Coordinated Training Services RSS Feed

HIV Early Intervention Case Mgmt: Connecting Clients to Care on 7-Feb-12 8:00 AM

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

HIV Early Intervention Case Mgmt: Connecting Clients to Care
Start Date: 7-Feb-12 8:00 AM
End Time: 7-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: Valley AIDS Council, McAllen, TX 78501
Speaker: Texas HIV Connection

Event Details:

Course Description

By the end of this course, participants will be able to define and identify the principles and values of case management and the role of an HEI Case Manager. They will also be able to implement skills related to preparing for and assessing a client in order to create a coordinated service plan. Finally, participants will identify the challenges and benefits of coordinating care, monitoring client progress and quality assurance measures related to case management. This training intends to provide case managers with transferable skills so they can better serve clients with substance use, HIV/AIDS, mental health and other related challenges.

Valley AIDS Council

601 North McColl suite B

McAllen, TX 78501

FAST (Elementary) on 7-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

FAST (Elementary)
Start Date: 7-Feb-12 9:00 AM
End Time: 8-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Laredo, TX 78045
Speaker: Chris Griego

Event Details:

Families and Schools Together (FAST) is a multifamily group intervention designed to build protective factors and reduce the risk factors associated with substance abuse and related problem behaviors for children 4 to12 years old and their parents. FAST systematically applies research on family stress theory, family systems theory, social ecological theory, and community development strategies to achieve its four goals:

Enhanced family functioning
Prevention of school failure by the targeted child
Prevention of substance abuse by the child and other family members
Reduced stress from daily life situations for parents and children

One of the primary strategies of FAST is parent empowerment: parents receive support to be the primary prevention agents for their own children. Entire families participate in program activities that are designed to build parental respect in children, improve intrafamily bonds, and enhance the family-school relationship. FAST activities were developed to build the social capital of parents and provide a safe place to practice parenting. As a result of this program, the participating children increase their social skills and attention span, while reducing their anxiety and aggression. Research has shown that these childhood behavioral outcomes are correlated in adolescence to the prevention of substance abuse, delinquency, and school failure.

South Texas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

2359 E Saunders

Laredo, TX 78045

Prevention Staff Training: Substance Abuse Prevention Across the Lifespan on 7-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Prevention Staff Training: Substance Abuse Prevention Across the Lifespan
Start Date: 7-Feb-12 9:00 AM
End Time: 7-Feb-12 12:00 PM
Location: Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Odessa, Texas 79761
Speaker: Marcia Baker

Event Details:

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 confusing for even the most experienced prevention specialist. This workshop will review the state-of-the-art knowledge from prevention science and practice and help to dispel myths about what does and doesn't work.
Workshop participants will be able to:
·        Articulate a working definition of substance abuse prevention;
·        Understand the Institute of Medicine Continuum of Care and Prevention Classifications:   universal, selective and indicated.
·        Participants will gain knowledge of prevention as a lifelong process
·        Participants will gain knowledge of brain development and the impact of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on the brain
·        Articulate a working definition of current prevention strategies.

· Participants will gain knowledge of strategies to provide services at various stages of life

Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

120 E. 2nd St.

Odessa, Texas US 79761

Prevention Staff Training: Risk & Protective Factors/Building Resiliency on 7-Feb-12 1:00 PM

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Prevention Staff Training: Risk & Protective Factors/Building Resiliency
Start Date: 7-Feb-12 1:00 PM
End Time: 7-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Odessa, Texas 79761
Speaker: Marcia Baker

Event Details:

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
factors that foster them;
3) Provide strategies and activities known to foster these factors in

children and youth.

Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

120 E. 2nd St.

Odessa, Texas US 79761

Workforce Development and Cultivating the Community on 8-Feb-12 8:00 AM

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Workforce Development and Cultivating the Community
Start Date: 8-Feb-12 8:00 AM
End Time: 9-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: Valley AIDS Council, McAllen, TX
Speaker: Texas HIV Connection

Event Details:

Course Description

This is Street Out Reach 201

By the end of this course, participants will be able to identify four ways to integrate into
any community and techniques to reach out to specific populations. They will also be
able to define advocacy and implement skills in order to become an advocate as well as
build coalitions in the community. Participants will also discuss principles and tools of
harm reduction and how to apply harm reduction tools effectively. Finally, participants
will be able to apply a model of self-care in order to combat burn out and increase their
accountability in the workplace.

Valley AIDS Council

601 North McColl suite B

McAllen, TX

CEPP Children's Behavioral Health: Crossing the Dotted Line on 8-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

CEPP Children's Behavioral Health: Crossing the Dotted Line
Start Date: 8-Feb-12 9:00 AM
End Time: 8-Feb-12 12:00 PM
Location: Life Steps, Round Rock, Texas 78664
Speaker: Karen Williams/Kathy Daley

Event Details:

The number of youth affectedby mental health disorders continues to grow, and behavioral health disorders account for a significant portion. the workshop will examine the new research from SAMHSA on the prevention of children's behavioral health disorders, which shows that the symptoms of many childhood and adolescent behavioral health disorders can be recognized several years before they meet the criteria for being a disorder. this research also shows that early intervention can prevent behavioral problems from escalating to a level of disorder, thereby reducing the overall number of youth with mental health disorders.

Objectives: Participants will be able to:

Name from three to five common childhood behavioral health disorders

Identify at least one key sympton of named disorder

Name at least one proven intervention strategy shown to be effective in mitigating symptoms of the named disorders

Life Steps

2105 North Mays

Round Rock, Texas US 78664

Prevention Staff Training: Enhancing Cultural Competency on 8-Feb-12 9:00 AM

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Prevention Staff Training: Enhancing Cultural Competency
Start Date: 8-Feb-12 9:00 AM
End Time: 8-Feb-12 12:00 PM
Location: Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Odessa, Texas 79761
Speaker: Marcia Baker

Event Details:

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 uses all of the participants to create groups representing different cultures. The groups utilize the cultural respect training to experience the benefit that other cultures have to offer in completing the group's goal. The cultural diversity experience is reviewed and discussed as a group.

Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

120 E. 2nd St.

Odessa, Texas US 79761

CEPP Substance abuse: The When The Why and The What on 8-Feb-12 1:00 PM

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

CEPP Substance abuse: The When The Why and The What
Start Date: 8-Feb-12 1:00 PM
End Time: 8-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: Life Steps, Round Rock, Texas 78664
Speaker: Karen Williams/Kathy Daley

Event Details:

This workshop will examine the developmental impacts of early substance use, the reason young people use and how these reasons can guide prevention efforts, what researchers think are the reasons that traditional drug use is escalating at a rapid pace after a decade of decline, and a quick overview of non-traditional mood altering methods that youth are utilizing today.

Objectives: Participants will be able to:

Describe/name at least one developmental impact of child/adolescent drug use

Name from three to five reasons youth use

name at least one proven prevention method for each of the reasons named.

Life Steps

2105 North Mays

Round Rock, Texas US 78664

Prevention Staff Training: Strategies for Strengthening Families on 8-Feb-12 1:00 PM

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Prevention Staff Training: Strategies for Strengthening Families
Start Date: 8-Feb-12 1:00 PM
End Time: 8-Feb-12 4:00 PM
Location: Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Odessa, Texas 79761
Speaker: Marcia Baker

Event Details:

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 on their strengths in showing love and setting limits, helping youth develop skills in handling peer pressure and building a positive future, and help families grow together.

