SEE WHAT'S ALREADY HAPPENED IN 2008  ...

JANUARY

4, 11, 18 & 25 > Men's All Recovery Meeting
6:00-7:00 P.M.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Come when you need support. Come and get involved. Contact Kevin Hauschulz for more information at 860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us.

11 > CASAC “Open House”
4:30-6:30 P.M.
CASAC Office: 3 Barnard Lane-1st Floor, Bloomfield

The Board of Directors, their families, and friends are invited to the offices of the Capital Area Substance Abuse Council for a post holiday welcome.  R.S.V.P. to executivedirector@casac.org by January 9th.

15 > Courageous Parenting 101: Substance Abuse Education & Prevention Program - Free
6:30-8:00 P.M.
West Rock School: 81 West Rock Rd., Norwalk

(First of four sessions. Others are Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5). Substance abuse education and prevention program designed by The Courage to Speak Foundation to help parents like you understand substance abuse and its impact on children and youth. The program will be offered by a facilitator certified by The Courage to Speak Foundation and will cover a variety of material, such as: fundamentals of substance abuse prevention, drug trends in America, signs of drug use, communication skills, how to find out if your child is using drugs, what to do if you child is using drugs, how to access help, MTV, MySpace, FaceBook, and other timely and relevant material. It is suggested that parents attend the Courage to Speak presentation on January 8, 2008. To register, please visit www.couragetospeak.orgread more >>>

15, 22, 24 & 29 > Everyone Loves a Quitter: Freedom from Smoking
Noon-2:00 P.M.
Hartford Public Library: 500 Main St., Hartford

A 7-session stop smoking program (Other session are Feb, 5, 19, 26 and March 4 & 11). Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program in a collaboration between the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department and the Hartford Public Library. City employees will be allowed to participate during their workday, however they must use a combination of their lunch break and vacation time. Employees must contact their supervisors in advance for approval and scheduling arrangements. To register, please call Rosa Velazquez at 860.547.1426 ext. 7016.

16 > CCAR101: Becoming a CCAR Ambassador
6:00 P.M.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Whether you are a volunteer, a treatment professional who could use some "working knowledge" of CCAR's services, or just a person who would like to learn more about the organization, we'd love to see you. Highlights: History of CCAR, Vision and Mission, Advocacy with Anonymity, Overview of CCAr's services. Free food and refreshments! Contact Kevin at 860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us for more information and/or to register.

17 > Soy Unica! Soy Latina! meeting
Noon-1:30 P.M.
Bloomfield Town Hall-Conference Room #5

Come with a brown bag lunch and innovative ideas for another Soy Unica! Soy Latina! event planning year. To R.S.V.P. call 860.986.9333 ext. 17 or e-mail Jen Bliska  at coalitioncoordinator@casac.org.

23 > Prevention Committee Meeting
6:30-8:00 P.M.
Rocky Hill Youth Service Bureau : 761 Old Main St. (in Police Department building)
Pizza and refreshments served

Agenda includes speakers on treatment recovery for youth; presentation from the Rocky Hill LPC; CASAC news on upcoming events; and LPC networking. For further information or to R.S.V.P. call CASAC at 860.286.9333.

26 > Hartford Recovery Community Center 1st Anniversary
5:00 p.m.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Join the Hartford Recovery Community Center in celebrating it's first year! Featuring music by Recovery Roadshow, and delicious coffee provided by Starbucks. Visit www.ccar.us to learn more or call Laurie or Kevin at 860.244.3343.

29 > Training: Basics of Substance Abuse Prevention
8:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. - $95, pre-registration required
CT Certification Board Offices: Wallingford

This learning event is designed for participants seeking a better understanding of the basic strategies and approaches utilized in the field of substance abuse prevention. It is ideal for those new to prevention, both paid and volunteer. By the end of the training, participants will have: diagrammed the 40 Developmental Assets model; explored the key findings from Resiliency research; Categorized risk and protective factors according to their domain; reviewed best practices from prevention research; examined the key components of effective prevention curricula; and developed a comprehensive prevention program encompassing the CSAP prevention strategies. This event has been approved by the CT Certification Board for 6 contact hours for certification/recertification (education & skills development, planning and evaluation). To register, contact Marta at 860.573.0896, marta@martakoonz.com or on-line at www.martakoonz.com.

