Coordinated Training Services RSS Feed

Motivational Interviewing on 10-Sep-10 8:00 AM

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:00:00 GMT

Motivational Interviewing
Start Date: 10-Sep-10 8:00 AM
End Time: 10-Sep-10 5:00 PM
Location: Perry Building, Lufkin, TX 75901
Speaker: Texas HIV Connection

Event Details:

Course Description

By the end of this course, participants will be able to define motivational interviewing, describe the stages of change and how they relate to motivational interviewing, list and describe the principles underlying motivational interviewing, and list and implement the five early strategies of motivational interviewing while demonstrating reflective listening techniques.

This one-day course is for counselors familiar with motivational interviewing. It provides counselors with tools to enhance the application of this counseling technique and provides opportunities to practice the skills of motivational interviewing.

CEU Credit
8 Alcohol & Drug -Specific credits will be provided for participants who complete the entire training. However, no partial credit will be given for incomplete courses. Certificates of Completion will be awarded to participants at the end of the training. Continuing Education Units are provided for Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors and Social Workers. Sponsors may apply for other types of credits.

Perry Building

105 Calder Square

Lufkin, TX 75901

Too Good for Drugs on 14-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Too Good for Drugs
Start Date: 14-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 14-Sep-10 2:30 PM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA, Abilene, Tx 79601
Speaker: Cindy Wiley

Event Details:

Important! Please read below for curriculum instructions!!

Too Good For Drugs K-8 (TGFD) is a school-based prevention program proven to reduce the intention to use alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs in middle and high school students. Developed by the Mendez Foundation for use with students in kindergarten through 12th grade (5 to 18 years old), this particular training will be K-8 ONLY! TGFD has a separate, developmentally appropriate curriculum for each grade level, and is designed to develop:

* Personal and interpersonal skills relating to alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use
* Appropriate attitudes toward alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use
* Knowledge of the negative consequences of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use and benefits of a drug-free lifestyle
* Positive peer norms

Abilene Regional CADA

104 Pine Street Suite 210

Abilene, Tx USA 79601

Kids/Youth Connection (Combined Training from Rainbow Days) on 15-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Kids/Youth Connection (Combined Training from Rainbow Days)
Start Date: 15-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 16-Sep-10 4:00 PM
Location: Tri-County Services, Conroe, Tx 77304
Speaker: Kathy Daley

Event Details:

Kids’ Connection and Youth Connection - Rainbow Days’ Curriculum-Based Support Group (CBSG®) Programs are multi-cultural preventive interventions for selective and indicated populations of children and youth, developmental ages 4-15, whose high-risk situations, attitudes and behaviors place them at elevated risk for substance abuse, delinquency and violence. Kids’ Connection and Youth Connection are evidence-based and use a support group and trained facilitator to teach children and youth a set of essential life skills to help them learn how to: cope with difficult family situations, resist peer pressure, set and achieve goals, and refuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

CBSG® Program Facilitator Manual: The same age groupings, topics, format and activities are used in all CBSG® Program implementation settings. Spanish translations of program materials are available. Because different settings have unique needs, there are separate CBSG® Program Facilitator Manuals for the following populations:

Kids’ Connection (For Developmental Ages 4-12) for use in school and community based settings
Youth Connection (For Developmental Ages 10-15) for use in school and community based settings

Kids’ Connection and Youth Connection include the following features:

Participants are grouped by age and developmental level, with group size being limited to 6 to 12 members, depending on age and development.

The Kids’ Connection and Youth Connection CBSG® Program curricula for schools and community-based sites do not allow new members after the second session. The version for shelters, group homes and transitional settings allows an exception to this rule.

Typically, there are 10 sessions for selective populations and 12 sessions for indicated populations, plus optional pre/post evaluation survey sessions. Session duration is the same period of time as one regular school class period, ranging from 30 minutes for very young group participants to one hour for older group participants. Sessions are conducted either weekly or bi-weekly depending on the setting.

All group sessions are held in private, child-appropriate settings.

Tri-County Services

1020 Riverwood Ct. Bldg #4

Conroe, Tx USA 77304

Peers Making Peace: Student Training on 16-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Peers Making Peace: Student Training
Start Date: 16-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 16-Sep-10 5:30 PM
Location: J.B. Hood Middle School
Speaker: Kristin Jones

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.

Comments

J.B. Hood Middle School

DSHS 7th Annual Prevention Provider & Fall Meeting on 20-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

DSHS 7th Annual Prevention Provider & Fall Meeting
Start Date: 20-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 22-Sep-10 12:00 PM
Location: Marriot South Austin, Austin, Tx 78744
Event Details:

DATE: September 20, 2010 (Monday) through September 22, 2010 (Wednesday)

THERE IS NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION!

The deadline to register to attend the meeting(s) is Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 at 5 p.m. In registration, please indicate if you are only coming to the Prevention Provider Meeting on the first day, the PRC/CCP Fall Meetings scheduled September 21st and 22nd or all three days.

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, then you are not registered. If you are having trouble with online registration, please contact Bre Stogner at 877-287-1533.

If you want to reserve a sleeping room at the Marriot South Austin where the meeting is being held with the negotiated $94/night rate (less than the actual per diem rate at Austin, TX at this time), please call 1-800-228-9290 or 888-758-0895 and ask for the DSHS Prevention Provider group block by September 1st at 5:00 p.m. Any reservations made after this time will be full price.