Permian Basin Regional Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse

120 E. 2nd St.

Odessa, Texas US 79761

Peers Making Peace: Student Training on 9-Feb-12 8:30 AM

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:00 GMT

Peers Making Peace: Student Training
Start Date: 9-Feb-12 8:30 AM
End Time: 9-Feb-12 2:30 PM
Location: Lakeview Centennial High School, Garland, Texas 75043
Speaker: Kristen Jones

Event Details:

Lakeview Centennial High School

3505 Hayman Dr

Garland, Texas US 75043

Researchers quantify the damage of alcohol by timing and exposure during pregnancy

Samantha Thompson - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Prenatal exposure to alcohol is associated with a spectrum of abnormalities in the offspring.
A new study has examined patterns of drinking specific to timing of exposure during pregnancy, collecting the information while the mother was still pregnant instead of after delivery.
Numerous specific associations were found, the most significant ones during the second half of the first trimester of pregnancy.

Prenatal exposure to alcohol is associated with a spectrum of abnormalities, referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Physical features of the more serious Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) include smooth philtrum, thin vermillion border, short palpebral fissures, microcephaly, and growth deficiencies in weight and height. A new study has specified how specific quantities of alcohol exposure, patterns of drinking, and timing of exposure can have an impact on each of these features.

Results will be published in the April 2012 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and are currently available at Early View.

"This study was designed to address two challenges in FAS studies," said Haruna Sawada Feldman, a post-doctoral student in the department of pediatrics under the mentorship of professor Christina Chambers at the University of California, San Diego. "The first challenge concerned obtaining accurate alcohol exposure history from maternal reports that might involve social stigma and recall bias. This study collected information during pregnancy when women were unaware of their pregnancy outcome. The data were also collected by trained counseling specialists who had built a rapport with the woman and guaranteed confidentiality while collecting sensitive information. Finally, data were collected with specific details about timing in gestation, dose and pattern."

The second challenge concerned the quality of information on specific physical features of FAS. "These alcohol-related features are often subtle, and a non-expert examiner may miss or misclassify features, and/or can be biased by subjectivity, especially if he/she suspects or knows about prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE)," said Feldman. "This study used an exposure-blinded expert dysmorphologist to look for these features. Furthermore, potential bias due to subjectivity was reduced because these examinations were conducted in the context of a larger study of more than 70 agents of interest, only one of which was alcohol."

"Research that links the quantity, frequency and timing of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among humans is virtually non-existent," added Philip A. May, a research professor in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at The University of North Carolina. "While animal data exist, studies like this one in humans are greatly needed, because extrapolation of concepts from animal models to humans is fraught with complications and problems of translation."

Feldman and her colleagues used data gathered on 992 women and their singleton infants in California between 1978 and 2005, examining patterns of drinking and timing of alcohol exposure in relation to selected FAS features. Structural features were assessed by a dysmorphologist who performed a blinded physical examination of all infants. Patterns of drinking were evaluated by drinks per day, number of binge episodes, and maximum number of drinks. Timing of exposure was evaluated zero to six weeks post-conception, six to 12 weeks post-conception, and during the first, second, and third trimesters.

"Higher PAE in every pattern we examined was significantly associated with an increased risk for having an infant born with reduced birth length or weight or having a smooth philtrum or thin vermillion border or microcephaly," said Feldman. "The most significant associations were seen during the second half of the first trimester; for every one drink increase in the average number of drinks consumed daily, there was a 25 percent increased risk for smooth philtrum, a 22 percent increased risk for thin vermillion border, a 12 percent increased risk for microcephaly, a 16 percent increased risk for reduced birth weight, and an 18 percent increased risk for reduced birth length."

"This paper clearly illustrates that drinking alcohol, especially binge drinking, during the first seven to 12 weeks of gestation is associated with four of the most important facial features characteristic of FAS as well as reductions in birth length and weight that are also characteristic of infants and children with FAS," said May. "This study also illustrates clearly that there is no threshold that triggers these features of FAS. Instead there is variability from woman to woman in the level of drinking that produces these features."

Feldman added that the lack of associations found during first-half of the first trimester between alcohol and outcomes should not be interpreted to mean that alcohol consumption during this time period is somehow safe. "Due to the study design, we were only able to include women who gave birth to live infants," she said. "Therefore, we did not include women who may have had miscarriages or stillbirths. It is important to know that alcohol-exposed infants who would have exhibited alcohol-related minor malformations might also be more likely to be lost to miscarriage following exposure during the first six-week window."

Both Feldman and May believe these findings reinforce the warning that there is no "safe" level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. "Clinicians should continue to follow the recommendations to encourage women who are planning a pregnancy or have the potential to become pregnant to avoid alcohol, and to advise women who become pregnant to stop alcohol consumption," said Sawada. "These new findings can also help clinicians quantify the importance of discontinuing alcohol as early as possible."

###

Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research (ACER) is the official journal of the Research Society on Alcoholism and the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism. Co-authors of the ACER paper, "Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Patterns and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects and Growth Deficiencies: A Prospective Study," were: Kenneth Lyons Jones, Kelly Kao, and Smriti Rao of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego; Suzanne Lindsay and Donald Slymen of the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University; Hillary Klonoff-Cohen of the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine, University of California, San Diego; and Christina Chambers of the Departments of Pediatrics, and Family and Preventative Medicine, at the University of California, San Diego. This release is supported by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network at http://www.ATTCnetwork.org.

17-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Cigarette and alcohol use at historic low among teens

Samantha Thompson - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Cigarette and alcohol use by eighth, 10th and 12th-graders are at their lowest point since the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey began polling teenagers in 1975, according to this year's survey results. However, this positive news is tempered by a slowing rate of decline in teen smoking as well as continued high rates of abuse of other tobacco products (e.g., hookahs, small cigars, smokeless tobacco), marijuana and prescription drugs. The survey results, announced today during a news conference at the National Press Club, appear to show that more teens continue to abuse marijuana than cigarettes; and alcohol is still the drug of choice among all three age groups queried.

Audio Cast of the 2011 Monitoring the Future Results.

MTF is an annual survey of eighth, 10th, and 12th-graders conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, under a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health. The survey was conducted in classrooms earlier this year.

"That cigarette use has declined to historically low rates is welcome news, given our concerns that declines may have slowed or stalled in recent years," said NIDA director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. "That said, the teen smoking rate is declining much more slowly than in years past, and we are seeing teens consume other tobacco products at high levels. This highlights the urgency of maintaining strong prevention efforts against teen smoking and of targeting other tobacco products."

The 2011 results showed that 18.7 percent of 12th-graders reported current (past-month) cigarette use, compared to a recent peak rate of 36.5 percent in 1997 and 21.6 percent five years ago. Only 6.1 percent of eighth-graders reported current smoking, compared to a recent peak of 21 percent in 1996 and 8.7 percent five years ago.

"While it is good news that cigarette use has declined to historically low rates, we can and must do more to accelerate that decline," said Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH, assistant secretary for health. "The actual decline is relatively small compared to the sharp declines we witnessed in the late nineties."

For alcohol, 63.5 percent of 12th-graders reported past year use, compared to a recent peak of 74.8 percent in 1997. Similarly, 26.9 percent of eighth-graders reported past year use of alcohol in 2011, compared to a recent peak rate of 46.8 percent in 1994. There also was a five-year decrease in binge drinking, measured as five or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks, across all three grades. Binge drinking was reported by 6.4 percent of eighth-graders, 14.7 percent of 10th-graders, and 21.6 percent of 12th-graders, down from the 2006 rates of 8.7 percent, 19.9 percent and 25.4 percent respectively.