30 > Legislative Breakfast - Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: Increasing Access, Impacting Lives
8:30-10:00 A.M.
Legislative Office Building: 210 Capital Avenue, Hartford - Hearing Room 2C & Atrium

Hear personal stories of hope and success from youth and families who have struggled with problems related to substance use and recovery, and the story of one family who lost a child to heroin. Families will advocate for a review of the system's financing statewide to improve access and quality of care, a review and update of the current substance abuse regulations, and for more involvement of families to enhance and sustain positive outcomes for youth. For more information call FAVOR, Inc at 860.563.3232.

FEBRUARY

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 > Men's All Recovery Meeting
6:00-7:00 P.M.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Come when you need support. Come and get involved. Contact Kevin Hauschulz for more information at860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us.

5 > Courageous Parenting 101: Substance Abuse Education & Prevention Program - Free
6:30-8:00 P.M.
West Rock School: 81 West Rock Rd., Norwalk

(Last of four sessions. Others are Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5). Substance abuse education and prevention program designed by The Courage to Speak Foundation to help parents like you understand substance abuse and its impact on children and youth. The program will be offered by a facilitator certified by The Courage to Speak Foundation and will cover a variety of material, such as: fundamentals of substance abuse prevention, drug trends in America, signs of drug use, communication skills, how to find out if your child is using drugs, what to do if you child is using drugs, how to access help, MTV, MySpace, FaceBook, and other timely and relevant material. It is suggested that parents attend the Courage to Speak presentation on January 8, 2008. To register, please visit www.couragetospeak.orgread more >>>

5, 19 & 26 > Everyone Loves a Quitter: Freedom from Smoking
Noon-2:00 P.M.
Hartford Public Library: 500 Main St., Hartford

A 7-session stop smoking program (following January sessions, and continuing March 4 & 11). Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program in a collaboration between the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department and the Hartford Public Library. City employees will be allowed to participate during their workday, however they must use a combination of their lunch break and vacation time. Employees must contact their supervisors in advance for approval and scheduling arrangements. To register, please call Rosa Velazquez at 860.547.1426 ext. 7016.

7 > National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

The mission of National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is to build the capacity and increase awareness, participation, and support for the HIV prevention, care, and treatment among African Americans. While making up only 13 percent of the U.S. population, African Americans account for more than 49 percent of AIDS cases. Additionally, AIDS is now the leading cause of death for African women ages 25 to 34, and the second leading cause of death for African American men ages 35 to 44. This year’s theme is “Prevention is Power” with the goal to motivate people to get tested, educated, and involved in community awareness. For more information visit www.blackaidsday.org.

10-16 > National Children of Alcoholics Week

An estimated 1 in 4 U.S. children is exposed to a family alcohol problem, and countless others are affected by familial drug abuse. These young people are at increased risk of a range of problems, including physical illness, emotional disturbances, behavior problems, lower educational performance, and susceptibility to alcoholism or other addiction later in life.This is why the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) and its affiliates promote Children of Alcoholics Week. NACoA envisions a society in which these vulnerable children are encouraged to seek help and have access to adults who can help them.

11 > Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) 4th Annual “Community Prevention Day”
Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Washington, D.C.

The theme of this year's Community Prevention Day is "Leadership," and how it impacts the vulnerable populations/communities that we serve. CSAP's proposed leadership speaker will be Hope Taft, Former First Lady of Ohio and President, Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation. For more information go to www.csap.samhsa.gov.

11-14 > Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
18th Annual National Leadership Forum
Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Washington, D.C.

Are you looking for a solution to fight underage drinking or prescription drug abuse, or for new ways to strengthen your coalition efforts? Whatever your community's challenge is, you are sure to find a solution at CADCA's 18th Annual National Leadership Forum.

CADCA's Forum is the nation's largest training event for community coalition leaders and substance abuse professionals, featuring more than 100 workshops on key drug prevention and treatment issues. The theme this year is "Sustaining Success in a Time of Change,” with the goal of helping drug prevention leaders find innovative solutions to today's problems.  For more information or to register go to www.cadca.org.

14 > MDS Drop-In Session
9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Connecticut Valley Hospital: ISD Training Room of Haviland Hall, Middletown

DHMAS staff will be available to answer individual questions about MDS and Action Plan preparation. For more information or to register, contact instructor Janet Storey at 860.418.6823 or janet.storey@po.state.ct.us; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

15 > A Perspective on Ethical Issues in Prevention Practice and Research
9:00 A.M.-Noon
The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This workshop will provide a perspective on ethical issues frequently encountered in implementing community-based prevention programs and in conducting prevention research. Ethical issues will be considered related to: 1) values and value conflicts and determining intervention goals and objectives; 2) principals that guide the processes of action and implementation; 3) ethical dilemmas related to informed consent; and 4) conducting prevention research in community settings and how findings are shared with stakeholders. An experiential component will be built in throughout to involve participants in debating the resolution of various ethical dilemmas. Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan O. Zimmerman. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

20 > Soy Unica! Soy Latina! meeting
Noon-1:30 P.M.
Bloomfield Town Hall: Conference Room #5

Come with a brown bag lunch and innovative ideas for another Soy Unica! Soy Latina! event planning year. To R.S.V.P. call 860.986.9333 ext. 17 or e-mail Jen Bliska at coalitioncoordinator@casac.org.