Marriot South Austin

4415 South IH-35

Austin, Tx USA 78744

CEPP: This is Your Brain This is Your Brain on Drugs on 22-Sep-10 1:00 PM

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:00:00 GMT

CEPP: This is Your Brain This is Your Brain on Drugs
Start Date: 22-Sep-10 1:00 PM
End Time: 22-Sep-10 4:00 PM
Location: Center for Community Cooperation, Dallas, Tx 75204
Speaker: Karen Williams

Event Details:

Content will be are based on the research of Drs. Giedd, Thompson, Swartzwelder, White, Tappert, Brown and Volkow. The workshop focuses on the differences between the adolescent and adult brains, why alcohol, tobacco and other drugs affect the adolescent brain differently, and the impact of early use on maturity. ATOD Specific

Center for Community Cooperation

2900 Live Oak

Dallas, Tx USA 75204

CEPP: Working With Community Coalitions on 23-Sep-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

CEPP: Working With Community Coalitions
Start Date: 23-Sep-10 9:00 AM
End Time: 23-Sep-10 12:00 PM
Location: Center for Community Cooperation, Dallas, Tx 75204
Speaker: Rainbow Days, Inc.

Event Details:

It was recently announced that SAMSHA has developed 10 Strategic Intiatives to focus its work. The #1 intiative is Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness. The goal for the first intiative is to create prevention prepared communities where individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and communities take action to promote emotional health and prevent and reduce mental illness, substance abuse including tobacco, and suicide across the lifespan.

This workshop is designed to assist prevention specialists and program directors whose work is focused primarily on youth to have a better understanding of community coalitions and the part they play in creating and maintaining safe, healthy and drug-free communities.

Center for Community Cooperation

2900 Live Oak

Dallas, Tx USA 75204

CEPP: Working With Community Coalitions on 23-Sep-10 9:00 AM

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Center for Community Cooperation

2900 Live Oak

Dallas, Tx USA 75204

7th Annual Prevention Provider Fall DSHS Conference

Tara Cowan — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:00:00 GMT

7th Annual Prevention Provider Fall DSHS Meeting

You can't afford to miss out on the Annual Prevention Provider Fall Meeting! Along with the important field-related updates... [More Info]

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25-Aug-10 5:00 PM

Coordinated Training Services Newsletter 20-Aug-10

Breanna Stogner — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:31:09 GMT

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the Coordinated Training Services newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