Despite the declines noted in the report, use of marijuana has shown some increases in recent years and remains steady. Among 12th-graders, 36.4 percent reported past year use, and 6.6 percent reported daily use, up from 31.5 and 5 percent, respectively, five years ago. The upward trend in teens' abuse of marijuana corresponded to downward trends in their perception of risk. For example, only 22.7 percent of high school seniors saw great risk in smoking marijuana occasionally, compared to 25.9 percent five years ago. Similarly, 43.4 percent of eighth-graders reported that they saw great risk in smoking marijuana occasionally, compared to 48.9 percent five years ago. In addition, concerns about the use of synthetic marijuana, known as K2 or spice, prompted its inclusion in the survey for the first time in 2011. Surprisingly, 11.4 percent of 12th-graders reported past year use.

"K2 and spice are dangerous drugs that can cause serious harm," said Gil Kerlikowske, director of National Drug Control Policy. "We will continue to work with the public health and safety community to respond to this emerging threat but in the meantime, parents must take action. Parents are the most powerful force in the lives of young people and we ask that all of them talk to their teens today about the serious consequences of using marijuana, K2, or spice."

There was mixed news seen in the non-medical use of prescription drugs. Abuse of the opioid painkiller Vicodin was reported by 8.1 percent of 12th graders -- similar to 2010 and down from 9.7 percent in 2009. There was also a decline reported by 10th graders -- to 5.9 percent from 7.7 percent in 2010. However, no such declines were seen for the opioid painkiller OxyContin.

In 2011, the non-medical use of the ADHD medicines Adderall and Ritalin remained about the same as last year among 12th-graders, at 6.5 and 2.6 percent, respectively. There was, however, a significant decline in the abuse of over-the-counter cough medicine among eighth-graders, down to 2.7 percent in 2011 from 4.2 percent in 2006, when the survey first asked about its abuse. A similar decline in cough medicine abuse was seen among 12th-graders, to 5.3 percent from 6.9 percent five years ago.

"To help educate teens about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, NIDA is launching an updated prescription drug section on our teen website," said Dr. Volkow. "Teens can go to our PEERx pages to find interactive videos and other tools that help them make healthy decisions and understand the risks of abusing prescription drugs. We are also encouraging teens to provide feedback on these resources through NIDA's teen blog, Sara Bellum, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or email." PEERx can be seen at teens.drugabuse.gov/peerx.

Overall, 46,773 students from 400 public and private schools participated in this year's MTF survey. Since 1975, the survey has measured drug, alcohol, and cigarette use and related attitudes in 12th-graders nationwide. Eighth and 10th graders were added to the survey in 1991. Survey participants generally report their drug use behaviors across three time periods: lifetime, past year, and past month. Questions are also asked about daily cigarette and marijuana use. NIDA has providing funding for the survey since its inception by a team of investigators at the University of Michigan, led by Dr. Lloyd Johnston. Additional information on the MTF Survey, as well as comments from Dr. Volkow, can be found athttp://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/MTF.html. To hear the audiocast of the event, visit: Monitoring the Future: Briefing and Press Conference.

MTF is one of three major surveys sponsored by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services that provide data on substance use among youth. The others are the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The MTF website is: http://monitoringthefuture.org. Follow Monitoring the Future 2011 news on Twitter at @NIDANews, or join the conversation by using: #MTF2011. Additional information on MTF can be found athttp://www.hhs.gov/news; or http://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is the primary source of statistical information on substance use in the U.S. population 12 years of age and older. More information is available at:http://www.samhsa.gov/data/NSDUH/2k10NSDUH/2k10Results.htm.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey, part of HHS' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, is a school-based survey that collects data from students in grades 9-12. The survey includes questions on a wide variety of health-related risk behaviors, including substance abuse. More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dash/yrbs/index.htm.

Contact:

NIDA Press Office
301-443-6245
media@nida.nih.gov

About the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy and improve practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at www.drugabuse.gov. To order publications in English or Spanish, call NIDA's new DrugPubs research dissemination center at 1-877-NIDA-NIH or 240-645-0228 (TDD) or fax or email requests to 240-645-0227 ordrugpubs@nida.nih.gov. Online ordering is available at drugpubs.drugabuse.gov. NIDA's media guide can be found at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide.

17-Jan-12 1:00 PM

Blueprints for Violence Prevention Conference Opens Registration

Trio Solutions - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:00:00 GMT

The San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, TX, will host the 2012 Blueprints Conference on April 11–13, 2012. This event is geared toward juvenile justice professionals and will disseminate science-based information on effective youth violence, delinquency, and drug prevention programs. Program experts will discuss evidence-based prevention programs and will provide education, guidance, and tools for individuals, communities, and agencies interested in implementation success, sustainability, policy, and effective leadership.

For more information or to register, visit www.blueprintsconference.com.

* For information on Blueprints, the model programs or presentation information, please contact Sharon Mihalic with the Center for the Study & Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado at (303) 492-2137 or sharon.mihalic@colorado.edu

For information about the 2012 Blueprints Conference, please contact the meeting planners at Trio Solutions at (843) 216-0442 or e-mail jcherock@trio-solutions.com

17-Jan-12 1:00 PM

A family history of alcoholism may make adolescent brains respond differently

Samantha Thompson - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Adolescents with a family history of alcoholism (FHP) are at risk for developing alcohol use disorders.
A new study has compared the brain activity of FHP youth to peers with no family history of alcoholism.
Two areas of the brain – the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum – responded differently during risky decision-making in high-risk youth compared to their lower-risk peers.

Researchers know that adolescents with a family history of alcoholism (FHP) are at risk for developing alcohol use disorders. Some studies have shown that, compared to their peers, FHP adolescents have deficits in behavioral inhibition. A study of the neural substrates of risk-taking in both FHP adolescents and their peers with a negative family history of alcoholism (FHN) has shown that FHP youth demonstrated atypical brain activity while completing the same task as the FHN youth.

Results will be published in the April 2012 issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and are currently available at Early View.

"We know that a familial history of alcoholism is a significant risk factor for future alcohol abuse," said Bonnie J. Nagel, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University as well as corresponding author for the study. "We were interested in determining whether adolescents at heightened risk for alcohol use made more risky decisions during a laboratory task compared to their lower-risk peers. Additionally, we wanted to examine whether differences in brain responses when making risky decisions were present in these two groups. We wanted to investigate pre-morbid neural risk factors during decision making in FHP youth, as opposed to differences in brain response due to heavy alcohol use itself."

"This is the first study to examine the neural substrates of risk-taking in FHP adolescents who are substance naïve," added Megan Herting, a PhD candidate in behavioral neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. "A previous study looked at young adults who were drinkers, therefore, it is hard to say if the differences found were purely a pre-existing neural risk factor for alcohol use. Alcohol use may also differentially impact the brains of those with and without a family history of alcoholism. Thus, the current study is a very novel and important piece of work showing that the brain is doing something different during risky decision making in substance-naïve FHP adolescents."

Study authors recruited 31 youth – 18 FHP (12 males, 6 females) and 13 FHN (8 males, 5 females) – between 13 and 15 years of age from the local community. All of the youth had little to no alcohol involvement prior to their participation in the study. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine brain responses of the youth during a Wheel of Fortune (WOF) decision-making task, which presented risky versus safe probabilities of winning different amounts of money.