21-22 > Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood and Childhood:
The Bingham and Salmon Prosocial Programs
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

This two-day workshop is a hands-on, participatory workshop, exploring the background, content and implementation of the Bingham and Salmon Prosocial Programs. it examines the roles of administrators, coaches, teachers/facilitators and parents in helping children learn kindness, respect, empathy and self-control. the Bingham and Salmon Prosocial Programs are evidence-based curricula to encourage positive social skills in preschool and elementary aged children. After this introductory experience, educators work with coaches in their settings to develop their abilities to elicit and nurture positive behaviors from their students. Instructors: Margaret Schofield, Rick Dematto, Tom Gullotta, Chris Gullotta and Jen Messina. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut ata 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

MARCH

4 & 11 > Everyone Loves a Quitter: Freedom from Smoking
Noon-2:00 P.M.
Hartford Public Library: 500 Main St., Hartford

A 7-session stop smoking program (following January and February sessions). Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program in a collaboration between the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department and the Hartford Public Library. City employees will be allowed to participate during their workday, however they must use a combination of their lunch break and vacation time. Employees must contact their supervisors in advance for approval and scheduling arrangements. To register, please call Rosa Velazquez at 860.547.1426 ext. 7016.

5 > TAKE IT BACK: Community Briefing on Underage Drinking Prevention
9:30 A.M.
State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford: Old Judiciary Room, 3rd Floor 

MADD CT is sponsoring a statewide Take It Back Community Briefing. MADD works daily to prevent underage drinking. The success that occurs in the community is because of the work that you and your youth groups do. MADD wants to be able to recognize this, and would like to invite you to participate in a statewide recognized Community Briefing to report on the efforts, projects and activities that are being done by the youth/prevention groups to the media and the state. The goal of MADD's briefing is to recognize community efforts to address the statewide problem of underage drinking. To register or for further information contact Johanna Krebs, MADD CT Youth Coordinator at 203.234.6521 or go to www.madd.org/ct

7 > Friday Film Festival: "Which Brain Do You Want?"
3:00-4:00 P.M.

Connecticut Clearinghouse: 334 Farmington Ave., Plainville

Connecticut Clearinghouse will be sponsoring their Friday Film Festival on Friday, March 7th featuring the film “Which Brain Do You Want?” which has Daniel G. Amen discussing how the brain works, how the brain is involved in activities, what happens when the brain “misfires,” the physical impact of drugs and alcohol on brain function and ways to improve the brain. Refreshments will be served and a brief discussion will follow the video. Please RSVP to 800.232.4424 or 860.793.9791 if you would like to attend.

7 > How to Evaluate Your Program: Appropriate Approaches to Evaluation
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This workshop is meant to introduce participants to program evaluation and provide them with resources to help enable them to contribute to the development and utilization of an evaluation process. The course will cover needs assessments, logic models, evaluation design, and utilizing data to inform program decisions. Instructor: Amy Griffin, MA. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

7, 14, 21 & 28 > Men's All Recovery Meeting
6:00-7:00 P.M.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Come when you need support. Come and get involved. Contact Kevin Hauschulz for more information at860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us.

7, 14 & 28 > CCAR Family Nights
7:00 P.M.
Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Do you have a loved one who has experienced problems with alcohol or other drugs? Do you wish to know more about addiction and recovery? Join CCAR on Friday evenings. Children welcome! For more information contact Laurie or Kevin at 860.244.3343 or e-mail laurie@ccar.us

9-16 > 6th Annual Gambling Awareness Week

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is pleased to present the 6th Annual Problem Gambling Awareness Week campaign, a grassroots public awareness and outreach campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the general public and health care professionals about the warning signs of problem gambling and raise awareness about the help that is available both locally and nationally. The NCPG is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. Research finds that 2%-3% of the U.S. population will have a gambling problem in any given year. That’s 6 million to 9 million Americans, yet only a small fraction seeks out services such as treatment and self-help recovery programs. There is hope and help for those who suffer from gambling problems. For more information or free materials to promote awareness of problem gambling go to www.npgaw.org. We hope that you will use these free materials to promote awareness of problem gambling, and more importantly, that there is hope and help for those who suffer from gambling problems.