Calendar Events for 20-Aug-10 to 20-Sep-10

Rolling With the Changes
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Tuesday 24-Aug-10 9:30 AM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Change happens. Change is inevitable throughout our lifetime. Recognizing when we can and cannot influence change is an important step in determining what we need in order to control, influence or let go. By doing so, we are able to shift our expectations about the future and its outcom...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Assertive Communication
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Tuesday 24-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Communication may sometimes seem easy, yet it is one of the most challenging pieces of our work and personal life. Assertive communication is based on the assumption that you are the foremost expert of your own thoughts, feelings, wants, and behavior. Therefore, you are the best advocate f...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Peers Making Peace: Student Training
Sponsor: paxUnited with Coordinated Training Services, A professional service of Workers Assistance Program, Inc.
Speaker's Name: E. Etier
Day: Wednesday 25-Aug-10 8:30 AM
Location: Vivian Field Middle School 13551 Dennis Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Summary: 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:&...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Finding Your Oxygen
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Wednesday 25-Aug-10 10:00 AM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Just like the old airplane adage, when there's a shortage of oxygen we need to take care of ourselves first, in order to better care for those around us. Careers, families, and scheduling demands can make this difficult to do. Implementing Wor...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Critical Incidents and Compassion Fatigue
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Travis Fowler
Day: Wednesday 25-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Those that work with animals on a long-term basis often indicate that their experiences are rich and rewarding. They also often disclose that working with animals requires a tremendous amount of emotional fortitude that can drain one's resources emotionally, cognitively, and physically. This is ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Communication Teamwork and Respect
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Thursday 26-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Wouldn't it be terrific if outstanding work by everyone were enough to create and maintain a happy, efficient work environment? In businesses today, being a solid performer is only part of the picture. Building solid relationships with coworkers and managers is just as important. Mas...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Balancing Multiple Roles For Working Parents
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Friday 27-Aug-10 10:00 AM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Participants in this seminar will address the needs of parents to balance employment and children's demands. Increased family decisions on childcare, household, and job responsibilities will be assessed and reviewed. Parents will learn how to ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Media Advocacy
Sponsor: The Coalition with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Edie Surtess, Texans Standing Tall
Day: Sunday 29-Aug-10 1:00 PM
Location:
Summary: ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Protecting You Protecting Me
Sponsor: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Cynthia Scheibel, Hazeldon
Day: Monday 30-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley 3553 Houston Harte San Angelo, Tx 76901
Summary: mportant! Please read below for curriculum information! Protecting You/Protecting Me (PY/PM) ® is a 5-year, classroom-based alcohol-use prevention curriculum for elementary students in grades one through five (6 to 11 years old). Designed to reduce alcohol...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Critical Incidents and Compassion Fatigue
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Travis Fowler
Day: Monday 30-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Those that work with animals on a long-term basis often indicate that their experiences are rich and rewarding. They also often disclose that working with animals requires a tremendous amount of emotional fortitude that can drain one's resources emotionally, cognitively, and physically. This is ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Assertive Communication
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Travis Fowler
Day: Monday 30-Aug-10 1:00 PM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Communication may sometimes seem easy, yet it is one of the most challenging pieces of our work and personal life. Assertive communication is based on the assumption that you are the foremost expert of your own thoughts, feelings, wants, and behavior. Therefore, you are the best advocate f...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Texas Collaborative Prevention Committee WEBINAR
Sponsor: DSHS
Speaker's Name: Esther Betts
Day: Tuesday 31-Aug-10 9:00 AM
Location:
Summary: Texas Collaborative Prevention Committee Meeting This committee is comprised of DSHS personnel, direct service professionals, and administrators from the field. Purpose To provide a venue ...
Register Add to Calendar
Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Effective Leadership
Sponsor: Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: L.J. Smith
Day: Tuesday 31-Aug-10 3:00 PM
Location: Coordinated Training Services 4115 Freidrich Lane Suite 100 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Today's leaders must demonstrate effective behavior in all different aspects of their job. Recent studies have shown that relational skills are twice as important as technical and cognitive skills when it comes to success. As you consider what it takes to be an effective leader, success is...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Prevention Staff Training: Substance Abuse Prevention Across the Lifespan
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Janet Mitchell, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Wednesday 1-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: Prevention Works! - There can be little argument that this statement is true. However, there have been many changes in the terminology and practice of prevention over the past few years. These changes can be conf...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Prevention Staff Training: Risk & Protective Factors/Building Resiliency
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Janet Mitchell, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Wednesday 1-Sep-10 1:00 PM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: The objectives of this workshop are: 1) To guide participants in how to shift current risk/deficit practices to a resilient/strength orientation; 2) Review the factors found in resilient youth and the protective...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Prevention Staff Training: Strategies for Strengthening Families
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Kathy Daley, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Thursday 2-Sep-10 1:00 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: An interactive workshop utilizing activities from the Strengthening Families Program for Parents & Youth 10-14. This workshop will give an overview to the format of the curriculum and activities designed to help parents build ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Prevention Staff Training: Enhancing Cultural Competency
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Kathy Daley, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Thursday 2-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: Cultural diversity is discussed, including the definitions of culture and diversity. Training is done on the importance of cultural respect, and how to both gain it for yourself and how it is to other cultures. The exercise ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Prevention Staff Training: Child and Adolescent Development
Sponsor: A
Speaker's Name: Karen Williams, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Friday 3-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: Overview of child & adolescent development issues with applications for prevention programs. ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Project Toward No Drugs
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Marcia Baker
Day: Tuesday 7-Sep-10 9:00 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: 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...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

LifeSkills Training
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Janet Mitchell, Rainbow Days, Inc.
Day: Thursday 9-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: Important! Please read below for curriculum instructions!!! LifeSkills Training is a program that seeks to influence major social and psychological factors that promote the initiation and early use of substances. LifeSkills h...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Too Good for Drugs
Sponsor: ARCADA with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name: Cindy Wiley, Mendez Foundation
Day: Tuesday 14-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Abilene Regional CADA 104 Pine Street Suite 210 Abilene, Tx 79601
Summary: Important! Please read below for curriculum instructions!! Too Good For Drugs K-8 (TGFD) is a school-based prevention program proven to...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Breanna Stogner

DSHS 7th Annual Prevention Provider & Fall Meeting
Sponsor: DSHS with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), A professional service of Workers Assistance Program (WAP), Inc.
Speaker's Name:
Day: Monday 20-Sep-10 8:30 AM
Location: Marriot South Austin 4415 South IH-35 Austin, Tx 78744
Summary: Normal.dotm 0 0 1 ...
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Posted by: Breanna Stogner

Articles for 13-Aug-10 to 20-Aug-10

Parents: Nicotine Is A Real Threat To Your Kids

Author: Breanna Stogner

Release Date: Friday 20-Aug-10 11:00 AM

Facts About Alcohol and Adolescent Health

Author: Breanna Stogner

Release Date: Friday 20-Aug-10 11:00 AM

PACHA and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

Author: Joseph Duarte

Release Date: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 10:00 AM

By Amy Palilonis, AIDS.gov Presidential Management Fellow As President Obama recognized in his remarks about the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (PDF, 12MB) (NHAS) on July 13, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) played a critical role in the development of the Strategy. PACHA will also have several important responsibilities for implementing the Strategy, as outlined in the NHAS Implementation Plan (PDF 723 KB). PACHA is comprised of 25 members from diverse... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Adults Need Immunizations, Too

Author: Joseph Duarte

Release Date: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 10:00 AM

Immunizations are NOT just for kids! Whether a young adult, middle-aged adult, or senior citizen, we ALL need immunizations to keep us healthy. Transitioning to adulthood brings us into a new world, bringing a different level of responsibility that we carry for life, including the need to help protect our loved ones more than ever. Do You Need Any Vaccines? The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

SAMHSA Accepting Applications for Prevention Fellowship Program

Author: Joseph Duarte

Release Date: Tuesday 17-Aug-10 9:00 AM

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for its Prevention Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program, launched in 2006, is designed to build a workforce of highly competent substance abuse prevention professionals. Each Fellow will be assigned to a state, community, or local agency to work on projects that promote skills development and knowledge of state-of-the-art prevention practices needed for direct, hands-on substance abuse... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Releases for 21-Jul-10 to 20-Aug-10

8th National Harm Reduction Conference

Author: Joseph Duarte

Release Date: Friday 13-Aug-10 2:30 PM

... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Save the Date for the 5th Annual HIV & Substance Abuse Conference

Author: Joseph Duarte

Release Date: Friday 13-Aug-10 1:00 PM

This year's CBAF DSHS MHSA 5th Annual Conference in Corpus Christi will be a bit different for HEI program case managers... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

New Workplace Trainings now available through CTS!

