founder and president of Gateway Media Literacy Partners Inc. (GMLP), a regional nonprofit focused on helping community make sense of media in the digital age, and originator of the first annual Media Literacy Week in the nation. Brown-Billhymer and partners devote time and expertise to community media literacy education, and to uniting a variety of institutions in efforts to promote the virtues of sustained media literacy education. Brown-Billhymer and fellow media literacy champions have always contended, media literacy can lead to greater agency and a more educated, critical-thinking and empowered citizenry. Digital International Media Literacy Education: Gateway Media Literacy Partners: SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for , , and on topics such as substance misuse, common mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events. Interested in sharing your story in a digital format. SAMHSA has a How-to Guide for Digital Story Telling to support the recovery and healing of self and other through messages of hope. This guide can help you plan, organize, and make a digital story. It includes helpful, easy-to-use resources for each stage of the process. /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/27351867

Episode #76: Prevention on the College Campus 07/10/2023

Episode #76: Prevention on the College Campus The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. During this episode we’re discussing The Eight Professional Competencies for Higher Education Substance Misuse Prevention. To download a copy of the guide visit David Anderson, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Education and Human Development at George Mason University, where he worked for 28 years; he served as Professor and Director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Health. Prior to that, he served as a college administrator at The Ohio State University, Radford University and Ohio University. He has managed hundreds of national state and local projects while teaching graduate and undergraduate classes. An active researcher and writer, he has decades-long research on college drug and alcohol issues, high school youth and community efforts. The focus of his work is upon practical applications for youth, young adults, and leaders at the campus, community, state and national level, and he continues with training, speaking and research. His two most recent books are Leading Campus Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention: Grounded Approaches for Student Impact (co-authored with Thomas Hall; NASPA, 2021) and Leadership in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention: Insights from Long-Term Advocates (Routledge, 2020). Other recent books include Health and Safety Communication: A Practical Guide Forward (2017), Wellness Issues for Higher Education (2015) and Further Wellness Issues for Higher Education (2016). He orchestrates the College Alcohol Survey, a triennial survey on campus strategies addressing drug and alcohol misuse, done since 1979 through 2021. He serves on the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s National Advisory Council and the American College Health Association’s COVID-19 Task Force. He is active as a community leader in Celebration, Florida, where he serves as a Director with the Celebration Residential Owners Association. To gain a deeper understanding of the subject we’re discussing with Dr. David Anderson, listen to the 8-part series about the Professional Competencies for Higher Education Substance Misuse Prevention. A link to the series is available at /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/27351813

Episode 75: Art in Prevention 07/04/2023

Episode 74: PhotoVoice - Prevention in Pictures 06/13/2023

Episode 74: PhotoVoice - Prevention in Pictures The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. My Guests today are Karie Terhark and Chuck Daugherty. Karie works with the team at Hue Life inspiring and facilitating change guided by the values of inclusion, teamwork, and collaboration. Chuck currently serves as the Executive Director of Act Missouri a training and technical assistance provider and has been advancing in the field of photography for 5 decades. Together they are advancing the art of PhotoVoice in the prevention field. Today we’ll explore this technique and learn about a recent project they completed with teens in rural Kentucky. SAMHSA offers free, downloadable publications and tip sheets, as well as mobile apps for , , and on topics such as substance misuse, common mental health conditions, and coping with disasters and other traumatic events. You’ll find a link for these resources in the show notes. Interested in learning more about PhotoVoice? There are several research papers, case studies and examples about this art form available on the internet. The Community Toolbox has a great resource complete with examples and a downloadable PowerPoint, and Act Missouri offers a tool kit to help jump start a student photovoice. Links to these resources are in the show notes. If a picture is worth a thousand words, PhotoVoice helps tell the whole story. Learn more today! Email: Web Resources: Karie Terhark is a Certified ToP Faciliatator who previously worked as the Director for Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (A.S.A.P.). While at A.S.A.P., she facilitated a countywide coalition of volunteers to assess, plan, and implement environmental strategies to change the culture around underage drug and alcohol abuse. Through that process, the coalition has successfully passed ordinances and policies that have created sustainability in their efforts. Karie also worked for 10 years in the Human Resource field along with being a small business owner. Karie’s energy is contagious and she is driven to inspire people to make a change in their lives and communities. Chuck Daugherty first got involved with community mobilization in the late 90’s. Since then he has worked as a community organizer and mobilizer across the Southwest. In Texas, Chuck trained and supervised three community outreach teams mobilizing to combat the HIV crisis in specific targeted populations. Additionally, he consulted with community coalitions in the Greater Dallas Area organizing to prevent teen substance abuse. While employed as a Prevention Specialist at the Southwest Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) at the University of Oklahoma, he provided community technical assistance, training, consultation, to communities throughout a nine-state region in the Southwest. Most recently Chuck is the Executive Director of Act Missouri, and Co-Director of the Mid-America PTTC that serves the four states in HHS Region7. As a semi-professional photographer he has recently begun combining his passion for prevention with his passion for photography providing technical assistance and training for Community Photovoice Projects across the country. /episode/index/show/midamericapttc/id/27122058

Episode 73: Professionalizing the Field, the Future of Prevention 05/29/2023

Episode 72: Discussing Marijuana - A Drug Free America Conversation 05/15/2023

Episode 71: Let's Talk About The "S" Word 05/02/2023

Episode 70: Prevention Across the Lifespan 04/17/2023

Prevention Perk

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