"While our study found that FHP adolescents did not perform significantly differently on the WOF task compared to the FHN adolescents," said Nagel, "we found two areas of the brain that responded differently. These areas were in the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, both of which are important for higher-order day-to-day functioning, such as decision-making. In these brain regions, FHP adolescents showed weaker brain responses during risky decision-making compared to their FHN peers. We believe that weaker activation of these brain areas, known to be important for optimal decision-making, may confer vulnerability towards risky decisions with regards to future alcohol use in adolescents already at risk for alcoholism."

Herting noted that higher-order or executive functioning is also important for things like attention, working memory, and inhibition. "Therefore, differences in brain activity may impact the ability of FHP individuals to make good decisions in many contexts, and in particular may facilitate poor decision-making in regards to alcohol use," she said. "Taken together with other studies on FHP youth, these results suggest that atypical brain structure and function exist prior to any substance use, and may contribute to an increased vulnerability for alcoholism in these individuals."

Both Nagel and Herting believe these findings can help to develop better prevention programs based on familial risk factors. "These findings may suggest a neurobiological marker that helps to explain how family history of alcoholism confers risk," said Nagel. "Furthermore, our research may aid clinicians who work with high-risk youth to develop effective prevention strategies for these adolescents to promote healthy decision-making."

However, they both added, having a familial history of alcoholism is just one of many different factors involved in future alcohol abuse. "While having a family history of alcoholism may put one at greater risk for alcohol abuse, personality and behavioral risk factors are also important to consider," said Nagel. "The combination of genetic and environmental factors is very different for everyone, so some individuals may be at higher risk than others, and certainly there are genetic and environmental factors that can also protect against alcohol abuse. Future research will need to determine the relative influence of these traits on alcohol abuse risk to be able to design specific prevention strategies for different high-risk populations."

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Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research (ACER) is the official journal of the Research Society on Alcoholism and the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism. The first co-author of the ACER paper, "Risky Decision-Making: An fMRI Study of Youth at High Risk for Alcoholism," was Anita Cservenka in the Department of Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. The study was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the Portland Alcohol Research Center, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This release is supported by the Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network at http://www.ATTCnetwork.org.

17-Jan-12 12:00 PM

LSUHSC research identifies 'bath salts' as new source of flesh-eating infection

Samantha Thompson - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 GMT

New Orleans, LA – A study led by Russell R. Russo, MD, a third-year Orthopaedic Surgery resident at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, has identified a new source of life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis – "bath salts." The study, describing the first known case of necrotizing fasciitis from an intramuscular injection of the street drug known as "bath salts," is published in the January 2012 issue of Orthopedics, now available online.

Necrotizing fasciitis is an orthopedic emergency. The ability to quickly and accurately diagnose this rapidly spreading disease can save a patient's life and limb. However, the diagnosis is complex because necrotizing fasciitis usually manifests as a less severe cellulitis or abscess while the majority of the damage rages beneath the surface of the skin. Deep muscular necrosis is often masked by a normal-looking overlying tissue bed. The potential causes and vectors, or carriers, continually change.

"As 'bath salts' gain popularity, medical centers of all disciplines must be prepared to identify not only the signs of intoxication, but the potential side effects including deadly necrotizing fasciitis," notes Dr. Russo.

Dr. Russo and his colleagues treated a 34-year-old woman who presented with forearm pain and redness that began after she attended a party. She did not report other symptoms, but there was also a small red puncture wound on her arm. Treatment for cellulitis with broad-spectrum IV antibiotics dramatically reduced the symptoms, but lingering pain at the injection site led to an ultrasound. She then admitted that she had injected "bath salts" two days before she developed symptoms. When the patient was reexamined, she had rapidly progressing redness, skin sloughing, and drainage. Necrotizing fasciitis was suspected and she immediately underwent emergent surgical debridement and exploration, and more antibiotics were added. The infection moved so fast that pink, healthy tissue was literally dying before the surgeons' eyes. They had to keep removing tissue until they reached clear margins of healthy tissue to stop the progression of disease. By the time they were finished, the patient's arm, shoulder, and collarbone had to be amputated, and a radical mastectomy performed. The patient survived and subsequently underwent skin grafting and rehabilitation. Analysis revealed bacterial isolates including alphahemolytic Streptococcus, Streptococcus viridans, Peptostreptococcus micros, Gemella morbillorum, and Actinomyces odontolyticus.

The researchers note these infections are usually associated with crush traumas and farm injuries, but now physicians must also be prepared and vigilant when presented with a cellulitic patient who has a history of needle use. Even patients with their own clean needles are not immune, as evident in a report of an asthmatic patient who developed necrotizing fasciitis from an injection of subcutaneous epinephrine.

"Despite the drug's legal status, it must be treated as illicit, and one must be suspicious when examining a patient with this clinical history because the diagnosis of flesh-eating bacteria can masquerade as abscesses and cellulitis," says Dr. Russo.

Necrotizing fasciitis has a rapid time-line to tissue destruction and loss of life. A 1995 study found the survival rate of those diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis to be as low as 50%. However, wide ranges of death exist depending on a multitude of factors.

Treatment for this virulent disease remains a swift diagnosis with extensive surgical debridement to obtain complete control of the organism and prevent death. However, the authors maintain, the best treatment is prevention with public, street-based education and early detection.

"The recent emerging popularity of this highly obtainable, injectable substance may lead to an increase in cases of necrotizing fasciitis," concludes Dr. Russo, "and surgeons must be ready to diagnose and perform extensive debridements in association with general surgeons in some instances to save limbs, preserve function, and prevent death."

###

The study team included Dr. Noah Marks, Dr. Katy Morris, and Associate Professor Dr. Ronald Rooney, in the LSUHSC New Orleans Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, as well as Drs. Heather King, and Angelle Gelvin, MD in the LSUHSC New Orleans Department of Surgery.

LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's academic health leader, LSUHSC consists of a School of Medicine, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health, the only School of Nursing within an academic health center in Louisiana, and Schools of Allied Health Professions, and Graduate Studies. LSUHSC faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research in a number of areas in a worldwide arena, the LSUHSC research enterprise generates jobs and enormous economic impact. LSUHSC faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment, or cure disease. To learn more, visit http://www.lsuhsc.edu and http://www.twitter.com/LSUHSCHealth.

17-Jan-12 12:00 PM

[firstname], The Connection's Newsletter 13-Jan-12

Joseph Duarte - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 22:03:01 GMT

One Column With Header

Hello [firstname],

Welcome to the Texas HIV Connection's newsletter of upcoming events, articles, jobs and more from our membership.

Calendar Events
Articles
Job Listings

Calendar Events for 13-Jan-12 to 2-Feb-12

Motivational Interviewing
Sponsor: Center For Health Care Services/Texas HIV Connection
Speaker's Name: Texas HIV Connection
Day: Wednesday 18-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Nelson and Tracy Wolf Center for Adolescent and Child Development 711 E. Josephine St San Antonio, Texas 78206
Summary: ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Brad Lindgren

HIV Early Intervention Case Mgmt: Connecting Clients to Care
Sponsor: Center For Health Care Services/Texas HIV Connection
Speaker's Name:
Day: Thursday 19-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Nelson and Tracy Wolf Center for Adolescent and Child Development 711 E. Josephine St San Antonio, Texas 78206
Summary: ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Brad Lindgren

HIV Early Intervention Case Mgmt: Connecting Clients to Care
Sponsor: GDCADA/HIV Connection
Speaker's Name: Texas HIV Connection
Day: Tuesday 31-Jan-12 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Greater Dallas Council On Alcohol and Drug Abuse 1349 Empire Central Drive Suite 800Dallas, TX 75247 Dallas,, TX 75247
Summary: ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Brad Lindgren

Motivational Interviewing
Sponsor: GDCADA/HIV Connection
Speaker's Name: Texas HIV Connection
Day: Wednesday 1-Feb-12 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Greater Dallas Council On Alcohol and Drug Abuse 1349 Empire Central Drive Suite 800 Dallas,, TX 75247
Summary: ...
Register Mapquest | Add to Calendar
Posted by: Brad Lindgren

Articles for 12-Jan-12 to 13-Jan-12

SAMHSA announces a working definition of “recovery” from mental disorders and substance use disorders

Author: SAMHSA Press Office

Release Date: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

A new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders is being announced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA and a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders,... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

Author: National Center for Environmental Health

Release Date: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall. Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months. Winterize your home. Install weather stripping, insulation,... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

A New Year of Healthy Possibilities!

