Coordinated Training Services RSS Feed

Peers Making Peace: Student Training on 29-Jul-10 8:30 AM

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Peers Making Peace: Student Training
Start Date: 29-Jul-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 29-Jul-10 5:30 PM
Location: Denton High School, Denton, Tx 76201-2851
Speaker: E. Etier

Event Details:

Peers Making Peace: Positive Action Center training is 6 hours in duration and covers the following areas: One-to-one mentoring skills, Active Listening, Basic Human Behavior, Problem Identification, Problem Solving, How to Develop a Resolution Plan, Plan Implementation, and Follow-up. The goals of PAC are: reduce the number of student referrals to ISS and AEP; reduce violence and alcohol and drug use; and, improve decision making, communication, problem solving, listening, resiliency, and school bonding among high-risk youth. Upon completion of this training, trained peer mentors will work with high risk students who have been referred to In School Suspension (ISS) or the districts Alternative Education Program (AEP). These individuals are at the greatest risk of academic failure and for developing mental health problems or having their current mental health problems, diagnosed or undiagnosed, progress to a more dysfunctional state. PAC was designed to provide an opportunity to enhance the skills of the trained mediators and create additional school resources for high risk students.

Denton High School

1007 Fulton

Denton, Tx USA 76201-2851

Peers Making Peace: Adult Training on 3-Aug-10 8:30 AM

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Peers Making Peace: Adult Training
Start Date: 3-Aug-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 5-Aug-10 4:30 PM
Location: Nolan Estes Plaza, Dallas, Texas 75224
Speaker: S. Armoni & R. Gonzales

Event Details:

Peers Making Peace (PMP) is a peer-mediation program developed to help create and maintain safe and drug free schools by equipping students with attitudes and skills to stay drug-free, stay in school and avoid violence by resolving conflicts in a peaceful, prosocial manner. The goal of the program is to improve the school environment by reducing violence, assaults, discipline referrals, and increasing academic performance. In the PMP intervention, teams of student volunteers are trained to serve as drug free role models and "neutral third parties" to provide mediation services for their peers who lack the skills to successfully resolve their conflicts. The program is based on two parallel philosophical foundations: a strong "no use" message, and the "resiliency and protective factor" approach to prevention.

Participants will be able to implement the proven, science/research based peer mediation programs on their pre-k-12 campuses.

Nolan Estes Plaza

3434 So. R.L. Thornton Frwy

Dallas, Texas 75224

CEPP: The Resilient Organization on 4-Aug-10 8:30 AM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:30:00 GMT

CEPP: The Resilient Organization
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 11:00 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Cathey Brown

Event Details:

For Program Directors

In today's world of uncertainty and rapid change there are inevitable risks associated with successfully fulfilling the mission of nonprofit organizations and community coalitions. Leaders, and the organizations they lead, must be resilient and not lose sight of what is truly important in their rush to address the many demands of the urgent. They must be able to face reality with courage, find meaning in hardship and improvise when faced with seemingly impossible obstacles.

The goal of this workshop is to apply resiliency research and methodologies to enhance and strengthen the capacity of leaders and their organizations, moving them beyond survival to significance and sustainability. The principles of Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) are used as a template for assessing organizational capacity and developing strategies for continued relevance and success.

CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development andV. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: Preparation Practice & Passion; a presentation skills workshop for prevention professionals on 4-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

CEPP: Preparation Practice & Passion; a presentation skills workshop for prevention professionals
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 11:30 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Janet Mitchell

Event Details:

Prevention Specialist Tract:

Prevention specialists are not only expected to be experts about substance abuse prevention, they are also expected to be able to speak about our field before diverse groups as well as be an effective teacher of various curricula! Public speaking is one of the ten worst fears of adults in the United States. Although some people are born with natural abilities related to teaching and public speaking, good speaking and/or teaching skills can be learned! This highly participatory workshop is designed to teach presentation skills that are particularly applicable to the needs of the prevention specialist.

CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: Hurt Hope & Healing; chemical dependency & its impact on the family on 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:45:00 GMT

CEPP: Hurt Hope & Healing; chemical dependency & its impact on the family
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 2:45 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Janet Mitchell

Event Details:

For Prevention Specialists:

In an addicted family, children are usually the first to be hurt and the last to be helped and yet they are at the highest risk for repeating the cycle of addiction. In the mid to late 80's through the early 90's "children of alcoholics" was a "hot topic" with numerous conferences, workshops, etc. on the subject. But, just because we don't see as much about the issue, the number of children impacted by their parent's substance abuse has not decreased nor have the issues they face become any easier to cope with. Professionals working in both treatment and prevention need to be educated about the progression of the disease and its impact on the family.

Participants will be able to:

articulate the disease concept of alcoholism and other addictions;

identify appropriate strategies and techniques for engaging children from addicted families in the healing process; identify current resources available and how they and/or their organization can assist families touched by addiction. ATOD Specific CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: The Leaders of Tomorrow Today on 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:45:00 GMT

CEPP: The Leaders of Tomorrow Today
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 2:45 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Cathey Brown

Event Details:

Program Directors Tract

Current leadership positions in nonprofits are predominantly filled with members of the Baby Boom generation who will continue to transition into other types of work or retirement leaving a leadership deficit over the next decade that creates one of the biggest challenges facing the social sector today.

Study after study confirms what conventional wisdom tells us the majority of nonprofit leaders of today will not be here tomorrow (tomorrow being defined as the next 5 to 7 years.)

What are the generational similarities and differences in leadership? How can we be more proactive in promoting younger leaders? What steps must we take to create good endings and new beginnings? We will examine what research tells us, reflect on core tried and true principles, challenge our assumptions, and define actions we can take today for the sake of the leaders and organizations of tomorrow.

CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: Prevention in the Classroom; Mayhem or management on 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT

CEPP: Prevention in the Classroom; Mayhem or management
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Kathy Daley

Event Details:

For Prevention Specialists:

The workshop is designed for classroom guests who provide prevention education in schools and community-based settings. Content includes an overview of leading classroom management techniques and strategies; key information to gather from regular classroom educators; diversionary discipline interventions that empower students and model problem solving; and ways to balance respect, motivation and discipline. The process will be a mix of information and informal practice.

CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: Managing Millennials; R U Ready? on 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:00:00 GMT

CEPP: Managing Millennials; R U Ready?
Start Date: 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM
End Time: 4-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Cathey Brown

Event Details:

Program Directors Tract

Managing Millenials: R U Ready?

Whether you know them as Gen Y, Echo Boomers or Millenials you are probably perplexed by the work habits and ethics of the newest generation of workers. Here's just what you need; a crash course on understanding and managing Millenials! This seminar will unveil the latest research findings, arm you with proven strategies for motivating and managing, and help you avoid the common pitfalls related to managing them. CPS Domains: II. Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

CEPP: The Art of Group Facilitation on 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

CEPP: The Art of Group Facilitation
Start Date: 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 5-Aug-10 11:30 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc., Lubbock, Tx 79412
Speaker: Kathy Daley

Event Details:

For Everyone:

Effective group facilitation is an art! The successful group facilitator is flexible and observant, accepting and affirming, and can listen and lead while bringing a group from diverse life experiences together as they improve their skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Participants will be given the opportunity to explore their personal facilitation skills and identify areas that need enhancement or new skills they need to acquire. Areas that will be explored include: your bag of tricks, importance of group promises, be their role model, not their friend, and being real through authenticity.