13 > Soy Unica! Soy Mujer!/ I am Unique! I am Woman! Meeting
Noon-1:30 P.M.

Bloomfield Town Hall: Conference Room #5

Come with a brown bag lunch and innovative ideas for another Soy Unica! Soy Latina! event planning year. To R.S.V.P. call 860.986.9333 ext. 17 or e-mail Jen Bliska at coalitioncoordinator@casac.org.

13 > Action Planning Training
9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Connecticut Valley Hospital: ISD Training Room of Haviland Hall, Middletown

Participants will learn how to prepare the DMHAS Pprevention "Annual Prevention Program Measures" form and the DMHAS Prevention Annual Action Plan, including identification of the correct MDS codes. For more information or to register, contact instructor Janet Storey at 860.418.6823 or janet.storey@po.state.ct.us; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

14 > Introduction to Suicide Prevention
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

In any given year in the United States, approximately 30,000 individuals commit suicide and thousands more make attempts. This course will include an overview of risk and protective factos across the lifespan that place certain individuals at increased risk for suicide. An array of preventative intervention strategies will be explored, including example of "effective" and "promising" evidence-based programs. Participants will 1) learn about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and the risk factos for suicide for individuals across the lifespan; and 2) increase their awareness of multi-level preventative intervention strategies targeting individuals and communities. An interactive component will be built in throughout. Instructor: Susan O. Zimmerman, LCSW. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

24 > The Courage to Speak: Empowering Youth to be Drug Free - Family Night
5:30 P.M.

West Rocks Middle School: 81 West Rocks Rd., Norwalk

The Fourth Annual Courage To Speak Empowering Youth to Be Drug-Free Family Night will again spotlight the outstanding work of Norwalk’s fourth and seventh graders in the Courage To Speak Drug Prevention Curriculum and honor their parents.
Joining the families for a dinner donated by Whole Foods Market are Norwalk’s Mayor Richard Moccia and Chief of Police Harry Rilling. Chief Rilling, Norwalk Police Department, was instrumental in getting The Courage To Speak Foundation drug dealer forfeiture monies to help support our curriculum. Emcee for the evening will be Larry Cafero, House Republican Minority Leader and advocate for drug prevention. Also present will be Norwalk’s School Superintendent Dr. Sal Corda, principals, and prevention curriculum teachers from Norwalk schools, business and community leaders, representatives of state and local government, and our Board of Directors. This is a community event and all are welcome. For more information on The Courage to Speak Foundation visit www.couragetospeak.org.

28 > Prevention of Negative Body Image & Disordered Eating:
What Can Parents and Professionals Do and Be
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

This workshop explores the theoretical and empirical basis for school-based and community-based efforts to prevent negative body image and disordered eating. In particular, the "Bolder model" of prevention, which combines the personal, professional, and the political, will be presented. Instructor: Michael Levine, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut at 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

28 > Hartford Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Hartford City Hall: 550 Main St., Hartford

A Town Hall Meeting on Underage Drinking will be held at the Hartford City Hall and co-sponsored by the State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the City of Hartford Commission on Alcohol and Drugs, Hartford Behavioral Health/TIHPSY, Hartford Communities That Care/Stump, and other stakeholder groups. Stump and TIHPSY youth will present data and other drug and alcohol facts and figures on underage drinking and drug use in Hartford, as well as policy and funding recommendations for the city to consider. Additional state and national information will be presented as well, including recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General. This event will be moderated by City of Hartford Councilman Jim Boucher.

28-30 > 31st Annual Al-Anon Family Groups of CT Convention
Crowne Plaza Hotel: Route 372, Cromwell

Uncover, Discover, Recover” at Al-Anon Family Groups of CT Convention. Learn to set boundaries, understand the basics of recovery, develop a new attitude and discover the beauty of recovery. There will also be activities, live entertainment, AA/Alateen meetings, keynote speakers, and Spanish speaking workshops. To register or for more information e-mail Wayne or Renee at convention08@ct-al-anon.org.

