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ONLINE PREVENTION NEWS ARCHIVES

Volume 2, Issue 11 - June 30, 2004

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ONLINE PREVENTION NEWS
Information from the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources

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Volume 2, Issue 11
June 30, 2004

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BREAKING NEWS
Wisconsin State Prevention Conference

RESEARCH UPDATES
Harm reduction strategies effective in reducing alcohol use
Fathers talk less with children about drugs than mothers

RESOURCES/MATERIALS
Pathways Mapping Initiative website
The Individual and Familial Dynamics of Recovery
CADCA National Coalition Institute website
Graduated Driver Licensing and Drinking Among Young Drivers
Alcohol and Health: Current Evidence

HEADS UP!
National American Indian Sobriety Month

FUNDING ALERTS
Waitt Family Foundation
Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, Inc.

WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES
The Path to Reducing Underage Drinking in Your Community
Children Come First
Technology and Prevention Conference
Persistently Safe Schools

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*BREAKING NEWS*

WISCONSIN STATE PREVENTION CONFERENCE
* PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING INSTITUTE - August 9, 2004
* STATE PREVENTION CONFERENCE - August 10-12, 2004
* * * REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING AND SESSIONS ARE FILLING UP! Early-bird deadline is July 16, 2004. Training Institute workshops have limited enrollment and are filling up fast, so don't wait to register! Once sessions are filled, you may be put on a waiting list, in case space becomes available. Also, some workshop limits during the conference may need to be set, and we will ask that those who register first be given priority to attend those sessions. We will make every effort to provide space for everyone who is interested in any given workshop, but hope you can be flexible as there are so many other good workshops offered in each breakout session.

* * * The hotel is also filling up fast, so be sure to call soon to reserve a room at the conference hotel. Don't forget to mention the conference when you call to make your reservations! Let them know that you are needing a reservation for the Wisconsin Prevention Conference sponsored by the Wisconsin Clearinghouse!

The Wisconsin State Prevention Conference will be held August 10-12, 2004 at the Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids. "Weaving a Tapestry of Health: Collaborating Among Substance Abuse Prevention, Mental Health Promotion, and Tobacco Control" is targeted for a wide variety of professionals across many fields. Conference programs being offered will be of interest to mental health and substance abuse prevention professionals, school personnel, employee assistance professionals, law enforcement, tobacco control advocates, youth development workers, community coalitions, faith-based community members and leaders, and Native American professionals. In addition, a variety of trainings and workshops will focus on topics relevant to State Incentive Grant and Brighter Futures Initiative communities.

We are thrilled that Beverly Watts Davis, the Director for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), will be joining us as the keynote speaker at the conference banquet on Wednesday evening. She will be talking about "CSAP's New Prevention Initiatives and Funding Priorities." You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to meet her and hear her speak! And remember, we need to have counts for those attending the banquet before the conference starts, so don't forget to sign up for the banquet when you register!

This conference will provide professional development opportunities in the application of research-based knowledge and best practices, including specific training in nationally identified model programs, several of which are culturally specific. Various Native American workshops are being offered that will address cultural issues and health disparities due to substance use, as well as identifying culturally effective program strategies. An additional focus area includes an emphasis on environmental strategies. Research has indicated high levels of success in these types of preventive approaches. The pre-conference Training Institute is being offered August 9, 2004 and features five model program trainings: All Stars (a full 2-day training, August 9-10); Communities Mobilizing for Change (a 1.5-day training, August 9-10); Protecting You/Protecting Me (a 1-day training, August 9 only); the Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 (a 2-day training, August 9-10); and an exciting new program, Coping With Work and Family Stress, which is being offered as an intensive 3-day training (August 9-11) and focuses on mental health and workplace issues. The Training Institute Model Program Trainings have limited space available, so please be sure to register as soon as possible. If spaces fill up, we will place names on a waiting list for any openings that may become available and will fill open spaces on a first come/first served basis. Conference registration is $175, with an additional fee for those attending the pre-conference and a reduced rate for full conference early-bird registration. For immediate questions, contact the Wisconsin Clearinghouse at 800-248-9244. To register or for registration questions, contact UWSP Extension by calling 800-898-9472 and pressing 3. Additional conference details are posted on the Wisconsin Clearinghouse (WCH) website at http://wch.uhs.wisc.edu/. The conference brochure is available on the UWSP Extension website at http://www.uwsp.edu/extension/brochures/aBrochures/Prevent-Wisconsin.pdf. Online registration is available, or register by phone, fax, or mail. Details are listed on the registration form in the conference brochure.

We hope to see you in August!

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*RESEARCH UPDATES*

HARM REDUCTION STRATEGIES EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING ALCOHOL USE
A study analyzing alcohol interventions for college students finds that harm reduction strategies, such as choosing a designated driver and encouraging students to drink less, are more effective than urging total abstinence. The University of Rhode Island study found that providing students with the opportunity to discuss alcohol-related information in a non-judgmental format also appeared effective in reducing their alcohol use. Furthermore, students at greater risk for alcohol-related problems seemed to benefit more from motivational intervention and follow-up "booster sessions." The study also suggests that alcohol interventions focus on student social networks. The study's findings are published in the June 2004 issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. Also see www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2004/06/16/hscout519509.html for more information. [Barnett, Nancy P., et al. (2004) Brief Alcohol Interventions With Mandated or Adjudicated College Students. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 28(6): 966-975.]