Author: CDC's Office of Women's Health: Family Health

Release Date: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

The New Year has long been a time for reflection on the personal changes we want to make as we look forward to a year of healthy possibilities. Health-related goals are popular New Year's resolutions, but sometimes we may not know where to begin. Below, you'll find ways to get and keep a Healthy You, Healthy Family, Healthy Home, Healthy Community, and Healthy Workplace. Take time to make a healthy lifestyle your resolution. Healthy You Make healthy... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Depression More Common Among Women Than Men Living With HIV

Author: Kellee Terrell

Release Date: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

By Kellee Terrell From The Body January 13, 2012 It's not a secret that people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to suffer from depression than the general population -- they are twice as likely, in fact. But a new study, conducted by researchers who are part of the CRANIum Study, sheds even more light on the issue. Researchers found that women living with HIV are more likely to suffer from depression than HIV-positive men. According to the National AIDS... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Looking Forward to a Bright New Year in HIV/HCV Treatment

Author: Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Release Date: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

By Barbara McGovern, M.D. From The Body January 10, 2012 As we discover a sense of renewal with the beginning of 2012, I find myself more hopeful than I have ever been regarding the outlook for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including patients coinfected with HIV. Over the years, we have been aware that treatment responses have been lower in HIV/HCV coinfected patients compared to those with HCV alone. This has been particularly true of those who... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Jobs for 12-Jan-12 to 13-Jan-12

HIV Training Specialist --new

Company: TX HIV Connection

Date Activated: Friday 13-Jan-12 3:56 PM

Duties/Responsibilities Under the general supervision of the HIV Training Director, will be responsible... [More Info]
Posted by: Joseph Duarte

Stay up to date with our RSS feeds.

13-Jan-12 4:03 PM

SAMHSA announces a working definition of “recovery” from mental disorders and substance use disorders

SAMHSA Press Office - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

The new working definition of Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows:

A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.

“Over the years it has become increasingly apparent that a practical, comprehensive working definition of recovery would enable policy makers, providers, and others to better design, deliver, and measure integrated and holistic services to those in need,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "By working with all elements of the behavioral health community and others to develop this definition, I believe SAMHSA has achieved a significant milestone in promoting greater public awareness and appreciation for the importance of recovery, and widespread support for the services that can make it a reality for millions of Americans.”

A major step in addressing this need occurred in August2010 when SAMHSA convened a meeting of behavioral health leaders, consisting of mental health consumers and individuals in addiction recovery. Together these members of the behavioral health care community developed a draft definition and principles of recovery to reflect common elements of the recovery experience for those with mental disorders and/or substance use disorders.

In the months that have followed, SAMHSA worked with the behavioral health care community and other interested parties in reviewing drafts of the working recovery definition and principles with stakeholders at meetings, conferences and other venues. In August 2011, SAMHSA posted the working definition and principles that resulted from this process on the SAMHSA blog and invited comments from the public via SAMHSA Feedback Forums. The blog post received 259 comments, and the forums had over 1000 participants, nearly 500 ideas, and over 1,200 comments on the ideas. Many of the comments received have been incorporated into the current working definition and principles.

Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA has also delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:

Health : overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way;
Home: a stable and safe place to live;
Purpose: meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and
Community : relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.

Guiding Principles of Recovery

Recovery emerges from hope: The belief that recovery is real provides the essential and motivating message of a better future – that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them.

Recovery is person-driven: Self-determination and self-direction are the foundations for recovery as individuals define their own life goals and design their unique path(s).

Recovery occurs via many pathways: Individuals are unique with distinct needs, strengths, preferences, goals, culture, and backgrounds ? including trauma experiences ? that affect and determine their pathway(s) to recovery. Abstinence is the safest approach for those with substance use disorders.

Recovery is holistic: Recovery encompasses an individual’s whole life, including mind, body, spirit, and community. The array of services and supports available should be integrated and coordinated.

Recovery is supported by peers and allies: Mutual support and mutual aid groups, including the sharing of experiential knowledge and skills, as well as social learning, play an invaluable role in recovery

Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks: An important factor in the recovery process is the presence and involvement of people who believe in the person’s ability to recover; who offer hope, support, and encouragement; and who also suggest strategies and resources for change.

Recovery is culturally-based and influenced : Culture and cultural background in all of its diverse representations ? including values, traditions, and beliefs ? are keys in determining a person’s journey and unique pathway to recovery.

Recovery is supported by addressing trauma : Services and supports should be trauma-informed to foster safety (physical and emotional) and trust, as well as promote choice, empowerment, and collaboration.

Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility: Individuals, families, and communities have strengths and resources that serve as a foundation for recovery.

Recovery is based on respect : Community, systems, and societal acceptance and appreciation for people affected by mental health and substance use problems – including protecting their rights and eliminating discrimination – are crucial in achieving recovery.

For further detailed information about the new working recovery definition or the guiding principles of recovery please visit: http://www.samhsa.gov/recovery/

13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter

National Center for Environmental Health - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Many people prefer to remain indoors in the winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety. Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Winterize your home.
- Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows.
- Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls.
- Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
Check your heating systems.
- Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly and ventilated to the outside.
- Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
- Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly.
- Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.
  - Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas.
  - Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headaches, nausea, and disorientation.
  - Keep grills and generators out of the house and garage. Position generators at least 20 feet from the house.
Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
- Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.
- Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including:
  - battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps;
  - extra batteries;
  - first-aid kit and extra medicine;
  - baby items; and
  - cat litter or sand for icy walkways.

Many people spend time outdoors in the winter working, traveling, or enjoying winter sports. Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them:

Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches.
Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors.
- Be aware of the wind chill factor.
- Work slowly when doing outside chores.
- Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation.
- Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.
- If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.
- Carry a cell phone.
Prepare your car for winter.
- Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires
- Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer.
- Keep a winter emergency kit in your car in case you become stranded. Include
  - blankets;
  - food and water;
  - booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction);
  - compass and maps;
  - flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries;
  - first-aid kit; and
  - plastic bags (for sanitation).
- Learn safety rules to follow in case you become stranded in your car.
  - Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away, but continue to move arms and legs.
  - Stay visible by putting bright cloth on the antenna, turning on the inside overhead light (when engine is running), and raising the hood when snow stops falling.
  - Run the engine and heater only 10 minutes every hour.
  - Keep a downwind window open.
  - Make sure the tailpipe is not blocked.

Above all, be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

A New Year of Healthy Possibilities!

CDC's Office of Women's Health: Family Health - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

Healthy You

Make healthy food choices. Grab a healthy snack such as fruit, nuts, or low-fat cheese.
Be active. Try simple things such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Be active for at least 2 ½ hours a week.
Protect yourself from injury or disease by wearing a helmet,sunscreen, or insect repellent when necessary.
Make an appointment for a check-up, vaccination, or screening. Know where to go for care if you do not have health insurance.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Be smoke-free. If you think you're ready to quit, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free counseling.
Get enough sleep. Remember that sleep is a necessity, not a luxury.
Learn health tips that take 5 minutes or less.