CPS Domains: II Education & Skill Development and V. Professional Growth & Responsibility

Managed Care Center, Inc.

2345 50th Street

Lubbock, Tx USA 79412

Project Toward No Drugs on 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Project Toward No Drugs
Start Date: 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 6-Aug-10 5:00 PM
Location: The Mullins Building, Odessa, Tx 79763
Speaker: Marcia Baker

Event Details:

Project Toward No Drug Abuse (TND) is a highly interactive program designed to help high school youth (14 to 19 years old) resist substance use. A school-based program, TND consists of twelve 40- to 50-minute lessons that include motivational activities, social skills training, and decisionmaking components that are delivered through group discussions, games, role-playing exercise, videos, and student worksheets. Project TND teaches participants increased coping and self-control skills that allow them to—

Grasp the cognitive misperceptions that may lead to substance use and express a desire not to abuse substances
Understand the sequence of substance abuse and the consequences of using substances
Correct myths concerning substance use
Demonstrate effective communication, coping, and self-control skills
State a commitment to discuss substance abuse with others

The Mullins Building

1012 West MacArthur Street

Odessa, Tx USA 79763

Coordinated Training Services Newsletter 26-Jul-10

Daniel LeFave — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:32:40 GMT

Hello,

Welcome to the Coordinated Training Services newsletter of upcoming events, articles, and more from our membership. As this is a new technique for sending out newsletters, there may be some bugs. Please let us know of any problems you have regarding this newsletter so we can continue to improve it. Thanks!

Also, be sure to check the link below for "Releases" to find out more about the new workplace trainings we are now offering.

Calendar Events
Articles
Releases

Calendar Events for 26-Jul-10 to 1-Sep-10

Peers Making Peace: Adult Training
Sponsor: paxUnited with Coordinated Training Services, A professional service of Workers Assistance Program, Inc.
Day: Tuesday 3-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Nolan Estes Plaza 3434 So. R.L. Thornton Frwy Dallas, Texas 75224
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: The Resilient Organization
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Preparation Practice & Passion; a presentation skills workshop for prevention professionals
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Hurt Hope & Healing; chemical dependency & its impact on the family
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: The Leaders of Tomorrow Today
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 12:45 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Prevention in the Classroom; Mayhem or management
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Managing Millennials; R U Ready?
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 4-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Project Toward No Drugs
Sponsor: Permian Basin Community Center with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: The Mullins Building 1012 West MacArthur Street Odessa, Tx 79763
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: The Art of Group Facilitation
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 5-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: This is Your Brain This is Your Brain on Drugs
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 5-Aug-10 12:45 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Child Traumatic Stress
Sponsor: Managed Care Center, Inc. with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 5-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Managed Care Center, Inc. 2345 50th Street Lubbock, Tx 79412
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Prevention Staff Training: Substance Abuse Prevention Across the Lifespan
Sponsor: Houston COADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 11-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Houston COADA 303 Jackson Hill St. Houston, Txq 77007
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Prevention Staff Training: Risk & Protective Factors/Building Resiliency
Sponsor: Houston COADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 11-Aug-10 1:00 PM
Location: Houston COADA 303 Jackson Hill St. Houston, Tx 77007
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Prevention Staff Training: Enhancing Cultural Competency
Sponsor: Houston COADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 12-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Houston COADA 303 Jackson Hill St. Houston, Tx 77007
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Strengthening Families Program (ages 6-11 and 12-16)
Sponsor: Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 12-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation 400 Mann St. Suited 800 Corpus Christi, Tx 78401
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Prevention Staff Training: Strategies for Strengthening Families
Sponsor: Houston COADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Thursday 12-Aug-10 1:00 PM
Location: Houston COADA 303 Jackson Hill St. Houston, Tx 77007
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Prevention Staff Training: Child and Adolescent Development
Sponsor: Houston COADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Friday 13-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Houston COADA 303 Jackson Hill St. Houston, Tx 77007
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

LifeSkills Training
Sponsor: JOVEN with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Monday 16-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: JOVEN 102 West White St. San Antonio, TX 78214
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Preparation Practice & Passion; a presentation skills workshop for prevention professionals
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Positive Action
Sponsor: Aliviane with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Aliviane 12380 Pine Springs El Paso, Tx 79936
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Hurt Hope & Healing; chemical dependency & its impact on the family
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 12:45 PM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Prevention in the Classroom; Mayhem or management
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: The Art of Group Facilitation
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 18-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Positive Action
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 18-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Boys and Girls Club of Greater Fort Worth 3218 East Belknap St. Fort Worth, Tx 76111
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: This is Your Brain This is Your Brain on Drugs
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 18-Aug-10 12:45 PM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

CEPP: Child Traumatic Stress
Sponsor: Mid-Coast Family Services with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Wednesday 18-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Mid-Coast Family Services 1801 N. Laurent Ste. 200 Victoria, Tx 77901
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar

Media Advocacy
Sponsor: The Coalition with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Day: Sunday 29-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location:
Add to Calendar

Articles for 27-May-10 to 26-Jul-10

SAMHSA and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Raise Awareness about Mental Health Problems in Hispanic/Latino Communities

New Series of Studies Show Suicide Attempts Constitute a Significant Portion of Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Department Visits -- Especially Among the Young

Nearly 1 in 10 drug-related hospital emergency department visits made by adolescents involved suicide attempts - with females making more than 72 percent of these attempts. A new series of studies analyzing drug-related hospital emergency department visits throughout the country during 2008 reveals a substantial percentage of these visits involve suicide attempts. According to these studies conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) more than one in... [More Info]

Key Facts about Hurricane Readiness

If you live in coastal areas at risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages you to begin preparing yourself for hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 each year. Please follow the important preparedness tips CDC provides in Hurricane Readiness. These tips include Preparing for a Hurricane: Basic steps you can take now to ensure your safety should a storm hit. Emergency Supplies You Will Need: Stock your home... [More Info]

New Reports Highlight Important Substance Abuse Treatment Statistics in Key Metropolitan Areas across the Country

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has developed a series of Metro Briefs providing detailed statistical snapshots of substance abuse treatment activities occurring in 27 metropolitan areas. This series of briefs is based on SAMHSA’s Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) which collects information on the characteristics of persons admitted to substance abuse treatment, and the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), an annual... [More Info]

Releases for 26-Jun-10 to 26-Jul-10

New Workplace Trainings now available through CTS!

You asked for it, and now you've got it! CTS has put together a great group of proven workplace... [More Info]

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

26-Jul-10 10:32 AM

SAMHSA and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Raise Awareness about Mental Health Problems in Hispanic/Latino Communities

Joseph Duarte — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:15:00 GMT

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in collaboration with The Advertising Council, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to promote recovery from mental health problems within the Hispanic/Latino community by educating and inspiring young adults to talk openly about issues of mental health. The culturally-targeted PSAs seek to motivate societal change towards social acceptance and decrease negative attitudes that may surround mental illness. These PSAs are part of a larger multicultural public service effort designed to reach Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Chinese Americanand African American communities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This effort was done in consultation with SAMHSA's National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED).

Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are widespread in the U.S. According to SAMHSA, from 2004 to 2007, an average of 15.6 percent of Hispanic/Latino 18-25 year olds reported serious psychological distress in the past year. Despite the high prevalence among this group, only slightly more than one in four (28.3 percent) of Hispanic/Latino young adults with serious psychological distress received care within the past 12 months. Overall the rates at which racial and ethnic minority young adults seek treatment are much lower than their Caucasian counterparts.

"Raising awareness that effective treatments for mental illnesses are available and that people recover, can encourage those in need to seek help," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "This outreach to the Hispanic community will help open dialogue about supporting friends or family members with mental health problems in a culturally relevant way."

Created by Hispanic/Latino advertising agency Wing through the Ad Council, the new "Accept/Ignore" PSA campaign includes in-language radio, print, outdoor and Web banner ads, and directs young adults to visit the campaign Web site, www.aceptarignorar.samhsa.gov, where they can find tools to help support a friend in the recovery process and seek out additional resources.

"We are proud to continue our work with SAMHSA to broaden our campaign for mental health recovery into the Hispanic community," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council. "This multicultural advertising effort will help decrease the stereotypes surrounding mental illnesses while providing young adults with the resources they need to support their friends living with mental health problems."

Alain Groenendaal, president and CEO of Wing added, "For many Latinos, their immediate social network is very important to them and they use technology to enhance their connection to friends and family. By channeling a social media platform which is very familiar to them, we’re able to speak to young Hispanics directly. We’re delighted to partner with the Ad Council and SAMHSA to extend a message of acceptance throughout the Hispanic community."

The Ad Council and SAMHSA first launched the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery nationwide in December 2006. To view the ads, please visit www.adcouncil.org. The PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

15-Jul-10 11:15 AM

HIV & Hepatitis C: Coping with Coinfection (Part 1)

Joseph Duarte — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Bova, Ogawa, and Sullivan-Bolyai (2010) report that "an estimated 25% to 40% of HIV-infected patients are also infected with HCV [hepatitis C virus], and in some practices the prevalence is as high as 75% to 90%. . . . Recent estimates suggest that approximately 250,000 persons are coinfected with HIV and HCV in the United States" (p. 63), "and with HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) extending the life of people living with HIV, end-stage liver disease is now a leading cause of death in this population. . . . Studies show that a majority of coinfected patients have at least moderate liver inflammation or other signs of disease progression, . . . however, several studies published over the past 5 years have shown that less than one third of HIV coinfected patients in the United States are deemed eligible for HCV treatment, and under 10% actually receive treatment" (Wagner et al., 2009, p. 715).

Increasing attention has been directed to individuals coinfected with HIV and HCV because

in patients infected only with HCV, the time between infection and development of fibrosis [scar tissue resulting from inflammation of the liver] averages 20 years, whereas in patients coinfected with HIV/HCV, liver disease may develop in 5 to 10 years. . . . [Additionally,] HCV infection . . . influences the course and management of HIV disease, particularly by increasing the risk of ART-induced hepatotoxicity [liver damage]. . . . The goal of HCV treatment is to achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR), which is defined as the absence of serum hepatitis C RNA for 24 weeks after treatment completion. . . . Without HCV treatment, increasing numbers of HIV-infected patients will die either from end-stage liver disease or from HIV-related complications resulting from the inability to use antiretroviral agents because of their hepatotoxicity. (Bova et al., 2010, p. 64)

This is the first of a two-part series. Part 1 provides a medical, psychiatric, psychosocial, and neuropsychological overview of HIV/HCV coinfection, the process of determining eligibility for HCV treatment, and the important role mental health clinicians play in assessing eligibility and intervening with clients who elect to receive treatment for HCV.

Part 2 (to be presented in the Summer 2010 issue of mental health AIDS) will expand on how providers make the decision to offer HCV treatment to individuals living with HIV and chronic HCV infection, how coinfected individuals make decisions to accept or defer treatment for HCV, and the latest thinking on HCV-treatment interventions.

The Chance of a Cure

"A patient's willingness to undergo HCV treatment is likely influenced by how the patient views the efficacy and burden or risk of treatment" (Osilla et al., 2009, p. 993).

On the question of efficacy, it's important to know that "at least six distinct genotypes (numbered 1-6) and more than 30 subtypes of HCV are known," but "the most common genotype present in the United States, genotype 1, is also the most resistant to treatment" (Bova et al., 2010, pp. 63-64). According to Osilla et al. (2009), "standard HCV treatment, which consists of 48 weeks of weekly pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) injections in combination with daily ribavirin (RBV), . . . has demonstrated a success rate of 30%-45% among HIV coinfected patients across all genotypes, . . . but only 17%-29% among HIV patients with . . . HCV . . . genotype 1" (p. 993). Although "new treatment agents (e.g., protease and polymerase inhibitors) that may improve treatment efficacy are at various stages of development and testing, . . . [they] are not expected to be available for routine practice for at least a few years and [IFN] will remain a component of treatment" (Wagner et al., 2009, p. 715).

As for the risks involved, treatment for HCV has been characterized as "lengthy, rigorous, and associated with side effects that are difficult to manage" (Silberbogen, Ulloa, Janke, & Mori, 2009, p. 114). "Flu-like symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, weight loss)" and "fatigue associated with hematologic abnormalities (anemia, neutropenia) . . . [are] highly prevalent" (Wagner et al., 2009, pp. 715-716). "In addition to physiological side effects, there are also significant neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression, anxiety, irritability, psychosis, suicidality, apathy/malaise, fatigue, impaired concentration, anhedonia, and recurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms" (Silberbogen et al., 2009, p. 114).

"Not surprisingly, a general fear and apprehension regarding side effects and their impact on quality of life and functioning are common among patients considering treatment" (Osilla et al., 2009, p. 993), and Wagner and colleagues report "dropout rates as high as 40%-50% in community samples of coinfected patients" (p. 716). Yet, "despite these side effects and related patient concerns," proponents of HCV treatment "recommend early treatment for coinfected patients to prevent more serious disease development" (Osilla et al., 2009, pp. 993-994) and "can argue that PEG-IFN/RBV, unlike ART, has a limited duration and at least a chance of a cure" (Wagner et al., 2009, p. 716; see also neuropsychology sidebar).

The Offer of Treatment

"Upon detection of HCV infection, for treatment to be provided, providers must first consider a patient an appropriate treatment candidate, and multiple medical and psychosocial factors can contribute to a provider's reluctance to recommend or offer treatment to a patient" (Osilla et al., 2009, p. 993). In a Seattle HIV-specialty clinic, for example, among 248 predominantly white and male, HCV/HIV-coinfected patients,

fewer than half . . . were evaluated for possible [IFN]-based HCV treatment. Only 16% received treatment, and only 2.4% of the entire cohort achieved an SVR. The median time to evaluation for treatment was almost 3 years, a significant period of delay in patients who may have a much more rapid progression to cirrhosis [the final stage of fibrosis], compared to patients without HIV. . . . Similarly, the median time elapsing between evaluation and treatment initiation was 1.4 years. Substance abuse and advanced HIV infection were the primary reasons for nonevaluation. (Scott et al., 2009, p. 928)

According to Wagner and colleagues (2009),

substance abuse and mental illness each account for 20%-30% of coinfected patients being deemed ineligible for treatment, as clinicians are concerned that the side effects of HCV treatment may lead to psychiatric deterioration, relapse into substance abuse, poor adherence, and treatment discontinuation. . . . Psychiatric and substance abuse patients have been excluded from most clinical trials, but the little data available show mixed results; some studies find that such patients do equally as well in terms of ability to complete and respond to treatment, . . . while others suggest that patients with active substance abuse and psychiatric problems are less likely to respond and more likely to drop out of treatment. (p. 716)

