Description:

Community partnerships and outreach refers to collaborative initiatives between various organizations and community members to address shared problems, leverage resources, and achieve common goals. No one entity alone can address and/or meet all the needs of an individual or community. Collaborative efforts and connections are much needed to effectively meet the needs of the community. In this workshop, we will examine how community partnerships and outreach play a significant role in strengthening and empowering communities, help participants gain an understanding of the importance of community partnerships and outreach, review key characteristics of community partnerships and explore outreach strategies.

The prevention education domain for this session is P4 Community Organization.

Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of why community partnerships and outreach are important. 

2. Identify two key characteristics of community partnerships 

3. Develop skills to build partnerships and social capital within the community.

Presenter:

Dr. Marketa Robinson, Ph.D, M.Ed, LCDCIII, OCPC, Executive Director, UMADAOP Dayton

Dr. Marketa Robinson, is the Executive Director of the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program (UMADAOP of Dayton). Dr. Robinson has a Doctorate degree in Human Services and Master's degree in Education - Specializing in Family & Community Organization and Development. Certified by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Credentialing Board as an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC) as well as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III (LCDC III). Dr. Robinson has worked in the field of prevention and treatment for over 20 years and is well apt in working with youth, adults, and families as well as, the criminal justice/ re-entry population at the local, state, and federal level. Dr. Robinson is a Trainer of Trainer (TOT) of various evidence-based trainings. Her goal and aspiration are to improve the well- being and life choices of those we serve and increase access and availability of quality culturally competent services.

Description:

Exploring Problem Gambling Through a Faith-Based Lens is a conversation about how faith communities can be places for care, connection, and prevention when gambling begins to cause harm. Problem gambling often affects individuals and families quietly, and faith leaders and congregations are often among the first to notice when someone is struggling. This webinar highlights practical, people centered ways faith communities can walk alongside individuals and families, offer nonjudgement support, and connect them to problem gambling resources when needed, reinforcing that prevention starts with relationships and community care.

The prevention education domain for this session is P2 Prevention Education and Service Delivery

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe problem gambling and its impact on individuals, families and congregations and how gambling-related harm may present within faith community settings.

 2. Identify key faith-related factors that influence prevention and help-seeking related to problem gambling. 

3. Apply supportive, prevention-focused responses by identifying appropriate ways faith leaders and congregations can reduce stigma and connect individuals to problem gambling resources and supports.

Presenters:

Valerie Leach, OCPC, Chief of Office of Community & Family Resiliency, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health

Jimmie Hicks, Deputy Director of Responsible Gambling, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health

Valerie Leach serves as an Office Chief at the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health within the Office of Community & Family Resiliency. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the behavioral health field, Valerie is a leading advocate and expert in Behavioral Health Prevention and Early Intervention services, utilizing a robust public health approach to enhance community well-being. In her current role, Valerie plays a pivotal role in advancing Behavioral Health Prevention and Early Intervention services through a comprehensive public health approach. She is credited with lifting up and leading several key initiatives, including the Ohio Youth Led Prevention Network, Ohio’s Suicide Prevention Plan, Ohio School Wellness Initiative, and the Ohio Older Adult Behavioral Health and Wellness Initiative. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that address behavioral health needs across diverse populations and age groups. Valerie's extensive experience encompasses direct care services in correctional settings and community-based support for individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges. As an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant with a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, her expertise is marked by a deep commitment to delivering effective prevention and intervention services that promote resilience and well-being. 

Jimmie Hicks III serves as the Deputy Director of Responsible Gambling at the Ohio Lottery Commission, where he focuses on advancing responsible play through education, awareness, and player-centered messaging. His work is primarily carried out through the Lottery’s WellPlayed Ohio platform, which promotes informed decision-making and healthy engagement with lottery games. In his current role, Jimmie supports responsible gambling efforts by collaborating with internal teams and external partners to strengthen prevention-oriented messaging and outreach. He also engages in the problem gambling space through the Lottery’s partnership with Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG), contributing to statewide efforts that address gambling-related harm through coordination and collaboration with prevention, treatment, and advocacy partners. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jimmie serves as a Board Trustee for Start Right Community Development Corporation, a family-operated nonprofit in Cleveland Heights focused on food security, neighborhood revitalization, and economic empowerment. He also serves as a Minister at Start Right Church of God in Christ, where his ministry work informs his commitment to community care and responsible decision-making. Jimmie holds a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on Public Relations and Event Planning from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Urban Planning and Development from Cleveland State University.

Description:

Sustainability is a key component of any successful project—and for faith-based organizations, it’s essential to ensure long-term impact in substance use prevention and community wellness. Sustainability means the continued, consistent implementation of effective prevention policies, strategies, and practices, even as funding, leadership, and community dynamics shift. This interactive training is designed specifically for faith-based organizations and prevention partners. Participants will explore how to embed sustainability into their planning from the start, adapt to changing landscapes, and strengthen their infrastructure. Through practical tools and real-world examples, participants will learn how to identify community assets, sustain outcomes, and build resilient faith-based organizations that reflect their mission and values.

The prevention education domain for this session is P4 Community Organization

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key steps in sustainability planning tailored to faith-based organizations or coalitions. 

