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:

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.

This Prevention Basics training provides an overview of vital substance use and misuse prevention concepts. Participants will be introduced to the public health approach to prevention, the continuum of care, and the role of coalitions and providers in community-based prevention efforts. These concepts will be referenced as the participants are introduced to the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).

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. Participants will explore how to embed sustainability into their planning from the start, adapt to changing landscapes, and strengthen their infrastructure.

Description
Millions of children live in homes affected by familial substance use, facing daily negative impacts. These children experience significant trauma, and without intervention and support from various professionals, their suffering may go unnoticed and unaddressed. In the United States, one in eight children lives with at least one parent struggling with a substance use disorder. As a result, they are three times more likely to experience abuse and four times more likely to suffer neglect compared to peers in substance-free households. Despite being the first to feel the effects of a family member’s addiction, these children are often the last to receive help and support. Professionals are uniquely positioned to identify these vulnerable children and provide them with a path toward healing rather than continued trauma.

This training will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of substance use disorder (SUD), the intergenerational cycle of addiction, and the vital importance of early identification and intervention. It will cover strategies and tools for effective engagement and building supportive connections. Key objectives include recognizing trauma and its impacts, identifying at-risk children, using non-stigmatizing language, connecting families with essential resources, and prioritizing self-care. Emphasizing practical strategies and compassionate approaches, the training equips professionals with the necessary tools to respond effectively and sensitively, promoting positive, lasting outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and the professionals supporting them.

This webinar is provided at no cost. PF! will be applying for Prevention CEUs and CHES hours. The prevention education domain for this session is: P2- Prevention Education & Service Delivery

Description
Have you ever thought about getting involved with a professional organization and wondered if it’s just going to be one more thing on your already-too-long To Do list? In this session, we’ll explore some of the practical benefits of professional associations and networking with like-minded peers. Expanding who you know, taking advantage of local opportunities, and learning about available resources can help you tackle other items on your To Do list. Networking with people who “get you” provides support in various ways, while reinforcing your sense of purpose.  And if you’re looking to boost or refine some of your skills for your job or for your life – you will likely find some ready-made opportunities. This is multi-tasking at its best!

This webinar is provided at no cost. PF! will be applying for Prevention CEUs and CHES hours. The prevention education domain for this session is: P6- Professional Growth & Responsibility

Description
Alcohol is used by about 3 out of 4 adults in the United States. In recent years, micro-breweries and DORA districts have become economic drivers for Ohio cities. And yet the Surgeon General just released a report that links several kinds of cancer to even small amounts of alcohol use. In this webinar, Kristina will share strategies to break through to individuals when community readiness for adult alcohol use is low and change seems impossible.

This webinar is provided at no cost. PF! will be applying for Prevention CEUs and CHES hours. The prevention education domain for this session is: P2- Prevention Education & Service Delivery

Description
Casey's Law allows families to seek court-ordered treatment for loved ones struggling with substance abuse. Named after Matthew "Casey" Wethington, who lost his life to a heroin overdose, the law provides a way to help those who can't or won't seek treatment on their own. This training will walk you through the key steps of filing a petition, ensuring you understand the process, your responsibilities, and the rights involved.

This webinar is provided at no cost. PF! will be applying for Prevention CEUs and CHES hours. The prevention education domain for this session is: P5 Public Policy & Environmental Change

Description

Many people look to their faith community for help and answers in times of need. Individuals who are dealing with their own substance use disorder or mental health disorder or that of a family member or loved one are no exception. Two events are being offered for faith leaders from all denominations to learn how they can learn more about the faith community's role in behavioral health prevention. 

Tracy Johnson of TTJ, LLC., who is a national behavioral health prevention and faith engagement trainer with extensive experience in Ohio, will lead sessions for the faith community to learn about stigma related to behavioral health, how to seek help, and ways to build prevention capacity within congregations. PreventionFIRST! will discuss and distribute Building Prevention With Faith toolkits to each participant and guide attendees through funding opportunities to receive stipends to carry out the toolkit in their place of faith. 

Description