For this reason, mental health clinicians

are often called upon to conduct a psychological evaluation to determine appropriateness for this course of treatment. . . . A pre-treatment psychological evaluation should assess for those factors that will maximize the likelihood of a successful treatment course. Therefore, clinicians should assess for: psychiatric stability and safety (e.g., suicidal ideation, uncontrolled depression), current and past substance use and abuse, knowledge and expectations about treatment for HCV, motivation and ability to adhere to treatment, and psychosocial support.1 . . . After an assessment, clinicians can help prepare patients for treatment by providing education, establishing realistic expectations of treatment success, developing stress-management skills, and identifying areas of concern that patients and/or providers can monitor throughout the course of treatment. Also, a clinician can discuss the potential benefits of a referral for psychiatry consultation to consider psychotropic medication. However, it is important to note that there have been few large-sample, controlled studies evaluating the benefits of prophylactic psychotropic medications in HCV patients on IFN treatment, and that studies with small sample sizes have found inconsistent results. (Silberbogen et al., 2009, p. 117; see also psychiatry sidebar)

The Role of the Mental Health Clinician

Silberbogen and colleagues (2009) "have identified areas in which clinicians can intervene [with patients diagnosed with HCV]; these include adjustment to having a chronic medical illness, coping with stigma and relationship changes, management of side effects, and implementing healthy lifestyle changes" (p. 114). Some of the recommendations from these authors in each of these areas follow:

Adjustment to having a chronic medical illness – At the time of diagnosis with HCV, "a mental health clinician can help a patient to process this new diagnosis, generate effective coping strategies, facilitate communication between the patient and hepatologists, and serve as a resource for patients' questions and concerns while providing stability and support" (p. 115). In fact,

a key role for the mental health clinician is to ensure that HCV-positive patients have a thorough understanding of their diagnosis and to help translate this knowledge into behavioral change. A well-informed clinician can assess patients' current level of understanding, correct inaccurate beliefs, increase their base of knowledge, and help patients set behaviorally-based goals consistent with treatment recommendations.

Although education may be sufficient to assist some during this adjustment process, other patients may benefit from counseling that helps them to make sense of this diagnosis. Cognitive-behavioral stress-management interventions have proven effective in reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing benefit-finding, positive reframing, and perceived social support in chronic medical populations, including those with HIV. . . . Stress- and anger-management interventions are likely to benefit patients struggling with the unpredictability that often accompanies the diagnosis of a chronic illness. Mental health clinicians can also help patients to identify areas of their life in which they can exert some control (i.e., response to stressors) that may counterbalance these negative psychological sequelae. (pp. 115-116)

Coping with stigma and relationship changes – Clinician can help individuals living with HCV to "identity ways to buffer themselves from the impact of stigmatization, such as building a supportive network of friends, family, and medical providers, advocating assertively for . . . [their] needs, and learning how to disclose information while being self-protective. Therapy can also focus on enhancing patients' self-esteem by identifying and building on their positive attributes. Some patients may find value in activities that give them a sense of purpose (e.g., public-awareness programs, political advocacy)" (p. 116). In addition, "mental health clinicians can assist individuals with HCV to navigate . . . changes within their social support network. Communication and problem-solving skills training specifically focused on managing role-changes may prove beneficial, as well as acceptance-based work. Also, participation in couples or family therapy can allow patients to practice these skills in a supportive environment" (p. 116). Finally,

clinicians can help patients build their social support networks by treating mood disorders that interfere with social efforts and by setting small goals toward increased socialization. Clinicians can also assist HCV patients to identify and enhance existing relationships that they may initially overlook or discount. Patients may find it beneficial to engage in "safer" outlets for social interaction, such as online support communities, volunteer positions, or psycho-educational/support groups for patients with HCV, liver disease, or chronic medical conditions. Support groups can be a useful source of information and connection for patients with chronic illness. Mental health providers can make an important contribution to the care of patients with HCV by organizing and/or facilitating support groups focused on issues relevant to this patient population. In addition to providing much-needed social support, these groups can provide education, promote positive health behaviors, and moderate experiences of stigma or discrimination. (p. 117)2

Management of side effects – Once treatment has been initiated,

mental health clinicians can use brief standardized measures (e.g., the Beck Depression Inventory) . . . to monitor the presence and severity of psychiatric symptoms . . . and can address specific symptoms in the context of therapy. Stress-management (e.g., relaxation exercises, problem-solving practice), behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, and enhancement of self-care behaviors (e.g., exercise, proper diet, sleep hygiene) are useful strategies for minimizing potential side effects. Clinicians are also in an excellent position to provide feedback to medical staff, such as psychiatrists, should greater intervention be necessary (i.e., psychotropic medications). (pp. 117-118)

In the area of medication adherence, "clinicians can help patients to identify and problem-solve barriers to treatment-adherence, assist in the organization and scheduling of medications, manage side effects, and facilitate access to medical providers" (p. 118).

Implementing healthy lifestyle changes – Because alcohol has a detrimental effect on liver functioning, "reduction in alcohol use is one of the most important behavioral changes patients can make to slow the rate of HCV progression" (p. 118), and "patients with an understanding of the relationship between HCV and alcohol use may be increasingly motivated to make and sustain healthy lifestyle changes" (p. 119). In support of this effort,

mental health clinicians can work with patients to develop a concrete change plan based on their stated goals for treatment and anticipate challenges that may interfere with the execution of these goals. Also, patients on IFN treatment who have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence may benefit from ongoing monitoring and support from a clinician with experience in substance-abuse counseling, because the side effects of treatment may result in increased urges and cravings. . . .

Several standardized instruments, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) . . . or the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale, . . . may prove useful to the clinician assessing and monitoring alcohol intake for patients with HCV. These brief measures are easy to administer and can be used to identify patients in need of additional intervention. All patients should be educated regarding the effects of alcohol on the course of HCV, and, when appropriate, should be evaluated by a chemical-dependency specialist. (p. 118)

Because cigarette-smoking can affect "liver health, treatment efficacy, and quality of life," clinicians are encouraged to review "evidence-based recommendations from research in general populations that can be used as guides for . . . assisting . . . HCV-positive patient[s] to quit smoking or reduce the amount that they smoke. . . . Goals of these recommendations are to increase screening, enhance motivation, and assist patients to reduce tobacco use through problem-solving techniques" (p. 119).

Since "it is likely that improved nutritional status will have a positive effect on disease-progression and long-term outcome for HCV-positive patients," mental health clinicians

can take several steps to assist the HCV-positive patient to achieve his or her individual dietary goals. First, clinicians should encourage all HCV-positive patients to pursue a healthy diet and educate patients about how diet can affect their disease progression and quality of life. Unhealthy diet patterns should be identified (e.g., high-sugar and high-fat diets, high daily caloric intake, frequent fast-food consumption, limited fruit and vegetable intake) and addressed. Finally, referrals to nutrition services may be appropriate for some patients, particularly for cases in which the nutritional needs may require a unique or intensive intervention, such as with HCV-positive patients who are overweight/obese, those for whom there are concerns about iron overload, and those who have comorbid metabolic concerns, such as diabetes. (p. 119)

Additionally,

with medical-provider approval, HCV-positive patients should be encouraged to participate in regular physical activity to address weight-management, quality of life, and symptom-management. Clinicians can assist HCV patients with setting exercise goals, enhancing motivation to exercise, addressing barriers to activities, and challenging any unhelpful thoughts that interfere with exercise. Devices such as pedometers may motivate patients who are ready to make changes in activity levels. When appropriate, a referral to rehabilitation or physical therapy services for exercise recommendations can be extremely useful. (p. 119)

----Compiled by Abraham Feingold, Psy.D.