Author: Daniel LeFave

Release Date: Monday 2-Aug-10 4:45 PM

You asked for it, and now you've got it! CTS has put together a great group of... [More Info]
Posted by: Daniel LeFave

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20-Aug-10 3:31 PM

Parents: Nicotine Is A Real Threat To Your Kids

Breanna Stogner — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:00 GMT

(NAPS)-Parents naturally worry about the health and safety of their children. Many parents teach their kids to avoid getting involved with drugs, although sometimes adults forget about the drug most abused by adolescents - nicotine.

Every year, teens continue to light up even though there is strong public awareness about the health hazards of smoking. When you're young, it's hard to think about the consequences of your actions. Kids don't project that smoking today can lead to negative effects in their futuresÑincreased risk of cancer, heart attack, and stroke in adulthood.

Many kids think they'll just try one cigarette or two or three. These young smokers believe that they'll be able to control their habit over time. Young people may experiment with cigars and chewing tobacco, which are also dangerous. Others try bidis, thinking they are a safe alternative to cigarettes.

Colorfully packaged with a variety of flavors like cinnamon, orange, and chocolate, these unfiltered cigarettes from India have 28 percent higher nicotine concentration than regular cigarettes.

There is good news - the number of teens who currently smoke has gradually declined since 1996. But there is also bad news - over 4 million youth between the ages of 12 and 17 are smokers. In fact, by the time they leave high school, more than one-third of graduates are active smokers.

Nicotine is a powerfully addictive drug. Once your teen is addicted, it will be very difficult to quit .

The cause of addiction is simple. Nicotine goes straight to the brain. The human brain has circuits that control feelings of pleasure. Dopamine - a brain chemical - contributes to the desire to consume drugs. Nicotine spikes an increase in dopamine.

When your teen smokes, he or she inhales the nicotine. It goes quickly to the brain. In just 10 seconds, the pleasurable effects of smoking reach peak levels. Within a few minutes, the pleasure is gone, and the craving for a cigarette begins a new cycle.

A teen can easily get hooked on nicotine, although it takes much more effort to quit. Many kids smokers, they find it hard to stay away from the drug's effects.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is concerned about teen nicotine addiction and is working to determine the best methods for helping adolescents quit. NIDA has opened a Teen Tobacco Addiction Treatment Research Center in Baltimore, MD, to find the best treatments for young smokers.

Currently, the Center is assessing the nicotine patch and nicotine gum to see how safe, tolerable, and effective they are for adolescents. The Center is also determining whether teens use these quitting aids properly. At the same time, researchers are trying to find out whether these therapies work better alone or in combination with counseling and group support.

Nicotine addiction is a disease. But it is preventable. NIDA continues to fund innovative research to find the most effective treatment and prevention approaches for adolescents.

In the meantime, not starting to smoke is the best form of prevention. Talk to your kids about the threat of smoking. With your guidance, maybe they won't light up.

For more information, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse's web site at http://www.drugabuse.gov/ or call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686.

20-Aug-10 11:00 AM

Facts About Alcohol and Adolescent Health

Breanna Stogner — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:00 GMT

We now recognize that underage drinking must be addressed, not as an isolated phenomenon, but as one fully embedded in the context of child and adolescent development. From birth through adolescence, a complex cascade of biological, psychological, and social development interacts with dynamic environmental influences, leading to behavior that may either move individuals toward or away from underage drinking.

·        The Adolescent Brain May be Particularly Vulnerable to the Effects of Alcohol: Important developmental changes in the adolescent brain may make teenagers particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol:1

-          Risk-taking in General: The limbic areas of the brain, which are thought to regulate emotions and are associated with an adolescent’s lowered sensitivity to risk and propensity for novelty and sensation seeking, mature earlier than the frontal lobes, which are thought to be responsible for self regulation, judgment, reasoning, problem solving, and impulse control. This difference in maturational timing across the brain can result in impulsive decisions or actions, a disregard for consequences, and emotional reactions that can put teenagers at serious risk.2

-          Reactions to Alcohol: Studies conducted with animals provide important information that may shed light on human developmental processes. For example, adolescent animals are less sensitive than adults to some of the aversive effects of acute alcohol intoxication, such as sedation, hangovers, and loss of coordination. At the same time, they are more sensitive to alcohol’s effects on social facilitation. These studies suggest that adolescents who drink may enjoy the positive sensations more than adults. They may also experience fewer of the immediate negative effects, such as sleepiness and hangovers, which often serve as protective factors for older drinkers.