Learn more about Healthy Living.

Healthy Family

Learn how to be healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.
Reduce auto-related injuries by using seat belts, child safety seats, and booster seats that are appropriate for your child's age and weight.
Learn positive parenting tips to keep teens safe on the road.
Develop and enforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors for all electronic media.
Lower the risk of foodborne illness as you prepare meals for your family.
Serve healthy meals and snacks.
Encourage and support physical activity.
Gather and share family health history.
Encourage family members to get check-ups and screenings. Make sure they know where to go for care if they do not have health insurance.
Get pets vaccinated and keep pets healthy.
Add the 5 Minutes or Less for Health widget to your website to get new health tips each week.

Learn more about Family Health, Kid’s Health, and visit the Parent Portal.

Healthy Home

Install smoke alarms on every floor, including the basement, and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.
Make your home safer to prevent falls among children and seniors.
Keep cleaning products and medications out of the reach of children.
Have an emergency plan and practice it often.
Store meds safely, put every vitamin up and away when you use it.

Learn more about Healthy Homes.

Healthy Community

Know the facts about childhood obesity.
Get your immunizations.
Choose healthier options to prepare for climate change.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep water safe for drinking, recreation, and emergencies.
Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases.
Don't drink and drive or let others drink and drive.
Add a health widget to your website that offers health information to your users.

Learn more about Healthy Communities.

Healthy Workplace

Stay at home if you're sick.
Participate in or help develop healthy workplace programs and policies.
Implement a smoke-free policy at your workplace.
Take steps to prevent job stress.
Lower work injuries and illness among youth.

Learn more about Workplace Safety and Health.

13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

Depression More Common Among Women Than Men Living With HIV

Kellee Terrell - noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:00:00 GMT

By Kellee Terrell
From The Body

January 13, 2012

It's not a secret that people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to suffer from depression than the general population -- they are twice as likely, in fact. But a new study, conducted by researchers who are part of the CRANIum Study, sheds even more light on the issue. Researchers found that women living with HIV are more likely to suffer from depression than HIV-positive men.

According to the National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP), researchers found the following when analyzing data from more than 2,800 people living with HIV/AIDS:

Roughly 18 percent of the women met the criteria for depression compared to slightly more than 14 percent of men.
The percentage of women who met the criteria for depression did not differ significantly between those who were taking antiretrovirals (17.2 percent) and those who were not (20.8 percent).
There was a significant difference in depression rates, antiretroviral use and gender: 10.6 percent of the men living with HIV who were not on AIDS meds met the criteria for depression versus 20.8 percent of the women living with HIV who were not on treatment.
A higher proportion of women than men screened positive for anxiety (35.3 percent versus 32 percent).
More women than men suffered from both depression and anxiety (13.9 percent versus 11.5 percent).
Four percent of women and 4.4 percent of men who had a negative screen for depression in this study had been prescribed an antidepressant.

Of the 2,863 participants, more than 38 percent were women and nearly 79 percent of them had some history of ARV therapy. Also, 86 percent of the male participants were white, compared to 67 percent of the women, and on average the men in the study had been living with HIV for a shorter period (90 months versus 112 months).

In light of their findings, NATAP wrote that the study's researchers recommend there be a "strategy of regular screening for, and clinical management of, anxiety and depression for all female HIV-infected patients.”

These findings were released this month at the 2nd International Workshop on HIV and Women, held Jan. 9 and 10 in Bethesda, Md.

Kellee Terrell is the news editor for TheBody.com and TheBodyPRO.com.

Follow Kellee on Twitter: @kelleent.

13-Jan-12 3:00 PM

2012 HIV Heroes and Sheroes Herald

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Dear HEI and HIV Outreach Program Staff - It is our pleasure to present to you, the first issue of the HIV Heroes and Sheroes Herald. In this quarterly bulletin, you will find articles, advice, and other information pertinent to your work in HIV prevention, education, and care. This information is intended to enhance your work with clients and the communities you serve. We hope you enjoy reading this. We would also like you to share your ideas, challenges, and best practices, so feel free to submit your own content, respond to our questions, send in your own questions to, Ask Eliza, and submit information about the activities for your agency to, Agency Spotlight. Since this is a quarterly HEI/HIV Outreach bulletin, your information and submissions may be included in future issues. We hope that the HIV Heroes and Sheroes Herald is helpful in the work you do and that it also enriches your work-life. ...

The 2012 NOVA Conference is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, January 19 & 20, 2012.

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Nova 2012:
January 19 & 20, 2012
3D Recovery: Discover, Develop, Diversify
"Life Beyond Addiction"

Please make plans to join us for this exciting conference!
We will be providing 20 hours of CEU's on topics ranging from
the latest innovations in addictions treatment and best practices
to new tools for clincial practice!

Location and presenters to be announced soon!

The Dallas Chapter of TAAP seeks to promote the advancement of addiction focused professionals

by uniting alcoholism and other addiction counselors throughout the North Texas Region.

http://www.dallastaap.com/nova-conference.html

Dallas TAAP is a member of NAADAC

http://www.naadac.org/

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONFERENCE IS NOT BEING COORDINATED BY CTS. FOR INFORMATION ON THE NOVA 2012 CONFERENCE OR HELP WITH REGISTRATION, PLEASE CONTACT LISA HINSON AT THE DALLAS TAAP: lhinson@crchealth.com

URGENT!

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:00:00 GMT

******************************************URGENT***************************** ARCH NEEDS YOUR HELP! IF YOU SUPPORT HARM REDUCTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE: http://www.austinharmreduction.org/donate.html Austin Harm Reduction Coalition Harm reductionis a set of practical strategies that reduce negative consequences of drug use, incorporating a spectrum of practices from safer use, to managed use, through abstinence. Harm reduction strategies meet drug users where they are, addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. We consider the following principles central to harm reduction practice: Accept, for better and for worse, that licit and illicit drug use is part of our world and choose to work to minimize its harmful effects rather than simply ignore or condemn them. Understand drug use as a complex, multi-faceted phenomenon that encompasses a continuum of behaviors from severe abuse to total abstinence, and acknowledge...

Region-Based Trainings On The Substance Use Disorder Benefits in Medicaid

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SUD treatment providers, Please find the chart with a schedule of upcoming region-based trainings on the substance use disorder benefits in Medicaid. HHSC is hosting a series of region-based trainings with the goal of providing an opportunity for providers to receive training from local Medicaid managed care health plans (STAR and STAR+PLUS) on health plan-specific billing and prior authorization requirements. These trainings will be conducted in a panel-style format, and are similar to region-based trainings held in August, 2010. They will include new information related to benefit changes made in 2011. Locations impacted by recent Medicaid managed care expansion have been added. To RSVP, click on the weblink HERE As a reminder, the comprehensive SUD treatment webinar training conducted by HHSC June 17, 2011, has been posted on the HHSC website at: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/WebBased Update: The June 17th...

Thank you

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 20:00:00 GMT

We at the Texas HIV Connection and Worker's Assistance Program would like to thank everyone that participated in the 17th Annual Street Outreach Workers' Conference and making this year's conference one of the most successful yet. We are proud of each and everyone of you that is out there on the front line, doing the work that you do, and outreaching to those hard-to-reach populations.

If you have any further comments, please feel free to email them to us. Keep up the great work!!!