References

Bova, C., Ogawa, L.F., & Sullivan-Bolyai, S. (2010). Hepatitis C treatment experiences and decision making among patients living with HIV infection.Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 21(1), 63-74.

Osilla, K.C., Ryan, G., Bhatti, L., Goetz, M., Witt, M., & Wagner, G. (2009). Factors that influence an HIV coinfected patient's decision to start hepatitis C treatment. AIDS Patient Care & STDs, 23(12), 993-999.

Scott, J.D., Wald, A., Kitahata, M., Krantz, E., Drolette, L., Corey, L., & Wang, C.C. (2009). Hepatitis C virus is infrequently evaluated and treated in an urban HIV clinic population. AIDS Patient Care & STDs, 23(11), 925-929.

Silberbogen, A.K., Mori, D.L., & Sogg, S. (2005). The Structured Interview for the Treatment of the Hepatitis C Virus (SIT-HCV). Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 12(1), 57-69.

Silberbogen, A.K., Ulloa, E.W., Janke, E.A., & Mori, D.L. (2009). Psychosocial issues and mental health treatment recommendations for patients with hepatitis C. Psychosomatics 50(2), 114-122.

Wagner, G., Ryan, G., Osilla, K.C., Bhatti, L., Goetz, M., & Witt, M. (2009). Treat early or wait and monitor? A qualitative analysis of provider hepatitis C virus treatment decision-making in the context of HIV coinfection. AIDS Patient Care & STDs, 23(9), 715-725.
--------------------
1 One version of the pre-treatment psychological evaluation, "the Structured Interview for the Treatment of the Hepatitis C Virus (SIT-HCV), developed by the Medical Psychology Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System in collaboration with the VA Liver Clinic[,] . . . expands upon a standard psychiatric interview by addressing those psychological and behavioral factors that are unique to this population and essential to consider prior to recommending a patient for IFN therapy. . . . On the basis of the information gathered during the administration of the SIT-HCV, clinicians can make behavioral recommendations that will enhance a patient's likelihood of attaining an optimal treatment outcome while minimizing the impact of incapacitating side effects" (Silberbogen, Mori, & Sogg, 2005, p. 58). The complete protocol can be found in the appendix of Silberbogen and colleagues' article.

2 "As the nation's largest care-provider of patients with HCV, the [Department of Veterans Affairs] has developed a comprehensive website designed to meet both patients' and providers' needs (www.hepatitis.va.gov). . . . Available resources for mental health providers include a 'how-to' program guide that outlines the basic steps for initiating and maintaining a hepatitis C support group. This valuable resource includes a discussion of issues to consider when developing a group, suggestions for group topics, descriptions of therapeutic and facilitation techniques, and sample forms and handouts" (Silberbogen, Ulloa, Janke, & Mori, 2009, p. 117).

Neuropsychology of HIV/HCV Coinfection

"HCV mono-infection is associated with significant impairment in neuropsychological domains typically characterized as 'subcortical' in nature, with predominant impact on attention, information processing speed, and verbal memory. Further, evidence of neuropsychological impairment among HCV mono-infected individuals exists independent of comorbid substance abuse and severe liver disease, raising the possibility of direct brain involvement from HCV" (Martin-Thormeyer & Paul, 2009, p. 223). Moreover,

individuals infected with both HCV and HIV express more severe neuropsychological impairment than individuals with HIV alone but the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. To date a handful of studies have examined neuropsychological function among individuals co-infected with HCV and HIV. Among these studies there is notable variability in the methods to examine neuropsychological function, the use of various comparison groups (e.g., HCV alone, HIV alone, both mono-infected groups compared to co-infected patients), and the focus on various laboratory indices of disease burden. These methodological differences require some caution when drawing conclusions regarding the impact of co-infection on cognitive outcome. For example, a number of studies did not involve a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and therefore, conclusions regarding the neuropsychological pattern associated with co-infection remains premature. With that caveat noted, there is some suggestion in the literature that several domains of cognitive function are more likely impacted by co-infection than others.

Decreased processing speed and psychomotor speed among co-infected individuals is a commonly reported outcome of the studies . . . [although e]vidence of selective impairment in psychomotor speed/information processing is not universal. . . . [In fact, n]ot all studies have reported greater cognitive impairment among co-infected patients. . . . When taken collectively the majority of studies have reported more severe neuropsychological impairment among co-infected patients than mono-infected patients. (Martin-Thormeyer & Paul, 2009, pp. 224-225)

Importantly, "recent studies of dually infected subjects indicate that neurocognitive function may improve with successful therapy for either disorder" (Gonzalez, Quartana, & Martin, 2009, p. 223).

References

Gonzalez, R., Quartana, P.J., & Martin, E.M. (2009). Co-occurrence of HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use disorders: Effects on brain functioning. In R.H. Paul, N.C. Sacktor, V. Valcour, & K.T. Tashima (Eds.), HIV and the brain: New challenges in the modern era (pp. 213-233). Totowa, NJ: Humana Press.

Martin-Thormeyer, E.M., & Paul, R.H. (2009). Drug abuse and hepatitis C infection as comorbid features of HIV associated neurocognitive disorder: Neurocognitive and neuroimaging features [Review]. Neuropsychology Review, 19(2), 215-231.

Psychiatry & HIV/HCV Coinfection

According to Silberbogen and colleagues (2009), "numerous studies . . . document high prevalence rates of preexisting psychiatric disorders among patients with HCV. . . . Within the HCV-positive population, approximately 27%-78% of patients are diagnosed with past or current substance abuse, 15%-62% with mood disorders, and 30%-40% with anxiety disorders such as PTSD [posttraumatic stress disorder]" (p. 115).

With regard to the population of co-infected individuals, however, and "in the absence of established guidelines for the management of [the] psychiatric status of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients initiating PEG-IFN/RBV therapy," Weiss and Morgello (2009) "sought to determine what the state of practice is for providers actively engaged in the care of these patients" (p. 532). The investigators developed and reported on "a provider survey designed to determine whether consensus exists in the management of these patients and what factors might impact differing treatment approaches taken by health care providers" (p. 532). They focused in particular on "the use of prophylactic treatment with antidepressants [to] prevent . . . the development of depressive side effects during HCV treatment" (p. 532).

From a pool of 236 "expert" providers invited to participate, the sample consisted of 92 providers who completed the anonymous online survey, 26% of whom were psychiatrists. With regard to practice setting and provider discipline, Weiss and Morgello found that "the psychiatric management of HIV-coinfected patients being treated for HCV occurs in multiple contexts (varying from comprehensive integrated clinics to individual practices) and is done by providers from a wide range of disciplines (infectious disease, psychiatry, internal medicine, nurse practitioner). The survey was able to establish the practice patterns of expert providers who are predominantly physicians working in varied practice settings internationally" (p. 535).1Notably, most of the nonpsychiatrist survey respondents have "very limited access to psychiatric consultation" (p. 535).