·         A Variety of Developmental Factors Influence Underage Drinking: Risk and protective factors for alcohol use shift throughout adolescence.3

-          Transitions: Transitions, such as moving from elementary school to middle school, and from middle school to high school, may present increased risk for alcohol use, but also opportunities for intervention.

-          Stress: Increased stress may lead to alcohol use

-          Unique Circumstances or Personality Traits: Youth with the following characteristics are more likely to consume alcohol than are other young people:
§ Unusually strong desire for new experiences and sensations
§ History of behavior problems
§ Presence of family conflict and/or alcohol problems

·         Binge Drinking Among Adolescents is a Global Problem:

-         The prevalence of alcohol use and binge drinking is high in many countries around the world
-         In Europe, large numbers of youth are drinking, and drinking to excess - The percentage of 15-16 year old students in most European countries who report drinking to intoxication is higher than in the U.S.4 Italy, France, and Greece are among European countries in which a smaller proportion of students report having been drunk 10 times or more during the past 12 months, compared with students in the U.S.

20-Aug-10 11:00 AM

Facts About Alcohol and Adolescent Health

Breanna Stogner — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:00:00 GMT

20-Aug-10 11:00 AM

PACHA and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

Joseph Duarte — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:00 GMT

By Amy Palilonis, AIDS.gov Presidential Management Fellow

As President Obama recognized in his remarks about the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (PDF, 12MB) (NHAS) on July 13, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) played a critical role in the development of the Strategy. PACHA will also have several important responsibilities for implementing the Strategy, as outlined in the NHAS Implementation Plan (PDF 723 KB). PACHA is comprised of 25 members from diverse backgrounds who work together to provide information and recommendations to the HHS Secretary on policies and programs that promote effective HIV-prevention and treatment methods and expand HIV/AIDS-related research. Christopher Bates, from theOffice of HIV/AIDS Policy at HHS, serves as PACHA’s Executive Director, while Dr. Helene Gayle, President and CEO of CARE USA , serves as the Council’s Chairperson.

PACHA is responsible for establishing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the NHAS based on the milestones outlined in the Implementation Plan. Further, at least one of the PACHA meetings each year will focus on reviewing the progress of Federal agencies and other stakeholders toward meeting their NHAS goals.

In addition to providing recommendations on how to effectively implement and monitor the NHAS, the Implementation Plan also tasks PACHA with developing recommendations for ways to “promote and normalize safe and voluntary disclosure of HIV status in various contexts and circumstances.” These disclosure recommendations are among several steps outlined in the Implementation Plan to meet the Strategy’s goal of reducing HIV-related health disparities by helping to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.

PACHA members have already begun their important work to implement the Strategy. During the Access to Care Subcommittee meeting on Monday, August 9, subcommittee members reviewed the NHAS Implementation Plan and discussed Federal coordination efforts and the role of the private sector. The Incidence Subcommittee will also begin discussing the implementation of the Strategy at its meeting on Monday, August 16

17-Aug-10 10:00 AM

Adults Need Immunizations, Too

Joseph Duarte — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Do You Need Any Vaccines?

The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against:

Seasonal influenza (flu) (In general, anyone who is 6 months or older can benefit from the protection of a flu vaccination.)
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) (for adults up to 64 years, one booster dose)
Shingles (for adults 60 years and older)
Pneumococcal disease (for adults 65 years and older and adults with specific health conditions)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (for women 26 years and younger)

Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella.

Review the Adult Immunization Schedule to see if you need any immunizations.

Or download the Adult Immunization Scheduler tool and create a customized printout of vaccines you need. You can request “email updates”and receive an alert when the adult recommended vaccination schedule changes (and the updates are incorporated into the tool).

Are You an Advocate for Your Family?

Your need for immunizations does not end when you reach adulthood. In fact, the need for immunization remains just as strong as when we were vulnerable children. As adults, we must continue to maintain our own health because we are also affecting the health of our families by teaching them how to care for themselves.

Encourage other adults in your family to check with their doctors for immunizations they may need to help protect against vaccine-preventable diseases. Childhood vaccinations will not protect you for the rest of your life.

Be the Example!

Remind your family, friends, co-workers, and those in the community to get vaccinated each year against seasonal influenza. If they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations, they protect themselves and those around them, especially babies too young to be vaccinated.

17-Aug-10 10:00 AM

SAMHSA Accepting Applications for Prevention Fellowship Program

Joseph Duarte — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Each Fellow will be assigned to a state, community, or local agency to work on projects that promote skills development and knowledge of state-of-the-art prevention practices needed for direct, hands-on substance abuse prevention service work. Web-based training and workshops conducted by leaders in the field will expose Fellows to advances in prevention science, new methods and approaches. Fellows will also have the opportunity to develop critical research, writing, evaluation, and presentation skills under the program’s structured training environment.

Each state agency that serves as a program mentor will collaborate with SAMHSA in the selection of all Fellows, who will begin a two-year assignment with the mentor agency on September 20, 2010. Depending on where they are located, Fellows may receive a stipend of up to $35,000 a year, with an option for a one-year renewal based on their performance and available funding.

This program is part of SAMHSA’s strategic initiative on prevention of substance abuse and mental illness.

WHO CAN APPLY : Applicants are U.S. citizens or residents of the U.S. Territories and Pacific Jurisdictions with a bachelor’s or higher degree in a field associated with substance abuse prevention. Individuals with a combination of two years of college and two years of work experience in the prevention field are also candidates.