FATHERS TALK LESS WITH CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS THAN MOTHERS
Survey data released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that fathers talk less often with their children about the issue of drugs than do mothers. The data were drawn from the Partnership's latest Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS). Survey results show that only 39 percent of fathers have talked to their kids "four or more times" in the past year about drugs, compared to 48 percent of mothers. Research has shown drug use is lower among teens who report learning a lot about the risks of drugs at home. The study also found that fathers were less likely to see negative consequences in the use of some drugs. Less than half of fathers report believing that if their child smokes marijuana, they will face consequences such as difficulty coping with life's problems and getting along with family. In addition, fathers were more likely than mothers to say they would first handle their child's problem with drugs or alcohol themselves (24 percent vs. 18 percent). Mothers were more likely to first look outside for help. For more results from this study see www.drugfreeamerica.org

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*RESOURCES/MATERIALS*

PATHWAYS MAPPING INITIATIVE WEBSITE
The Pathways Mapping Initiative website holds a wealth of information about what it takes to improve the lives of children and families living in America's tough neighborhoods. Community coalitions, providers of services and supports, funders, and policymakers will find a broad collection of what works in social programs and policies to achieve desired results, including increased rates of children ready for school and higher numbers of economically successful families. By combining what is known from formal research and evaluation, with what can be learned from theory and practice, the site has collected information that illuminates the probable as well as the proven connections between activities and outcomes. The site is organized within a conceptual framework that takes the broader policy, funding, and implementation context into account. Especially helpful is a new section, "Making the Case" which gives users a starting point for arguments to invest in early interventions; take bold action even at a time of budget cuts; spread and scale up successful efforts; go beyond a service-based strategy; ensure adequate and flexible funding; and act more strategically. www.pathwaystooutcomes.org/

THE INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILIAL DYNAMICS OF RECOVERY
When one family member becomes dependent on alcohol or drugs, all members of the family are affected. This webcast, "The Individual and Familial Dynamics of Recovery," highlights the struggles of individuals and families in recovery and the strategies they use to begin the healing process and maintain sobriety. Panelists include Dr. H. Westley Clark, director, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), SAMHSA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Dennis Wholey, host, "This is America" (PBS), and author, The Courage to Change; Renee Gerger, board-certified diplomate, Gerger, Spivack and Associates; and Gloria Elliott, mental health director, La Clinica Del Pueblo. The webcast is hosted by Ivette Torres, associate director for consumer affairs, CSAT, SAMHSA, HHS. For more details, to view a short trailer, or watch this 60-minute webcast, visit www.recoverymonth.gov/2004/multimedia/w.aspx?ID=258

CADCA NATIONAL COALITION INSTITUTE WEBSITE
CADCA's National Coalition Institute has launched www.coalitioninstitute.org. The website offers training and technical assistance information, including a "Request for Assistance" link; Institute training schedule; training news; and technical assistance articles. It also features an overview of Institute initiatives such as the National Training Initiative, Greenhouse Project, Leader Mentor Program, GOT OUTCOMES! "Coalition of Excellence" Awards, and the National Coalition Registry and Annual Survey. Visitors can use self assessments, logic models, and educational articles, find out about funding opportunities, read articles on coalition evaluation, and visit related links. In the future, the website will add Spanish-language content, PowerPoint presentations, and more information about coalition funding.

GRADUATED DRIVER LICENSING AND DRINKING AMONG YOUNG DRIVERS
A report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) titled, "Graduated Driver Licensing and Drinking Among Young Drivers" describes the importance of law enforcement and strong drinking and driving laws to deter young people from driving under the influence of alcohol. The report finds that young drivers in states with more restrictive driver-licensing laws have lower rates of drinking and driving than young drivers in states with less restrictive laws. This report is available online at www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k4/licenses/licenses.cfm

ALCOHOL AND HEALTH: CURRENT EVIDENCE
The Boston University School of Medicine and School of Public Health have made available a free newsletter, titled "Alcohol and Health: Current Evidence." The free bimonthly newsletter summarizes the latest relevant research on alcohol and health, particularly in the area of health disparities. The research summaries are written by physicians with clinical, research, and educational expertise in alcohol-related issues, and include commentary relevant to primary care practice. The site also features PowerPoint slide presentations that can be downloaded and used as teaching tools. Free Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits will soon be available. To view the newsletter, visit www.alcoholandhealth.org/