31 > Kick Butts Day

Kick Butts Day is an annual celebration of youth advocacy, leadership, and activism in the fight against tobacco. It is the day when thousands of kids stand against Big Tobacco and adults stand up for kids. Every year young people find new and creative ways to fight youth tobacco use in their own communities. Kick Butts Day rallies and events take place in all 50 states and even across the globe, proving that kids are powerful voices in the fight against tobacco. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Scholastic have teamed up to provide a guide for Kick Butts Day 2008. For more information or to register your event visit www.kickbuttsday.org or call CASAC at 860.286.9333. If you participate and hold an event, CASAC would like to hear about it. Send a write-up of your event to coalitioncoordinator@casac.org.

APRIL

4 > Coping with Work and Family Stress:
An Intervention to Prevent Alcohol Abuse and Psychological Symptoms (SAMHSA Model program)
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This workshop will provided training in the rationale, design, and implementation of a workplace coping skills intervention aimed at reducing alcohol abuse and psychological symptoms among employees. Participants will: 1) learn a risk and protective factor model that links selected factors from work and family domains to alcohol abuse and psychological symptoms; 2) review the rationale and content of a workplace intervention aimed at enhancing employee's skills in coping with work and family stress; and 3) examine various issues and strategies for introducing the program into the workplace. Instructors: David L. Snow, Ph.D. and Susan O. Zimmerman, LCSW. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

4, 11, 18 & 25 > Men's All Recovery Meeting
6:00-7:00 P.M.
Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Come when you need support. Come and get involved. Contact Kevin Hauschulz for more information at860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us.

8 & 9 > Building Tobacco-Free Communities Conference
Connecticut Grand Hotel, Waterbury
Registration fee: $25/day, includes breakfast and lunch

The Connecticut Department of Public Health invites you to the Institute for Tobacco Education and Training's second two-day tobacco conference: Building Tobacco-Free Communities. Plan to join us for two days of dynamic speakers, best practices and panel discussions on what works in tobacco prevention and control. Planned workshops include: neurobiology of addiction, medications, counter-marketing, youth, barriers to intervention, prevention, special populations, faith-based approaches, smoke-free work places and campuses. For more information, contact Laura Minor at lminor@wheelerclinic.org or Debbie Winiarski at dwiniarski@wheelerclinic.org.

11 > Healthy Relationships/Preventing Violence for Young Adults
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This interactive workshop will include principles, curricula and strategies for working with adolescents to promote healthy relationships and prevent relationship violence. Based on the curriculum "Healthy Inside and Out," the workshop will prepare participants for planning and implementing relationship-focused programs to fit young adults. Participants will review current knowledge about adolescent relationship violence, sample strategies and materials they can use with adolescents, and exchange ideas on tailoring curriculum to their own population and setting. Instructors: Terry Freeman, MAT, LCSW, CPP-R and Desreen Dudley, Psy.D. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

16 > Multi-Culturalism for Prevention Practioners
1:00-4:00 P.M.

Multicultural Leadership Institute

This workshop provides training for those working in a preventative setting in the behavioral and mental health settings. Those involved in prevention program planning, implementation, and evaluation who are seeking more information about how to foster their program's or their organization's cultural competence are encouraged to attend. Cultural competency principals and theories; applications for prevention professionals; planning for organizational cultural competency. This interactive training is limited to 25 participants. Instructor: Sa'id Abdur-Rahman. For more information or to register, call 203.793.1952 or email info@mli-inc.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

18 > Building Social-Emotional Intelligence & Preventing/Reducing Problem Behaviors in Adolescence:
Techniques for Treatment and Prevention
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

Social-emotional intelligence theory holds tremendous promise as a way of reaching hard-to-reach adolescents. Many specific techniques have been developed in clinical and preventative contexts in recent years and have been refined to the point of being sharable. This workshop reviews the theory, shares the intervention techniques, and helps participants leave with ways of incorporating social-emotional intelligence into their practice. Follow-up support will be available through www.casel.org and www.eoparenting.com. Instructors: Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D. and Roger Weissberg, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut at 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

24 > Prevention Certification: A Guide to the Credentialing Process in Connecticut
9:00 A.M.-Noon

Connecticut Clearninghouse: 334 Farmington Ave., Plainville

This course is an introduction to Connecticut's prevention credentials offered through the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB). Course content will include information on exciting revisions to the Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) and the Associate Prevention Professional (APP) credential requirements in Spring 2008, as well as the prevention credentialing process. Helpful resources ad tops will be discussed. Time will be available for touring the Connecticut Clearinghouse library and resource center. Instructors: Judith A. Stronger, CPP-R and Sussan McLaughlin, MPA, CPP-R. For more information or to register, contact Connecticut Clearinghouse at 800.232.4424 or info@ctcleaaringhouse.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