HOW TO APPLY : To apply for SAMHSA’s Prevention Fellowship Program, complete and submit the online application available athttp://www.seiservices.com/samhsa/csap/preventionfellowship

APPLICATION DUE DATE : Thursday, August 26, 2010. Applications must be received by the due date and time to be considered for review.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION : For additional information, please contact Daniel A. Bailey, Project Officer at Daniel.bailey@samhsa.hhs.gov or Sabrina Roundtree at 240-485-1700

17-Aug-10 9:00 AM

HIV & Hepatitis C: Coping with Coinfection (Part 2)

Joseph Duarte — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT

What Providers Say

Wagner et al. (2009) documented "findings from semistructured, qualitative interviews conducted with 11 HCV primary care providers and 11 support staff at 3 HIV clinics in Los Angeles, California. The goals of the study were to explore the factors and processes by which providers make HCV treatment decisions, and the barriers to HCV treatment uptake, among HCV treatment-naïve HIV patients with chronic HCV infection" (p. 716). Among these three clinics,

rates of HCV treatment uptake varied from 10% to 38%. Providers agreed that stable HIV disease, favorable genotype, and significant signs of liver disease progression are all signs of need for treatment. However, two divergent treatment approaches emerged for genotype[-]1 and [-]4 patients with minimal disease, and in definitions of patient readiness. Providers with lower treatment rates preferred to delay treatment in hopes of better future treatment options, and were more conservative in requiring complete mental health screens and treatment and abstinence from substance use. Conversely, providers with higher treatment rates viewed all patients as needing treatment as soon as possible, and defined readiness more leniently, with some willing to treat even in the context of untreated depression and drug use, so long as ability to adhere well was demonstrated. (p. 715)

Wagner and colleagues' findings thus highlight

two approaches to managing HCV treatment decisions. One views treatment initiation as more urgent and is willing to accept the risk of a more lenient definition of patient readiness for treatment. The other takes a more cautious approach with a preference for holding off treatment until it is clear that a patient's liver disease is in need of treatment and the patient has all the signs of being ready to adhere well. There is no clear evidence indicating whether one approach is more appropriate than the other. An urgent approach to treatment results in more patients being treated and thus more patients being "cured," but also more patients who endure significant side effects that compromise mental health and quality of life without virologic benefit.

Conversely, delaying [HCV] treatment can reduce unnecessary burden on a patient's quality of life, and better, less toxic treatment may become available before the patient's disease progresses to the point of definitively needing treatment; however, ultimately treatment is needed to avoid liver failure and the longer a patient waits, the lower the odds of treatment being successful with the currently available treatment. Regardless of which approach may be more appropriate, development of effective programs for promoting patient readiness for treatment are critical to ensuring that more patients receive treatment, either earlier in the disease or later, given the high mortality associated with liver disease among HIV/HCV coinfected patients. (p. 723)

Of course, "provider decisions to recommend or offer treatment [are] critical to providing treatment access, but whether or not a patient starts treatment is ultimately in the hands of the patient" (Wagner et al., 2009, p. 723), "and 15%-30% of coinfected patients decline treatment. . . . Clearly, many patients perceive the risks of treatment to outweigh its benefits, though few studies have examined specifically how coinfected patients make HCV treatment decisions" (Osilla et al., 2009, p. 993). On this point, two recent studies examined how coinfected individuals make decisions regarding treatment for HCV.

What Their Patients Say

This same Los Angeles-based research team (Osilla et al., 2009) conducted semistructured interviews with 35 HIV/HCV coinfected patients at the same three HIV clinics and also drew data from their interviews with the 11 primary care providers included in the study by Wagner et al. (2009), for the purpose of exploring factors that influence the decision to initiate HCV treatment. The investigators interviewed "patients who had been offered treatment (n = 26) as well as those who had not (n = 9), and among patients who had been offered treatment, those who had started treatment (n = 17) as well as those who declined treatment (n = 9). The site coordinator at each clinic (a clinic staff member) identified a convenience sample of coinfected patients who represented these various treatment decision points and informed the patient[s] of the study to assess their interest in participating" (p. 994). Among these 35 patients,

31 (89%) were male, mean age was 49.8 years (standard deviation [SD] = 8.1), and 22 (63%) were non-Caucasian (12 Hispanic, 9 African American, 1 Asian). Patients reported being diagnosed with HIV between 1986 and 2005. All but two were currently on HIV antiretroviral therapy, and the mean self-reported CD4 count was 470 (SD = 250; range: 93-1000). Timing of HCV diagnosis ranged from 2 to 18 years prior to the interview. The majority (27/35; 77%) had a history of alcohol or drug problems, with the latter including use of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. Over half (56%) reported past injection drug use. In terms of current substance use, 27% reported some alcohol use and 19% reported drug use (mostly marijuana). (p. 995)

Additionally, the investigators conducted semistructured interviews with 11 primary care providers who were "the primary decision makers with regard to whether or not HCV treatment was recommended to patients. As part of these interviews, providers were asked about how their relationships with patients influenced the patient's decision to accept or refuse HCV treatment" (p. 994).