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*HEADS UP!*

NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN SOBRIETY MONTH
Well Nations Magazine has declared August 2004 the 1st Annual National American Indian Sobriety Month. The magazine is asking every young person, adult, elder, tribe, community, and Nation to observe and respect an alcohol, drug, and substance free lifestyle during the entire month of August. Communities are encouraged to sponsor meetings and other gatherings with dialogue surrounding topics of how to heal relationships that have been broken due to substance use, and that families and communities are better without the negative influences of substance abuse. Also contact tribe and community leaders to request their presence and support at the event, and their endorsement of recovery activities. For more information, or to submit community plans to participate in this event: Well Nations Magazine, 520 Kansas City Street Suite 308, Rapid City, SD 57701; 605-348-9283; 605-348-9284 (fax); Kevin@wellnations.com; www.wellnations.com

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*FUNDING ALERTS*

WAITT FAMILY FOUNDATION
The Waitt Family Foundation believes that strong communities build strong families. The foundation partners with resident-led efforts in communities that seek to understand their pasts, identify current assets and challenges, and take action to achieve their visions for the future. In addition, the foundation supports community-based innovations that use technology to improve people's lives, work toward the prevention of violence in the family, and share promising practices to benefit other communities. Nonprofit organizations that have a strong infrastructure, and a good operational plan or strategy in place or under development; a practical financial development plan in place or underway; dynamic leadership both at the management level and on the governing board(s); strategic alliances with other public and private agencies, businesses, and individuals; a system for evaluating and developing their programs; and management and staff to keep the organization viable and effective are encouraged to apply. There are no application deadlines. For more information see www.waittfoundation.org/Grants/application/process.asp

CHRISTOPHER D. SMITHERS FOUNDATION, INC
For over 50 years, the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation, Inc. has concentrated its efforts on educating the public that alcoholism is a respectable, treatable disease from which people can and do recover; encouraging prevention programs and activities, with an emphasis on high-risk populations; and continually fighting to reduce and eliminate the stigma that is associated with the disease of alcoholism. There are no application deadlines. To submit a proposal include a letter of introduction, and a brief description of the program and requested grant amount. See www.smithersfoundation.org/guidelines.htm

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*WORKSHOPS/CONFERENCES*

THE PATH TO REDUCING UNDERAGE DRINKING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
On July 22, 2004 from 3:00-4:15pm EST, CADCA's National Coalition Institute will host the second of a four teleconference series on topics relevant to anti-drug coalitions. This second teleconference, "The Path to Reducing Underage Drinking in Your Community," will address the special issues related to tackling underage drinking. Presenters will provide information and tools that will help make change happen, get others to pay attention to the problem, and shift direction from an individual-oriented approach to environmentally-oriented community action. To register, visit www.udetc.org/CADCA_registration.asp or call 800-542-2322, ext 240.

CHILDREN COME FIRST
The 14th Annual Children Come First Conference, "All Aboard for New Destinations," will be held on July 27-29, 2004 at the Country Inn Hotel in Waukesha, WI. Conference attendees will be learning about and sharing with professionals and families the best practices for children with serious emotional disorders. A special pre-conference half-day training on advanced wraparound techniques is on July 27, followed by the two-day conference. Plenary speakers/performers include nationally acclaimed songwriter/psychologist Peter Alsop; DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson on Wisconsin's Vision for Integrated Mental Health Services; and the Pacer Center's Lili Garfinkel on the Age of Zero Tolerance. 32 breakout sessions will span issues around mental health and AODA, suicide prevention, wraparound, education, and family-centered services. Family scholarships are available. Download a brochure and register online at www.wccf.org/CCF

TECHNOLOGY AND PREVENTION CONFERENCE
The 5th Annual Technology and Prevention Conference, "Working Together for Results," will be held on September 23-24, 2004 in Madison, WI. The conference is sponsored by the Central Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources. This event will give participants the opportunity to share what they know and do with technology that enhances their substance abuse prevention efforts; allow for big picture thinking about prevention and technology; experience hands-on instructional sessions in lab settings; and participate in demonstrations of technology that work in community based organizations. To register online, go to www.ccapt.org/technology. Contact Geryl Rogers at 800-782-1878 or grogers@miph.org with further questions.

PERSISTENTLY SAFE SCHOOLS
On October 27-29, 2004 in Washington, DC, the Hamilton Fish Institute will sponsor the conference "Persistently Safe Schools." The conference will review past and present school violence prevention milestones and propose directions for future research, practice, and partnerships. The plenary and concurrent sessions will be organized around the following topics: alternative education, bullying, gender-related violence and issues, model interventions, risk and protective factors, school-based mental health, and school security. To obtain further information about the "Persistently Safe Schools" conference or to register online, visit www.hamfish.org/conference or send an e-mail to HFI2004@hamfish.org

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This update has been brought to you by the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources.

Online Prevention News welcomes potential submissions of information, but the list owners reserve the right to make decisions regarding the information that is chosen. Submissions that are judged to fall outside the mission and scope of this update may be refused or edited based on content, relevance, and/or clarity.

Online Prevention News may direct users to resources and websites maintained by institutions over which the Wisconsin Clearinghouse has no control. WCH makes no representation that the information contained on such sites is accurate or current. Information provided on third-party web sites does not reflect any official policy or position of WCH. Web site links are provided as a convenience, and not as an endorsement by the Wisconsin Clearinghouse.

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