The goal of the SAPST is to develop the basic knowledge and skills needed by substance misuse prevention practitioners to plan, implement, and evaluate effective, data-driven programs and practices that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness. The SAPST is intended as an introductory level course; throughout the course of their careers, prevention practitioners will need additional and more advanced workforce development opportunities beyond the SAPST.

After completing the training, participants will receive a certificate for 31 training hours (includes pre-work and 4 days of in-person training).

What is the SAPST?

• Innovative training that blends a four (4)-day, in person component with a pre-requisite interactive online course
• Grounded in current research and SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework
• Provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness

Who is the intended audience?

• Entry-level prevention administrators and practitioners
• Members of community coalitions working to address substance use
• Professionals working in fields related to substance use prevention

What does the SAPST cover?

Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (online)

• Basic terminology and facts
• History of substance use and prevention in the U.S.
• Addiction and the brain
• Effects and health risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Setting the Foundation: From Theory to Practice (in-person)

• Behavioral health
• Spectrum of Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Interventions
• Public health approach
• Social Determinants of Health
• Risk and protective factors
• Developmental perspective

Application: SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (in-person)

• Assessment, capacity, planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Cultural proficiency, sustainability

Cost

• Free with priority given to those in Colorado and HRSA Region VIII.

What to Expect

4 Day In-Person Event

2 weeks before the first in-person meeting day you will receive additional information about the location of the training.

Access to Course Materials

2 weeks prior to the first session, you will receive access to the SAPST In-Person Brightspace “course” – you can think of this as your landing spot to access resources about the training. In Brightspace and before attending the first session, you will need to submit the certificate you receive after completing the prerequisite HealtheKnowledge Introductory module.

Course Pre-requisite

Before attending the first session, you must complete the self-paced, 5 hour module: Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course). This brief course provides useful context for professionals new to substance abuse prevention and mental health promotion or in related fields. You will need to create a HealtheKnowledge account if you don't have one already. This site is separate from RMPHTC Brightspace.

Successful Completion

To earn a Certificate of Completion, you must complete the following:

• Complete the self-paced, 5 hour module: Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course) and upload the certificate to Brightspace.
• Attend all 4 days of the in-person meetings.
• Complete the post-course evaluation.

Length of Learning Opportunity

26 hours over 4 days + 5 hours from HealtheKnowledge module

Primary Competency

Public Health Sciences Skills

Development Partner(s)

This training was developed with support from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment Prevention Services Division.

***Please note that in the event that there are fewer than 10 registrants, this training may be postponed to give everyone the best learning experience.***

We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please let us know of any accommodations that will assist your full participation.

Please choose a session below.

You will be contacted within 2 business days with additional information.