With regard to these practice patterns,

more than one third of providers indicate[d] that they use or offer the option of antidepressant use prophylactically in HIV-positive patients with no past or current depression beginning HCV treatment, and more than three quarters do so in patients with a history of depression but no current symptoms of depression. The most experienced nonpsychiatrist providers were more likely to use antidepressants prior to the start of treatment in HIV-coinfected patients as compared to in HCV mono[-]infected patients. There . . . [wa]s consensus among providers to leave psychiatric medication unchanged in patients currently treated for unipolar depression. (p. 531)

Weiss and Morgello conclude that "many expert providers prescribe antidepressants to HIV/HCV-coinfected patients initiating [HCV] treatment in the absence of symptoms of depression, despite the lack of data supporting this approach in this population" (p. 531). The investigators surmise that "this pattern of prescribing . . . may be related to . . . limited access to psychiatric consultation, with providers viewing the prophylactic use of antidepressants as the safest and most cautious treatment approach" (p. 536). Weiss and Morgello advocate for "increasing [nonpsychiatrist] provider skills and competence through advanced training in psychiatric assessment and management[, because this] would likely reduce the extent to which these providers use antidepressants prophylactically and could potentially lead to better HCV treatment outcomes" (p. 536). Additionally (and importantly), "research is needed to provide an evidence base to guide the optimal psychiatric management of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients beginning [HCV] treatment" (p. 531).

15-Jul-10 9:00 AM

New Series of Studies Show Suicide Attempts Constitute a Significant Portion of Drug-Related Hospital Emergency Department Visits -- Especially Among the Young

Daniel LeFave — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Nearly 1 in 10 drug-related hospital emergency department visits made by adolescents involved suicide attempts – with females making more than 72 percent of these attempts.

A new series of studies analyzing drug-related hospital emergency department visits throughout the country during 2008 reveals a substantial percentage of these visits involve suicide attempts. According to these studies conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) more than one in every twelve (8.8 percent) drug-related hospital emergency department visit by an adolescent is a suicide attempt – double the rate found among cases involving those age 25 and older (4.4 percent). Among cases involving young adults aged 18 to 25 the attempted suicide rate was 6.6 percent.

The vast majority of these suicide attempts by adolescents were made by females (72.3 percent). Females constituted a majority of cases among young adults and those over age 25 as well, but at significantly lower levels (57.6 percent and 57.7 percent, respectively).

Although pharmaceutical drugs were involved in more than 9 out of 10 of these drug-related suicide attempt cases, there were considerable differences in the patterns of substances used among various age and gender groups.

For example, acetaminophen products were the most commonly used substances involved in hospital emergency department visits by female adolescents attempting suicide (28.5 percent) while anti-anxiety drugs were the most commonly used substances in cases involving females age 25 or older (49.9 percent). Similarly, adolescent males admitted for drug-related suicides were more than three times as likely to have used antipsychotic drugs as their female counterparts (14.3 percent versus 4.3 percent).

The studies also reveal significant differences in the level of follow up care (e.g., inpatient admission, transfer to another hospital facility or referral to detoxification) given in these cases -- differences often associated with the type of substance used and the age of those attempting suicide.

For example, while over 90.2 percent of adolescents who visited hospital emergency departments for attempting suicide with antidepressants received follow up care, only 52.4 percent of adolescent cases involving ibuprofen received it. Similarly, 83.1 percent of the cases involving adolescents using alcohol received follow up care while only 59.4 percent of alcohol related cases among those age 25 or older received it.

In 2007 (the most recent year for which figures are available), suicides in the United States accounted for 34,598 deaths - almost twice the number of homicides (18,361). To help address this problem, SAMHSA sponsors the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a network of crisis call centers located throughout the nation that can immediately link a caller seeking help to a trained counselor closest to the caller’s location, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls to the toll-free Lifeline are confidential.

“The sheer numbers of young people that continue to end up in costly hospital emergency rooms as a result of substance abuse and suicide is truly alarming and is a clear signal that we must continue to evaluate the impact of behavioral health on health and health care costs,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. “The studies also point out the need to provide better follow up services after visits to emergency departments and other healthcare settings in working with people who have attempted suicide.”

In an effort to provide support for teens who may be contemplating suicide, SAMHSA and the Ad Council recently launched the Teen Suicide Prevention campaign. The We Can Help Us effort includes television, radio, print and interactive PSAs, as well as in-school and mall posters, directed at 13-17 year-olds. Young people seeking help are urged to visit www.reachout.com, where they can hear success stories and strategies from teens.

Additional information about all these aspects of SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline can be accessed at: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. Additional information about other SAMHSA suicide prevention programs can be obtained by visiting SAMHSA’s Web site, http://www.samhsa.gov.

The series of studies, Emergency Department Visits for Drug-Related Suicide Attempts by Adolescents: 2008, Emergency Department Visits for Drug-Related Suicide Attempts by Young Adults Aged 18 to 24: 2008 and Emergency Department Visits for Drug-Related Suicide Attempts by Adults Aged 25 or Older: 2008 was developed as part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on data, outcomes, and quality – an effort to inform policy makers and service providers on the nature and scope of behavioral health issues. Their data came from the 2008 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report. DAWN is a public health surveillance system that monitors drug-related hospital emergency department visits reported throughout the nation.

The studies are available on line at

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/DAWN001/SuicideAttempts.cfm

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/DAWN002/SuicideAttemptsYoungAdults.cfm

http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k10/AdultSuicide/AdultSuicide.cfm

Copies may also be obtained by calling SAMHSA’s Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). For related publications and information, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/ .

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

13-Jul-10 3:00 PM

SAMHSA and the Ad Council Launch National Campaign to Raise Awareness about Mental Health Problems in Hispanic/Latino Communities

Daniel LeFave — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:00:00 GMT

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in collaboration with The Advertising Council, announced today the launch of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign to promote recovery from mental health problems within the Hispanic/Latino community by educating and inspiring young adults to talk openly about issues of mental health. The culturally-targeted PSAs seek to motivate societal change towards social acceptance and decrease negative attitudes that may surround mental illness. These PSAs are part of a larger multicultural public service effort designed to reachHispanic/Latino, American Indian, Chinese American and African American communities during National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This effort was done in consultation with SAMHSA's National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED).

The Ad Council and SAMHSA first launched the Campaign for Mental Health Recovery nationwide in December 2006. To view the ads, please visitwww.adcouncil.org. The PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

The Ad Council ( www.adcouncil.org ) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies. The Ad Council addresses issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.

SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

13-Jul-10 2:00 PM

Hemochromatosis (Iron Storage Disease) Awareness

Joseph Duarte — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

What is hemochromatosis?

Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron). This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body's tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body's organs.

What are the causes?

Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.

What are the symptoms?

Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:

Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Weakness
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Joint pain

Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

How is it detected?

If your doctor suspects you have iron overload associated with hemochromatosis, there are two blood tests – serum transferrin saturation and ferritin levels – which may be used to help make the diagnosis. The tests measure how much iron is in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor's office.

If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).

If you think you have symptoms like those of hemochromatosis or if you have a close blood relative who has hemochromatosis, you should ask your health care provider to check the amount of iron in your blood.

What is the treatment?

Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. The treatment is safe and effective. Patients can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.

Most people with hemochromatosis should be checked at least once a year to be sure that their iron level is within the normal range. If the iron level is too high, phlebotomy treatments are needed to keep extra iron from building up in the body.

Tips for Living Well with Hemochromatosis

There is much you can do to make sure your life is as normal and healthy as possible.

Check-ups: Have the amount of iron in your blood checked regularly.
Phlebotomy: Make sure to get phlebotomies when you need them. Phlebotomy is the best treatment for hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis cannot be treated by changing your diet alone.
Iron pills: Don't take iron pills, supplements, or multivitamin supplements that have iron in them. Eating foods that contain iron is fine.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C increases the amount of iron your body absorbs. Avoid taking pills with more than 500 mg of vitamin C per day. Eating foods with vitamin C (such as oranges) is fine.
Food: Don't eat raw fish or raw shellfish. Cooking destroys germs harmful to people with hemochromatosis. People with hemochromatosis are at greater risk for bacteremia, a bacterial infection of the blood stream.
Alcohol: If you choose to drink alcohol, drink very little. Women should have no more than one drink a day. Men should have no more than two drinks a day. However, if you have liver damage, do not drink any alcohol.
Exercise: You can exercise as much as you want. The CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine offers the following physical activity recommendations:
- Adults should engage in moderate-intensity physical activities (indicated by some increase in breathing or heart rate) for at least 30 minutes on preferably all days of the week.

8-Jul-10 1:00 PM

Key Facts about Hurricane Readiness

Joseph Duarte — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Please follow the important preparedness tips CDC provides in Hurricane Readiness. These tips include

Preparing for a Hurricane: Basic steps you can take now to ensure your safety should a storm hit.
Emergency Supplies You Will Need: Stock your home and your car with supplies.
Make a Plan: Learn the basic steps you can take to prepare for a storm
Prepare to Evacuate: Never ignore an evacuation order.
If You Are Ordered NOT to Evacuate: Things you can do to get through the storm in the safest possible manner.
Protecting Pets: Ensure your pet's safety before, during, and after an emergency.

After you have read these tips, please review the other resources available on the CDC Hurricanes Web site.

CDC strongly recommends that you print all important resources before a hurricane strikes. Power outages during and after a hurricane can prevent you from accessing information online when you most need it. Preparing now can help keep you and your family safe.

You can receive weekly tips from CDC throughout hurricane season by signing up for the following:

CDC Hurricane Health and Safety Updates — subscribe and get tips of the week sent to your email or mobile phone.
CDC Hurricane Public Service Announcements (PSAs) and Podcasts

8-Jul-10 1:00 PM

Congenital Syphilis — United States, 2003–2008

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

CDC National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB

A CDC analysis of mother-to-child syphilis transmission (congenital syphilis) finds that while the number of congenital syphilis (CS) infections remains relatively small, concerning increases occurred between 2005 and 2008. CS rate increases were primarily found among infants born in the South (9.6 per 100,000 in 2005 to 15.7 in 2008). CS rate increases were also seen in the United States among infants born to white and African-American women. Between 2005 and 2008, rates among infants born to white women more than doubled (1.3 to 2.8), and rates among black women increased more than 30 percent (26.6 to 34.6). No clear increases were observed for the same time period among infants born to Hispanic, Asian Pacific Islander (API), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIN) women. In 2008, the CS rate for infants born to Hispanic women was 12.8, the CS rate for infants born to API women was 3.0, and the rate for infants born to AIN women was 14.0. While the number of CS cases reported nationally remains relatively low (431 in 2008), recent CS rate increases underscore the importance of early prenatal care and syphilis testing for pregnant women. CS can result in neurologic impairment and infant death, but it is preventable with early prenatal diagnosis and treatment.

3-Jun-10 4:00 PM

New Reports Highlight Important Substance Abuse Treatment Statistics in Key Metropolitan Areas across the Country

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Each brief provides the a wide range of information about the nature and scope of substance abuse treatment admissions in a metropolitan area through a variety of charts, graphs and accompanying text.

Brief for Houston, TX: http://oas.samhsa.gov/metro/Houston/508HTML_Houston.htm

Brief for Dallas, TX: http://oas.samhsa.gov/metro/Dallas/508HTML_Dallas.htm

3-Jun-10 4:00 PM

National Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Week

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Co-sponsored by: National Coalition for the Homeless and

National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness

For more information, please visit: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/projects/awareness/awareness.html

November 15-21, 2009

Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness co-sponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During this week, a number of schools, communities and cities take part in a nationwide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness.

21-Oct-09 9:00 AM

**2010 Border Violence Prevention Conference September 14th 16th, 2010

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

The goal of the conference is to increase community awareness and readiness of the current state of border violence, substance abuse and disastrous events. It will bring into focus the unique circumstances of the border area and disseminate resources to law enforcement, counselors, prevention providers, educators and community organizers in building an Antiviolence Alliance.

To register for EYEGLASS-NUEVAS ÓPTICAS BORDER VIOLENCE PREVENTION CONFERENCES register on line at www.rgvcouncil.org, fax, mail, or email a registration application to the Rio Grande Valley Council, Inc., 5510 N. Cage Blvd., Ste. C, Pharr, TX 78577; fax: (956) 781-2233 or e-mail nalvarez@rgvcouncil.org. Registration deadline for the Professional South Padre Island Conference is Friday, September 03, 2010, 5:00 p.m. and may close earlier when conference fills. Register early as space is limited and on-site registration will be accepted if space is available.

For more information, please visit: http://www.rgvcouncil.org/

*UPDATE: 2010 STREET OUTREACH WORKERS CONFERENCE June 20th 23rd, 2010

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Street Outreach Workers Conference is almost here! We are looking forward to providing both an education and relaxing experience for our nearly 200 conference participants! SPECIAL CONFERENCE EVENTS AND HOSPITALITY Sunday, June 20 Networking Evening 6-8pm: Snacks and networking hosted by Rebecca Havermeyer! Monday, June 21 Memorial 9am-5pm: Stop by the Robertson Room for reflection and remembrance. Movie Night 8-10pm: Watch the flashy 2009 movie Star Trek in the Austin Room! Snacks included! Hospitality Suite, Monday 6-8pm: Sign up for free 15 minute massages to relax and unwind. Sign up starts at 5:30pm in the 5th Floor Meeting Room. Tuesday, June 22 The “Out of this World” Dance Party 8–10pm: Join us for appetizers and then dance the night away with DJ Kathy Russell. Prizes awarded for Best Space Alien, Best Space Movie Character costume and Best Moonwalk! So grab your favorite Luke Skywalker light saber, throw on your Men in Black business...

July 11th is World Population Day

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Calling Attention to Urgent Global Issues

World Population Day was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989 as a way to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. It was an outgrowth of the interest generated by the Day of Five Billion, which was observed on 11 July 1987.

Each year UNFPA selects a different theme to rally around. World Population Day 2010, Everyone Counts, will underscore the importance of data for development. It will foster an understanding of why reliable, disaggregated data is so crucial to progress and encourage people to participate in the census and other data collection efforts.

People around the world observe World Population Day in different ways. Many UNFPA Country Offices and other institutions mark the day with celebrations, poster or essay contests, sports events concerts or other activities to bring attention to population issues.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:28:25 GMT

Important information to keep families skin safe... winter, spring, summer & fall.