25 > Life Skills for the Transition to Adulthood
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

Prevention research emphasizes the effectiveness of "life skills" training in order to decrease the likelihood of risky behaviors by adolescents. This workshop will place emphasis on the developmental needs of older adolescents and the skills they need for successful adulthood. Components of like skills curriculum that support their growth will be reviewed, including topics such as decision-making, goal-setting, career exploration, self-care and coping, independent living, etc. Strategies and materials useful for community-based group work or formal educational settings with older adolescents will be explored. Emphasis will be on interactive activities that involve youth in learning and positive development. Instructor: Terry Freeman, MAT, LCSW, CPP-R. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

MAY

2 > An Overview of the 5 Steps: Strategic Prevention Framework
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has introduced a new process for prevention planning on the local community, state and national levels, referred to as the "Strategic Prevention Framework" (SPF), which includes five steps: 1) conducting a statewide needs assessment; 2) building state and community prevention capacity; 3) developing a comprehensive statewide strategic plan; 4) implementing evidence-based prevention programs and infrastructure development activities; and 5) evaluation. In this training, participants will be introduced to each of these steps, including how the State Incentive Grant is currently being implemented in Connecticut. Instructors: Susan O. Zimmerman, LCSW and David L. Snow, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

2 > First Friday Film Festival (hosted by CT Clearinghouse)
3:00 P.M.

Connecticut Clearninghouse: 334 Farmington Ave., Plainville

In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the following film will be featured:
Darkest Hours: The Crisis In Children's Mental Healthcare (60 min.)  Darkest Hours is the result of three years of research and interviews by producer Christina DeFranco, featuring in-depth commentary and interviews with parents, teens, advocates, and health care providers who share their stories about the lack of a mental health care system in Connecticut.  The documentary demonstrates this desperate situation: from kids in crisis who've spent night after night in the emergency room because of the lack of psychiatric beds in the state, to the six-month waiting time to get an appointment with a psychologist, compounded by the frustration of dealing with managed care companies that continually deny coverage for necessary treatment.  It also shows the raw human emotion parents feel as they accept that their children are mentally ill and will likely face a lifetime of medication and therapy. An RSVP to 800.232.4424 is appreciated.

2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 > Men's All Recovery Meeting
6:00-7:00 P.M.

Hartford Recovery Community Center: 198 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford

Come when you need support. Come and get involved. Contact Kevin Hauschulz for more information at860.218.9531 or kevin@ccar.us.

8 > Basic MDS Training
9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Connecticut Valley Hospital: ISD Training Room of Haviland Hall, Middletown

Participants will learn how to access MDS, use system tools and options, and enter or edit data. Prerequisite: participant's agency must have an approved Action Plan and the participant must bring the Action Plan to the session. For more information or to register, contact instructor Janet Storey at 860.418.6823 or janet.storey@po.state.ct.us; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

9 > Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

Over $78 billion in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are produced each year in the United States. Although most people use these medications properly, a significant number do not. Misuse of prescription and OTC drugs can often lead to psychological and physical dependence. This is a significant problem across the lifespan, from teens to older adults. Participants will learn which prescription and OTC drugs are most widely abused, including risk and protective factors or abuse and sample prevention strategies. Instructor: Susan O. Zimmerman, LCSW. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

9 > Promoting the Healthy Development of Children Living in Gay Families
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

This workshop provides an overview of the issues associated with LGBT families and the children living in those families. Specific attention is given to the use of prevention technology (education, competecncy promotion, social support, community organization and systems change) and how that technology can be used to promote the healthy development of children living in LGBT families. Instructor: Sylvia Kay Fisher, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut at 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

16 > Needs Assessments & Program Evaluation: Collection and Utilization of Archival and Novel Data
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This workshop is geared to participants who have some understanding or experience with needs assessments and/or program evaluation. It will review how the collection of needs assessment data and the development of outcomes that are measurable, realistic, feasible and useful impact both the development of a program and the evaluation of the efficacy of a program. Participants will also be exposed to a variety of ways to collect or access data for needs assessments and assessing program outcomes including: program data, social indicator interviews, archival data, qualitative data and survey data. Participants will learn how to utilize data for ongoing program development and evaluation. Instructor: Amy Griffin, MA. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

22 & 23 > Second Annual CCB Conference: Promoting Recovery with Recovery Support Services
Holiday Inn, North Haven