Among the 26 patients who were offered treatment, "fear of treatment side effects and being uncertain of one's emotional stability and drug use were all concerns to patients who chose to refuse treatment" (p. 997). On the other hand,

factors related to wanting to start treatment ranged from not wanting to waste time and the hope of being cured and being healthy, to feeling like there was nothing to lose by going on treatment, and a sense of trust and faith that their doctor would help them be successful with treatment. The most common factors across both groups of patients were perceived need to preserve physical health and survival, trust in the quality of relationship with one's provider, level of support for treatment within one's social network, and self-perception of treatment readiness. (p. 995)

Osilla and colleagues expand on these factors as follows:

Need for treatment to preserve physical health and survival. The most common reason patients reported for deciding to start treatment was concern over the effects of HCV disease on their physical health and related motivation to live and remain healthy, which was reported by 8 of the 17 patients (47%) who started treatment. . . . (p. 995)

Treatment readiness. One factor that strongly influenced decisions to start treatment as well as to defer treatment was a sense of personal readiness for treatment. How patients viewed or defined their readiness for treatment varied considerably. For some patients, feeling that their HIV disease was under control and stable implied a readiness to then take on HCV disease. . . . Others spoke of treatment readiness with regard to feeling ready to tolerate side effects, and being medically and psychologically stable. . . . Seven of the 17 (41%) patients who decided to start treatment expressed a confidence in being able to handle treatment side effects compared to only one of nine (11%) patients who refused treatment. . . . For many patients, treatment readiness was viewed in reference to a sense of stability in one's life – from feeling stable mentally and emotionally, to having substance use under control, and having a roof over one's head and being able to support oneself. Patients understood that treatment was going to be stressful and therefore they felt the need for more stability in their lives before starting treatment. . . . (pp. 995-996)

Social support. While most patients expressed intrinsic reasons for wanting to start or defer treatment, several patients also referred to the influence of people in their social network.

Six of 17 patients (35%) who decided to start treatment stated that the HCV support group they attended was influential in their decision; HCV support groups were not mentioned at all by those who refused treatment, although it is not known whether these patients were members of such groups. Patients reported consulting with fellow patients about their experiences with treatment, including how they dealt with side effects and whether they viewed treatment as "worth it." Being able to address their fear of side effects with a patient actually in treatment or who had recently completed treatment helped dispel misunderstandings about the treatment. . . . (p. 996)

Doctor-patient relationship. When asked about the influence of the relationship with their doctor, 11 of the 17 (65%) patients who decided to start treatment reported that having a supportive doctor contributed to their decision compared to 2 of the 9 (22%) patients who refused treatment. While all patients in the study spoke favorably of their providers, it was the patients who decided to start treatment who often made especially strong statements about the quality of relationship they had with their doctor. . . . When discussing how their doctors were supportive, patients referred to how their providers were responsive, dependable, and provided hope and encouragement regarding benefits that could be derived from treatment. (p. 996)

Given the strong influence that HIV primary care providers appear to have with regard to HCV treatment decisions made by their patients, Osilla and colleagues surmise that the way in which providers

present treatment recommendations may play a key role in the patient's response. . . . [Approaches] can vary from one that reflects strong advocacy and encouragement of treatment, to one that is more neutral and [a] mere presentation of options, to a presentation that may subtly dissuade a patient from considering treatment. In many cases, the provider's general philosophy and sense of urgency toward treatment was reflected in [his or her] approach to presenting treatment as an option for the patient.

. . . [Among the] strategies some providers use to encourage and motivate patients to accept the [recommendation for HCV] treatment . . . [are] emphasizing the importance of treatment for the patient's health, the chance for treatment resulting in a cure, and confidence that the provider can effectively address any side effects that the patient may experience. . . . Other providers described a more neutral stance in presenting treatment as an option to the patient. These providers described an approach in which they lay out the potential benefits and costs of treatment, so that the patient can make an informed decision. Providers may be more likely to use this approach when they themselves feel ambivalent or unsure of the importance of treatment for the patient. . . . There are also providers who took a more cautious view of treatment. These providers viewed treatment as urgent for some patients with advanced disease, but for many patients with less progressed disease they believed it was best to defer treatment and wait for better treatment to become available, and this preference can be detected in how they offer treatment to the patient. (pp. 996-997)

Osilla and colleagues conclude that

the patients in this study confirmed what had been reported by their providers, that stability of HIV disease, perceived need for HCV treatment, and treatment readiness with regard to motivation, preparedness to deal with side effects, absence of substance abuse, and stability of mental health and overall life circumstances are key factors influencing treatment decision-making. Providers play a critical role in the treatment decisions of their patients, not only by providing information and being trustworthy experts, but also through their partnership with the patient and the sequential interactions whereby both the patient and provider may influence the other's evaluation of the patient's readiness for treatment. Providers serve as key catalysts for evaluating treatment readiness, but also helping patients to address issues that impede readiness, whether through referrals, counseling, or simply ongoing support that fosters the patient's trust. (p. 998)

What Other Patients Say

Similar to Osilla and colleagues, Bova, Ogawa, and Sullivan-Bolyai (2010) set out "to describe the experiences of HIV-infected patients as they made decisions to begin or defer HCV treatment and to develop a model to guide the development of future interventions to support HCV treatment efforts in coinfected patients" (p. 65). "The study sample included 39 HIV/HCVcoinfected adults, 54% male, 51% minority, 36% without a high school diploma or GED (high school graduation equivalent), 87% with a history of mental illness, 95% with a history of substance abuse, and 59% with HCV subtype 1. The mean age of the study sample was 45.1 years (range, 34-56), and 36% had AIDS" (p. 66). Among these study participants, there were "16 in the HCV-treated cohort (who were interviewed a maximum of 3 times) and 23 in the HCV-nontreatment cohort" (p. 63).