The Conference is almost here!!

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Greetings!

The 2011 Street Outreach Workers’ Conference is only a couple days away and we are working hard to make this year’s conference the best one yet. Here are a few reminders:

The SOWC will NOT BE HELD AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL as in previous years. We have changed venues and are delighted to be hosting the event at the OMNI SOUTHPARK HOTEL, 4140 GOVERNOR’S ROW, AUSTIN, TX 78744.
Registration/Check-in will begin on Sunday, June 12^th, 2011 from 4:00pm-8:00pm and will resume on Monday, June 13^th at 7:00am.
We would like you to remind you to dress in layers if you feel that you will be cold during the conference, as well all know how chilly it can get.
Please join us on Sunday night for our Opening Night Reception from 6:00pm-8:00 pm. Be prepared to be entertained by AIDS Services of Austin’s Talented Prevention Team as they take it back “old skool”. There will also be a special performance by an extremely talented hip-hop dance crew that will definitely set the mood for our time together.
If you want to make sure you have copies of the power point presentations please download the Power Point presentations for the conference, we have posted them on our website (www.hivconnection.org) so please feel free to visit the “Conferences” tab on the homepage.

We want you to enjoy yourself and relax this year, so we have multiple opportunities for you to take advantage of self-care. We have worked very hard to give you a conference that you deserve for all of your hard work and dedication. Safe travels!!

The HIV Connection

CALL FOR TRAINERS ANNOUNCEMENT

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:36:17 GMT

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training -Training of Trainers (SAPST -ToT) Dates of Training: August 22-24, 2011 Location: Coordinated Training Services, 4115 Freidrich Lane, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78744 The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in collaboration with Coordinated Training Services (CTS), and CSAP's CAPT Southwest Resource Team/Southwest Prevention Center, is recruiting trainers to participate in the Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training- Training of Trainers (SAPST-ToT). The training is based on the national curriculum developed by SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). The selected participants will represent the broad diversity and geography of the eleven health service regions in Texas. Twenty-two trainers (two per region) will be selected to be trained and certified to deliver the SAPST curriculum in Texas. Training will be free to selected trainers. The selection...

2011 SOWC Registration ending soon

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Wed, 25 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT

We, at the Texas HIV Connection, are very excited about this year's conference, which promises to be different than the other's. With an "OLD SKOOL" theme, we are taking things back to the day, and looking at where we've come from and where we are going with regards to STREET OUTREACH.

As a reminder to everyone, the registration deadline for the 2011 SOWC is at 5:00 p.m. on June 2, 2011. At this point, registration, WILL be closed.

Today is also the last day to register at the hotel with the negotiated rate.

Hotel Info:

Omni Hotel at Southpark

4140 Governor's Row

Austin, TX 78744

(512) 448-2222

Thank you all again and we look forward to seeing you at the conference!

2011 STREET OUTREACH WORKERS CONFERENCE

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Hey all! We are pleased to announce the final version of our conference agenda. We are looking forward to seeing each and everyone of you there! 2011 STREET OUTREACH WORKERS CONFERENCE OMNI SOUTHPARK • JUNE 12TH, 2011 - JUNE 15TH, 2011 Agenda for Release SUNDAY, JUNE 12 4:00 - 8:00 PM Early Check-In Skylight Foyer 6:00 - 8:00 PM Opening Night Reception Omni AB MONDAY, JUNE 13 7:00 - 8:00 AM Self Care - Support Group Meeting Southpark B 7:00 - 8:00 AM Participant Check-In Skylight Foyer 7:30 - 5:00 PM Exhibitors Booths Lower Foyer 7:30 - 5:00 PM Memorial Room Omni F 8:00 - 10:15 AM ...

2011 Dan Rawlins Memorial Scholarship Winner

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Wed, 18 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT

We at the Texas HIV Connection would like to thank everyone who submitted nominations for the Dan Rawlins Memorial Scholarship. After a blind panel selection process, we are pleased to announce this year's winner. Please join us in congratulating our 2011 Scholarship recipient! John Gonzales Coastal Bend AIDS Foundation Corpus Christi, TX It is a great honor to receive the Dan Rawlins's award for Street Outreach Worker of the Year. Receiving this award is truly an accomplishment for me personally and professionally. I am grateful to be able to live through Dan's legacy and to be able to help those with substance abuse issues that are at risk for HIV. Dan's passion and commitment will continue to shine throughout my work in outreach. Thanks Dan! CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN!

HIV Training Specialist

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:56:10 GMT

Title: HIV Training Specialist Description: Duties/Responsibilities Under the general supervision of the HIV Training Director, will be responsible for the following: Training: Provide professional training to personnel in substance abuse treatment, intervention and prevention programs and a variety of other substance abuse and social service settings. Will conduct training in areas including but not limited to: substance abuse and HIV prevention; HIV pre/post test decision making strategies; risk awareness, assessment and reduction strategies; health promotion counseling techniques; other communicable diseases and case management. Ability to adapt training delivery to fit the needs of the target audience; can deliver assigned training independently, if needed. Training responsibilities also include informational presentations; conference workshops and special advanced training courses as required. Have ultimate responsibility for all...

FY12 DSHS PRC & CCP Spring Meeting- Register Now!

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:42:37 GMT

Registration is now open for the FY12 DSHS Spring Meeting, which will be held at the Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark on 4/16-4/18/2012. Attendance is required for PRCs and CCPs, and optional for Youth Prevention Programs. Registration information will be available soon!

Leadership Opportunity for Coalition Youth!

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:06:31 GMT

The Texas School Safety Center will conduct 14 Texas Tobacco-Free Teen Leadership Summits during the Spring of 2012 to train and equip community and school-based organizations to invest in youth, and they need your help recruiting youth groups from your coalition area to attend the Summits. Help make sure that teens from across Texas have this wonderful leadership opportunity in tobacco prevention and advocacy!

Community Coalition of the Month!

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:11:50 GMT

The Featured Community Coalitions for February 2012 is TAP-Taylor Alliance for Prevention! Read all about the cool things that they are up to on coalitionstexas.org

CTS introduces E-Learning Options

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:58:45 GMT

As our world becomes increasingly connected through the use of telecommunication tools, CTS will create opportunities for our customers through the use of these tools while keeping our commitment to providing cost effective, accessible, high quality training. Keep an eye on our calendar for the next web-based training opportunities!

Alliance Work Partners,Training Solutions Within Reach

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:41:31 GMT

Why choose AWP for your professional and workplace training needs?

Since 1977 we have been providing reputable, high quality, professional development, employee assistance, and workplace training in Texas and across the United Sates.

PAL is Peer Assistance & Leadership!

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:00:51 GMT

Does your district have a PAL program? We keep your campus safe. Follow us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/OfficialPAL

About Our Staff

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:41:42 GMT

Meet the Team! Terry Cowan - CEO of Workers Assistance Program Ann Starr - Vice President Enterprise Services Debra Ellison - Quality Manager Samantha Thompson - CTS Director Scott Shipman - CTS Manager/Training Coordinator Travis Fowler - Training & Development Specialist LJ Smith - Training & Development Specialist Brad Lindgren - HIV Connection Program Director & Trainer Joseph Duarte - HIV Connection Training Specialist Jay Cusker - HIV Connection Training Specialist Tara Cowan - Conference Director Tory Gant - PAL Director Maggie Cowan - Office Manager Capri Guerra - A-Team Terry Cowan CEO WAP's Chief Executive Office since 1984. He is one of the original employees from WAP's startup in 1977. Successful in the employee assistance programs and risk prevention training businesses for over 30 years, he brings an entrepreneurs' approach to non-profit management. Terry is active in...