Event co-sponsored in partnership with the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), Focus on Recovery – United, and the Yale University Program for Recovery and Community Health. We look forward to a successful event that will not only enhance information sharing around recovery support services, but will also raise awareness about the important role recovery services play in promoting recovery from substance use and mental disorders. Register early to receive the early bird rate, and before the event reaches capacity. Information about the event and a workshop selection worksheet will be sent to those with a confirmed registration. With the generous support of DMHAS, several scholarships will be offered to people interested in attending this event. For information about scholarships, please contact Evelyn De La Cruz at edelacruz@ctcertboard.org. For more information about the event, contact CCAR at 860.571.2985. If you or your agency is interested in sponsorship or exhibiting opportunities for the event, please contact Marshall Rosier at mrosier@ctcertboard.org. To register, print and return this form.

23 > Bullies, Victims and Bystanders
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

This workshop examines bullying and other aggressive events in schools. Factors contributing to bullying and aggressive behavior, and consideration of family and school environmental factors associated with peaceful schools are examined. We explore "Bully Busters," an evidence-based program developed for implementation by counselors, administrators, psychologists, and social workers to assist teachers and others in schools to reduce bullying and other aggressive acts of students. Instructor: Arthur M. Horne, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut at 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

29 > Impact of Family Violence on Alcohol and Other Drug Use
9:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This course is designed for participants with minimal to some experience in working with populations that struggle with family violence and/or substance use issues. Traditional instructive methods will be used to review approaches to understanding the multiple relationships tat exist between domestic violence and substance use for individual children, adolescents, and adults, as well as families. Skill enhancement will focus on (a) identifying family violence as a significant contributor to substance use and how that relationship differs for men and women; (b) assessing the impact of family violence on substance use, and (c) developing methods to more effectively work with clients with these co-occurring issues. Instructors: Tami P. Sullivan, Ph.D. and Courtenay E. Cavanaugh, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

30 > Domestic Violence and Women's Health: Advancing a Prevention Approach
9:00 A.M.-Noon

The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This training will provide participants with both didactic and practical information about domestic violence and women from a public health framework. Traditional instructive methods will be used for participants to focus on: 1) multiple approaches to examining and preventing domestic violence; 2) risk factors for domestic violence; 3) the efect of domestic violence on women's ability to parent; and 4) screening for domestic violence. Instructor: Courtenay E. Cavanaugh, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

JUNE

7 > I am Unique! I am Woman! / Soy Unica! Soy Mujer! 4th Annual Multi-Cultural Celebration
11:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

ADRC: St. Francis Care Mount Sinai Campus, 500 Blue Hills Ave., Hartford

The theme for the event is "Fitting In, Getting Involved, Finding Yourself." CASAC’s mission is to reduce alcohol, tobacco, other drug abuse and other addictive behaviors among youth and, over time, among adults within our 16-town area. This multi-cultural event is designed to help Latina and non-Hispanic girls ages 9-14, their mothers, and other female caregivers to build self-esteem, mental health, decision-making skills, and assertiveness to prevent the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs encouraging them to feel good about themselves. It is an opportunity for young girls to celebrate who they are with other girls and the adult women in their lives.

As such, this ALL girl celebration will highlight Hispanic culture, promote cultural exchange and provide informative and empowering workshops that will include topics on self-esteem, healthy habits, alcohol/tobacco and other drugs. In addition, there will be participating agencies represented, a free lunch, and entertainment provided by a local D.J. Participants will also receive a free t-shirt.

12 > Advanced MDS Training (Level 2)
9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

Connecticut Valley Hospital: ISD Training Room of Haviland Hall, Middletown

Participants will understand how to use the MDS reports feature to create tables and charts, and how to export MDS data to Microsoft Excel to create tables and charts. Prerequisite: participant's agency must have collected at least one year of MDS data. For more information or to register, contact instructor Janet Storey at 860.418.6823 or janet.storey@po.state.ct.us; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

13 > Promoting Resilience Across the Life Span

9:00 A.M.-Noon
The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

An overview of resilience across the lifespan will be presented with an emphasis on its relationship to other tyoes of adaptation and well-being. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to: 1) develop a program to promote resilience for a specific target age group of their interest; and 2) understand some of the complexities in evaluating resilience-promotion programs. Instructor: Jacob Kraemer Tebes, Ph.D. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

20 > Identification of Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Prescription Substance Abuse
in Older Adults: Implications for Program Planning 