"Analysis of qualitative data from the entire sample resulted in six major themes. These themes were further categorized into treatment barriers or treatment-facilitating factors. The two treatment barriers were (a) treatment fears (associated with side effects, liver biopsy, substance abuse relapse, and needle use) and (b) vicarious experiences. The four facilitating factors were (a) experience with illness management, (b) patient-provider relationships, (c) gaining sober time, and (d) facing treatment head-on" (pp. 66, 68). Bova and colleagues elaborate on these themes, all of which are "amenable to behavioral intervention" (p. 72), as follows:

Fears. The major concern discussed by most participants (n = 32, 82%) was fear of side effects of HCV treatment. . . . Fear of the liver biopsy was specifically mentioned by 14 (36%) participants. . . . It is also important to note that 7 participants (18%) had no major problems with the liver biopsy. . . . Many participants were aware of the potential risk of HCV treatment to their sobriety. . . . A total of 7 participants expressed concerns about the need to use needles to administer the interferon component of the HCV treatment regimen. Some were concerned about the "feeling of self-injecting," whereas others were more worried about having needles around the house. . . . (pp. 68-69)

Vicarious experiences. Many participants (n = 11) discussed seeing others going through HCV treatment or hearing the stories of others who had been treated. They said they formed their opinions about beginning treatment based on these vicarious experiences. . . . (p. 69)

Experience with illness management. Study participants (n = 7) discussed their experiences managing HIV and many other illnesses (including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma). They discussed using strategies developed over time to manage these chronic conditions as a way to manage HCV and subsequent treatment. . . . (pp. 69-70)

Patient-provider relationships. Participants also spoke about the importance of patient-provider relationships as a means to help them get through HCV treatment. They discussed the positive aspects of their relationships with various health care providers and how these relationships were integral to evaluation and treatment acceptance. . . . (p. 70)

Gaining sober time. An important concern mentioned by 6 study participants was gaining sober time. In addition, many participants discussed the role of substance use in making their treatment decisions. Participants agreed that a certain amount of sober time was needed before starting HCV treatment; the sober time mentioned ranged from 6 months to 2 years. . . . (p. 70)

Facing treatment head-on. The last theme involved facing treatment head-on. Participants described how they reframed all the negative issues associated with HCV treatment and established a mind-set that helped them move forward. (p. 70)

In discussing these findings, Bova and colleagues observe the irony that

HIV-infected patients are dying from liver-related complications while having an undetectable HIV viral load. This knowledge creates a tremendous need to reduce the risk imposed by liver disease in HIV-infected patients. . . . Results of this study highlight three important issues. First, patients who accept HCV treatment differ in some way from those who refuse or defer treatment. Patients who begin treatment do reasonably well when significant supports are put in place. They tend to use strategies that help them prepare and begin treatment on the basis of earlier illness experiences. The authors' data are consistent with other reports that state that preexisting psychiatric illness was not a major barrier to HCV treatment. . . . Effective preevaluation and support strategies were in place that helped facilitate HCV treatment.

In contrast, those who do not begin treatment tend to be fearful and use other patients' negative experiences as a reason to hold off on HCV treatment. (p. 71)

From Theory to Practice

Bova and colleagues (2010) believe that these findings

shed light on possible theoretical orientations that might be useful for developing HCV-treatment interventions. For example, the result that participants used vicarious experiences to make decisions about moving forward with HCV treatment implies that Bandura's social learning theory (Bandura, 1986) might be useful for intervention development. Bandura . . . indicated that different types of information could influence a person's self-efficacy to perform certain behaviors (e.g., deciding to be treated for HCV infection). Vicarious experience is a form of learning that occurs when patients watch those similar to themselves take part in a certain behavior or activity. If HIV-infected patients have the opportunity to watch others master HCV treatment, they may be more likely to decide to move forward with HCV treatment. Likewise, an appraisal-centered theoretical orientation may be useful for intervention development. The cognitive appraisal model, for example . . . (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984)[,] focuses on the appraisal or meaning of an event (i.e., HCV infection) to one's personal well-being. An intervention that helps patients reframe the negative meaning associated with HCV treatment may be useful for helping them make HCV treatment decisions. Other models that focus on the evaluation of perceived risks and benefits (e.g., health belief model, self-regulation) may also be useful for guiding HCV intervention development. (pp. 71-72)

To conclude their discussion, Bova and colleagues reference an ethical consideration about treatment for patients living with HCV in a letter written by Rifai (2006), who "suggested that for patients to make a truly informed treatment decision, primary care providers, specialty care providers (e.g., hepatology, psychiatry), patients, and their families need to engage in a dynamic dialogue. . . . The authors concur and believe that interventions with the best chance of success in helping coinfected patients make this complicated treatment decision will be theoretically based, intense enough, and will include interprofessional involvement" (p. 72).

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

2-Aug-10 2:00 PM