Region Contact Information

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:52:38 GMT

REGION 1 REGION 2 Lola Coppage, Coordinator Managed Care Center for Addictive/Other Disorders, Inc. 1715 26th Street LUBBOCK, Texas 79411 (806) 780-8300 FAX: (806) 780-8383 Email: lola.coppage@mccaod.com Web Page: http://www.prc1.org Kristi Le, Coordinator Abilene Regional COADA 104 Pine St., Ste. 4 ABILENE, Texas 79601-5926 (325) 673-3503 ext. 125 FAX: (325) 673-3717 Email: kristi.le@arcadatx.org Web Page: http://www.prc2.org/ REGION 3 REGION 4 Alison Watros, Coordinator Greater Dallas COADA 1349 Empire Central Drive, Ste. 800 DALLAS, Texas 75219-2138 (214) 522-8600 ext. 242 FAX: (214) 521-7253 Email: awatros@gdcada.org Web page:...

Parental Resources

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 23:22:21 GMT

ADHD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Contraception Epigee Birth Control Guide Planned Parenthood Online An array of sexual health resources. See also the Sexual Health Glossary. Dating Dating Violence Futureswithoutviolence.org, formerly the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Divorce Divorceandchildren.com This site was designed to bridge the gap for parents by making information and resources both available and easily accessible. Drugs and Alcohol Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters Call 888-4AL-ANON, M-F, 8 am - 6 pm for meeting info Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids See The Toll of Tobacco in Washington. Lots of facts on tobacco use and marketing of tobacco products. ...

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:15:07 GMT

Physical Activity Promotion Federal Nutrition Sites Physical Activity Promotion American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Assisting those involved in physical education, leisure, fitness, dance, health promotion, and education and all specialties related to achieving a healthy lifestyle. American College of Sports Medicine The American College of Sports Medicine promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life. American Running Association The American Running Association (formerly the American Running and Fitness Association) is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to providing educational support to runners through program and sound information on training, nutrition, and...

Peer Helping

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:08:48 GMT

Texas Links Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Peer Assistance and Leadership National Links Learn and Serve America National Peer Helpers Association PAL of Orange County, California Bacchus and Gamma National Network for Youth America's Promise The Alliance for Youth The Points of Light Foundation Youth Service of America Search Institute Grants Grants Net

Disease Prevention

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:02:45 GMT

Aging Aging Activities This CDC site offers resources for the aging population including, trends in health, a longitudinal study of the aging, news flashes, and links to other aging web sites. National Institute on Aging The AARP Guide to Internet Resources Related to Aging Environmental Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) prevent exposure and adverse human health effects associated with exposure to hazardous substances National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) The NCEH work to prevent illness, disability, and death from interactions between people and the environment. Spanish Version of NCEH (Página del CDC Centro de Salud Ambiental en español) General Health Health Topics AZ CDC topical list (in alphabetical order)of disease and health...

Funding

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:22:00 GMT

Texas Links Texas Department of State Health Services Funding Information Center A list of programs that contract grants or monitor grant funding to and from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Window on State Government, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Provides access to a listing of grants available from the State of Texas and federal governement under Local Government Assistance. National Links Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)(publication) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Provides access to GrantsNet, the online grant service from DHHS. GrantsNet provides access to grant programs, funding availability, and other grant related resources. Federal Register (publication) National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Provides access to NCADI's...

Gambling

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:58:26 GMT

Help & Treatment Self-Assessment Quiz Gamblers Anonymous Official Gamblers Anonymous website For Family & Loved Ones Gam-Anon Support for spouse, family, or close friends of the problem gambler Youth Gambling Don't Throw Your Chances Away The Department of Health and Hospitals is dedicated to fulfilling its mission through direct provision of quality services, the development and stimulation of services of others, and the utilization of available resources in the most effective manner. Youthgambling.com International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors Wanna Bet? Magazine For youth A Cool Magazine for Kids Concerned about Gambling Youthbet.net A fun, interactive site for youth about gambling RESEARCH ...

Recovery/Treatment

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 21:54:43 GMT

Resource center and meeting place for Al-Anon and AlaTeen Al-Anon/AlaTeen - Official web site. Co-Anon Family Groups Alcoholics Anonymous/Alcohol Resources Alcoholics Anonymous - Official web site. A.C.O.A. Online Resources Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) PageNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Join Together Online : communities working to reduce the harms of excessive alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use. Drug Addiction National Institute on Drug Abuse The Marijuana Anonymous Home Page Cocaine Anonymous Home Page Narcotic Anonymous Website Partnership for a Drug Free America Drug Awareness Pills Anonymous Partnership for a Drug Free Texas ...

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Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:14:12 GMT

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SPF: Cultural Competency: 1/26/12 Austin, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

These surveys are a vital part of our reporting process and are required as part of our DSHS grant to provide this free, valuable training to you and your organization. Your valuable feedback allows CTS to provide the most effective training services possible.

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 27-Jan-12 9:00 AM
Expiration Date: 26-Apr-12 9:00 AM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

Follow-Up Survey: Austin, TX 1/10/12-1/11/12

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

We are excited to introduce to you our new Follow-Up Survey. Your feedback allows the Texas HIV Connection to provide the most effective training services possible.

Release Date: 26-Jan-12 5:00 PM
Expiration Date: 25-Apr-12 5:00 PM

We look forward to hearing about how you have implemented the knowledge you have gained from our trainings. Click the highlighted area below to take this survey. Please answer all questions. Thank you!

Project Toward No Drugs: 1/24-25/12 Abilene, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Your feedback allows CTS to provide the most effective training services possible. We look forward to hearing about how you have implemented the knowledge you have gained from this training. Your prompt completion of these surveys is a vital part of our reporting process and is required as part of our DSHS grant to provide this free, valuable training to you and your organization.

Release Date: 23-Jan-12 4:00 PM
Expiration Date: 22-Apr-12 4:00 PM

These surveys are quick and easy to complete. Please answer all of the questions. thank you for your time and cooperation!

Media Advocacy: 1/24/12 Corsicana, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 23-Jan-12 4:00 PM
Expiration Date: 22-Apr-12 4:00 PM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

SPF: Ordinance Passage: 1/24/12 Waxahachie, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 23-Jan-12 4:00 PM
Expiration Date: 22-Apr-12 4:00 PM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

Project SUCCESS: 1/18-20/12 Killeen, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Release Date: 19-Jan-12 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 18-Apr-12 10:00 AM

These surveys are quick and easy to complete. Please answer all of the questions. thank you for your time and cooperation!

CEPP Teaching and Training: The Art of Getting Your Message Across: 1/19/12 Dallas, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 19-Jan-12 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 18-Apr-12 10:00 AM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

CEPP Children's Behavioral Health: Crossing the Dotted Line: 1/18/12 Dallas, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 19-Jan-12 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 18-Apr-12 10:00 AM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

CEPP Effective Prevention Services Begin with Effective Communication: 1/19/12 Dallas, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 19-Jan-12 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 18-Apr-12 10:00 AM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

CEPP Substance abuse: The When The Why and The What: 1/18/12 Dallas, TX

noemail@statewidetraining.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Objectives:

Thank you very much for your time and feedback!

Release Date: 19-Jan-12 10:00 AM
Expiration Date: 18-Apr-12 10:00 AM

Simply click the link and complete the survey. It should only take you a few minutes. Thanks!

SOWC-2011-243

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:46:32 GMT