2. Apply tools and templates to assess and strengthen their organization or coalition’s sustainability efforts. 

3. Begin drafting a sustainability plan using the provided action templates and faith- centered strategies.

 4. Recognize how faith-based values and community assets can support long-term prevention outcomes

Presenter:

Tracy Johnson, Founder, TTJ Group LLC

Mr. Tracy Johnson has 36 years of experience working closely with nonprofits, small businesses, local agencies and communities, helping them with community organizing, environmental strategies, strategic planning, substance misuse prevention, coalition building, person-centered training, humanities, and effective primary prevention programming. He has led major projects for federal, county, and state agencies, boards, and communities on effective behavioral health strategies and substance misuse prevention, with extensive knowledge of the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework comprehensive approach and CSAP's Six Key Prevention Strategies. In 2023, Mr. Johnson was awarded the distinguished NASADAD service award for his work in behavioral health and leading communities across the nation in population-level change. As Managing Partner for SheRay's & Associates, LLC, he leads and directs the training and technical assistance needs of clients. He identifies experts needed to fulfill client needs. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Northern Illinois University

Description:

This one-hour workshop introduces coalition members to the value and purpose of prevention credentialing in Ohio. Participants will explore why credentialing strengthens both individual practice and the broader prevention workforce. The session will provide clear language and practical talking points to help members confidently explain credentialing to others. Attendees will also receive guidance on the first steps needed to begin their own credentialing journey.

The prevention education domain for this session is P6 Professional Growth and Responsibility

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify at least two reasons why obtaining a prevention credential is valuable for professionals in Ohio.
2. Describe and articulate key talking points that explain the importance of prevention credentialing to others within their coalition or community.
3. Outline the initial steps required to begin the process of obtaining a prevention credential in Ohio.

Presenter:

Jennifer Benson, MEd, OCPC, ICPS, Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, Prevention Across the Ages

Jennifer Benson is an Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant. She owns a consulting firm, Prevention Across the Ages, LLC, which offers training and coaching for individuals and communities. Jennifer received her Master of Adult Education and Training from the American College of Education. She has worked in prevention for 20 years, engaging in school-based programming, community services, and coalition work. Jennifer enjoys training and working with individuals and communities, helping them gain the tools and skills to implement effective prevention practices. 

Description:

This presentation explores the cultural, historical, and systemic barriers that impact mental health prevention in the Black community and highlights strategies to rebuild trust, increase access, and promote early intervention. Through education, community engagement, and culturally responsive practices, we outline how to create pathways to healing, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

The prevention education domain for this session is CC Cultural Competency

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key historical, cultural, and systemic barriers that influence mental health prevention and help-seeking behaviors in the Black community. 

2. Examine the impact of stigma, mistrust, and generational trauma on engagement with mental health services. Explore culturally responsive strategies to improve prevention, early intervention, and community-centered support. 

3. Highlight the role of trusted messengers and community partnerships in increasing awareness, access, and utilization of mental health resources. 

4. Equip participants with actionable tools to build trust, foster psychological safety, and promote mental wellness within Black families and neighborhoods

Presenter:

Ashley Glass, MPH, BSN, RN, Founder, Black Women Cultivating Change

Ashley Glass is a devoted mother of three daughters and proudly identifies as a Health Equity Catalyst and Creative. With a strong passion for advocacy, Ashley is deeply committed to improving access to mental and maternal health services within the Black community. She possesses a natural talent for critical thinking, building meaningful connections, and elevating voices that empower individuals to navigate our complex healthcare systems. Ashley is the founder of Black Women Cultivating Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing stigma around mental health and promoting holistic wellness among Black women and families. Her work is rooted in a belief that healing and equity require authenticity and depth—reflected in her signature quote:
"Life is not surface level."

Description:

Engaging the Faith Community in Prevention is a 1.5 hour interactive training designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of how faith based and spiritual communities can play a powerful role in substance use prevention, community wellness, and addressing current social issues. Participants explore the historical and present-day impact of faith communities, learn how to build meaningful partnerships, and develop strategies for integrating faith based organizations into prevention planning using SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). The session blends discussion, reflection, and practical planning to help participants create community responsive collaborations that support primary prevention, and community resilience.

The prevention education domain for this session is P4 Community Organization

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the historical and current role of faith communities in addressing social issues such as poverty, injustice, substance use, and community violence. 

2. Explain why faith based organizations are essential partners in prevention and community wellness. 

3. Identify opportunities and challenges in building partnerships with diverse faith traditions. 

4. Develop a working plan for engaging faith based organizations using the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). 

5. Identify strategies for information sharing, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration with faith partners.

Presenter:

Tracy Johnson, Founder, TTJ Group LLC

Mr. Tracy Johnson has 36 years of experience working closely with nonprofits, small businesses, local agencies and communities, helping them with community organizing, environmental strategies, strategic planning, substance misuse prevention, coalition building, person-centered training, humanities, and effective primary prevention programming. He has led major projects for federal, county, and state agencies, boards, and communities on effective behavioral health strategies and substance misuse prevention, with extensive knowledge of the SAMHSA Strategic Prevention Framework comprehensive approach and CSAP's Six Key Prevention Strategies. In 2023, Mr. Johnson was awarded the distinguished NASADAD service award for his work in behavioral health and leading communities across the nation in population-level change. As Managing Partner for SheRay's & Associates, LLC, he leads and directs the training and technical assistance needs of clients. He identifies experts needed to fulfill client needs. Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Northern Illinois University