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 webinar will equip faith community leaders and partners with practical, prevention-based resources that can be immediately applied within their congregations and ministries. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the state and national prevention systems that support faith-based organizations and how to effectively engage with them. The session will also explore how prevention credentials strengthen both individual leadership and the broader prevention system. Attendees will leave with actionable tools, increased system awareness, and a deeper understanding of how faith communities play a vital role in advancing prevention efforts.

The prevention education domain for this session is P4 Community Organization

Learning Objectives:

1. 1. Attendees will be able to formulate and utilize at least 1-2 new prevention-based resources for carrying out prevention strategies in the faith community.
2. Attendees will develop a better understanding of the prevention systems in the state and nation that are available for faith entities.
3. Attendees will be to outline how a prevention credential impacts the prevention system.

Presenters:

Amanda Conn Starner, MS, CHES, OCPC

Amanda Conn Starner serves as a Chief Program Officer at PreventionFIRST!.

She is responsible for building, growing and sustaining behavioral health prevention coalitions across the Greater Cincinnati region, working to improve prevention development with faith-based entities, and developing prevention training and events for Hispanic/Latino and Black communities. Amanda served as an advisory council member for several years for the Statewide Prevention Coalition Association (SPCA) through Prevention Action Alliance (PAA) which serves the state of Ohio. Amanda is a member of the Ohio Society of Public Health Education (Ohio SOPHE).

Amanda worked for the public sector as a communications director for several years including as a member of senior staff at the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services as well as the Ohio Senate. Prior to her government service, Amanda was a journalist working in both print and television, earning at one point in her broadcasting career an Emmy award.

Amanda graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in English Literature, a Journalism Writing Certificate and a Master of Science in Health Promotion and Education with a concentration in community health. She holds additional credentials as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant (OCPC).

Jade Jacobs, BS, CHES, OCPSA

Jade Jacobs is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA). Jade graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor's of Science in Public Health. As Program Coordinator under PreventionFIRST!, she is responsible for helping to build, grow, and sustain substance misuse prevention coalitions across the Greater Cincinnati region. She also works to bring prevention education and implementation to communities of Color in the Cincinnati area.