Peers Making Peace

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:21:12 GMT

Improving school environments by reducing violence, assaults, discipline referrals, and increasing academic performance.

HIV Connection

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:01:43 GMT

Increasing awareness, education, personal involvement and participation in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other related diseases.

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Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:36:32 GMT

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Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:58:18 GMT

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Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:55:34 GMT

The Coordinated Training Services (CTS) was created to coordinate the statewide prevention training for evidence-based prevention programs and coalitions that will strengthen and expand the prevention infrastructure. The CTS coordinates vital training in each prevention domain. Learn More About CTS >>

Upcoming External Events

Mon, 24 May 2010 20:17:19 GMT

Welcome to the Coordinated Training Services News page. Here you will find our monthly newsletter and other important updates impacting all of you in the Texas prevention field. Contact us with your questions: 877.287.1533 cts@workersassistance.com Please take a moment to view our current CTS newsletter: Updates: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 13-15, 2010 • Dallas, Texas at the Marriott Quorum by the Galleria Kick-off reception on June 13th. Conference June 14th & 15th. Registration is now OPEN! Early Bird Registration: $250/person (early bird deadline April 30th) Standard Registration: $285/person Additional discounts will be given to organizations who bring 5 participants About TIPSS: Knowledge about ADDICTION is continually advancing and so is progress in Addiction prevention and treatment services. As we enter the new decade professionals in the field as...

Welcome to Coordinated Training Services for prevention (CTS), a professional service of Workers Assistance Program, Inc.

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:58:27 GMT

Contact us with your questions: 877.287.1533 cts@workersassistance.com Please take note! CTS has reached its deliverable budget limit for purchasing curriculum for the remainder of FY10. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes. It will now be the responsibility of each agency to order and pay for any curriculum needs they have. CTS will list the relevant curriculum contact information on our website to make ordering as simple as possible. Please check www.statewidetraining.org , and the specific event on the training calendar, for that information. Background Effective 9/1/2004, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) established the Coordinated Training Services (CTS). CTS coordinates the statewide prevention training for evidence-based prevention programs and coalitions, strengthening and expanding the prevention infrastructure. CTS coordinates vital training in each prevention domain. Training is provided on the latest prevention...

DSHS Approved Curricula Descriptions

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:50:56 GMT

DSHS Approved Curricula Descriptions For additional questions about any of these curricula, please contact CTS at 877.287.1533 or cts@workersassistance.com. More comprehensive program details can be found at http://www.modelprograms.samhsa.gov/model.htm. Al's Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices Al’s Pals: Kids Making Healthy Choices is a resiliency-based early childhood curriculum and teacher training program that develops personal, social, and emotional skills in children 3 to 8 years old. Using 46 interactive lessons, Al’s Pals teaches children how to— Express feelings appropriately Use kind words Care about others Use self-control Think independently Accept differences Make friends Solve problems peacefully Cope Make safe and healthy choices Understand that tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs are not for children The lessons use guided creative play, brainstorming, puppetry, original music, and movement to develop children’s...

DSHS-Approved Curricula

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:47:39 GMT

Authorized Curriculum Al's Pals: Kids Making Health Choices All Stars™ Creating Lasting Family Connections Dando Fuerza a la Familia (FAST) Families and Schools Together: Building Relationships FAST (Elementary) FAST (Middle School) Keep a Clear Mind Keepin' It REAL (KIR) Kid's Connection/Rainbow Days Leadership and Resiliency Program LifeSkills™ Training (Elementary School) LifeSkills™ Training (Middle School) PAL® Student Training (PATHS) Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies Peers Making Peace Positive Action Project ACHIEVE Project ALERT Project Northland Project SUCCESS Project Toward No Drug Abuse Protecting You/Protecting Me (PY/PM) ® Reconnecting Youth Second Step:...

Region Contact Information

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:29:27 GMT

REGION 1 REGION 2 Glenn Larsen, Coordinator Managed Care Center for Addictive Disorders 2345 50th Street LUBBOCK, Texas 79412 806/780-8300 FAX: 806/780-8383 Email: prc1@mccaod.com Web Page: http://www.prc1.org Holly McFarland, Coordinator Abilene Regional COADA 104 Pine St., Ste. 4 ABILENE, Texas 79601-5926 (325) 673-3503 FAX: (325) 673-3717 Email: holly.mcfarland@arcadatx.org Web Page: http://www.prc2.org/ REGION 3 REGION 4 Alison Watros, Coordinator 4525 Lemmon Ave Ste. 300 DALLAS, Texas 75219-2138 (214) 522-4999 ext. 242 FAX: (214) 521-7253 Email: awatros@gdcada.org Web page: http://www.prc3.org Lorri Essary, Coordinator East Texas COADA 708 Glencrest Ln. ...

HIV Connection Calendar of Events

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:31:07 GMT

The following is a current listing of trainings scheduled by the Texas HIV Connection as of February 5th. If you are interested in attending any of these trainings, you may contact the person listed for registration. This training schedule is established at the request of DSHS funded sponsoring agencies and is subject to change. You may also view additional trainings as they are added to our calendar by clicking the CALENDAR link above and searching by month. The following listing is updated monthly. If you have any questions or if you are interested in scheduling training for your organization, please contact Sarah Kapostasy at skapostasy@hivconnection.org or 877.287.1533 ext. 1104 for more information. Training Schedule: Date: 2/24/2009 Location: Fredericksburg, TX Sponsor: Serenity House Course: HIV/AIDS Update TAAP Hours: 8 A&D-S (9:00AM – 12:00PM) Please contact Isidro Ruiz at 830-997-9340 if you are interested in attending this training or register online at: ...

Drug Free Workplace

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:20:26 GMT

The U S Small Business Administration (SBA) provided a grant, to assist small businesses with Drug-Free Workplace (DFWP) resources. The purpose is to effectively address all aspects of alcohol and drug misuse/ abuse and its related costs in the workplace. Workers Assistance Program can help small businesses develop a comprehensive DFWP via the following: Drug-free workplace policies and procedures Alcohol/Drug training Parenting training (How to keep kids drug-free) Supervisor training Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance Drug testing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For further information please contact: Rick Dielman 2525 Wallingwood Dr.,...

Follow Up Survey: Edinburg, TX 7/13-14/10

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

We are excited to introduce to you our new Follow-Up Questionnaire. Your feedback allows the Texas HIV Connection to provide the most effective training services possible.

Release Date: 21-Jul-10 1:00 PM
Expiration Date: 19-Oct-10 1:00 PM

We look forward to hearing about how you have implemented the knowledge you have gained from our trainings. Click the highlighted area below to take this survey. Please answer all questions. Thank you!

Preparatiion, Practice, Passion, Presentation (6/17/10) Irving, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:15:00 GMT

Objectives:

These surveys are a vital part of our reporting process and are required as part of our DSHS grant to provide this free, valuable training to you and your organization. Your valuable feedback allows CTS to provide the most effective training services possible.

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 1-Jul-10 7:15 PM
Expiration Date: 29-Sep-10 7:15 PM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

Strategies for Strengthening Families, 6/10/2010 Dallas, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Your feedback allows CTS to provide the most effective training services possible. We look forward to hearing about how you have implemented the knowledge you have gained from this training. Your prompt completion of these surveys is a vital part of our reporting process and is required as part of our DSHS grant to provide this free, valuable training to you and your organization.