9:00 A.M.-Noon
The Consultation Center: 389 Whitney Ave., New Haven

This interactive workshop will explore awareness, attitudes, and understanding of individuals, families, and health professionals toward alcohol and prescription substance abuse in older adults. As a result of this training, participants will be able to: 1) identify their own pre-conceived ideas relating to substance abuse and older adults; 2) understand the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance abuse in older adults; 3) understand the impact that preconceived notions, including ageism, has on the identification of elders at risk; and 4) outline techniques for working with older adults and their families around alcohol and substance abuse that address risk factors and enhance protective factors or elders. Instructor: Dona B. Fedus, MA. For more information or to register, contact Elaine Horne, 203.789.7645 x139 or elaine.horne@yale.edu; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

20 > The Prevention of Depression within the Latino Population
9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.
Hilton Garden Inn, Glastonbury

This symposium examines epidemiological research findings for Latin Americans. It describes how to: 1) educate and empower community members to address disparities in mental health care for Latinos; 2) develop best practices to improve mental health services for Latinos; and 3) develop an evidence-based, community-driven, and consumer-oriented model of action research aimed at reducing disparities in mental health care. It will illustrate how research results have been translated into practical information aimed at increasing clinical effectiveness. The workshop will also provide mental health professionals with knowledge that will enhance their cultural competency with Latino consumers. Instructor: Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD. For more information or to register, contact the Child & Family Agency of Southern Connecticut at 860.443.2896 or cookea@cfapress.org; or download the DMHAS Prevention Training Course Catalog.

JULY

2 > Understanding Your Child's Behavior
7:30 P.M.

Wellspring: 21 Arch Bridge Rd. (off Rt. 132), Bethlehem

Free and open to the public. Learn how behaviors serve a purpose for children; when a child is acting out they are often trying to achieve attention, power, revenge, or are displaying their own feelings of inadequacy Jeff Calhune, Director of Wellspring's adolescent program, will share how environment and life events form a frame of reference for children and adolescents and how this relates to behavior. Pre-register by contacting Joan Barry, Director of External Affairs at joan.barry@wellspring.org or (203) 266.8111.

12 > Multi-Generational Family Dynamics
9:00 A.M.

Wellspring: 21 Arch Bridge Rd. (off Rt. 132), Bethlehem

Free and open to the public. Learn how emotionally traumatic events that occurred to ancestors (2-5 generations back) can be passed down non-verbally. Dr. Peter Sandwell, a consulting psychiatrist at Wellspring, will illustrate how, why and when the emotional impact from these past traumatic events gets revisited by family members in the present. He will share ways families can work together to dissipate the effects of these previous events. Pre-register by contacting Joan Barry, Director of External Affairs at joan.barry@wellspring.org or (203) 266.8111.

16 > Understanding Eating Disorders from the Inside Out

7:30 P.M.
Wellspring: 21 Arch Bridge Rd. (off Rt. 132), Bethlehem

Free and open to the public. Learn about the biological, neurological, emotional and social factors that create and sustain eating disordered thinking and actions. Holly Savage, MA, a primary therapist in Wellspring's adolescent girls program, will discuss the cumulative impact of the media, various social pressures, and parental values. An overview focused on the identification of eating disorders and potential treatment options will be provided. Pre-register by contacting Joan Barry, Director of External Affairs at joan.barry@wellspring.org or (203) 266.8111.

23 > Self-Injury in Teens
7:30 P.M.

Wellspring: 21 Arch Bridge Rd. (off Rt. 132), Bethlehem

Free and open to the public. Learn how self-injurious behaviors are often desperate attempts to relieve unbearable feelings of pain, fear, anger or anxiety. As teen "cutting" is on the rise in our schools, it is difficult for parents and teachers to undertand and respond to this cry effectively. Wellspring's co-founders – Richard Beauvais, PhD and Phyllis Beauvais, PhD – will share what you can do as a parent to understand the many forms and reasons for self-injury. Pre-register by contacting Joan Barry, Director of External Affairs at joan.barry@wellspring.org or (203) 266.8111.

30 > Raising Children by Building and Restoring Relationships
7:00 P.M.

Wellspring: 21 Arch Bridge Rd. (off Rt. 132), Bethlehem

Free and open to the public. Learn foundational parenting concepts that will help you understand how to raise resilient children while keeping them safe and teaching them that they are valued contributing members of your family. Dan Murray, PsyD, Chief of Professional Services at Wellspring, will share how as children grow they need parents to be smart enough, loving enough and strong enough to help them grow up right. Pre-register by contacting Joan Barry, Director of External Affairs at joan.barry@wellspring.org or (203) 266.8111.