In Rhode Island, leaders across the state are deeply committed to ensuring access to high-quality, compassionate substance use disorder treatment so individuals and families can heal and thrive. In recognition of Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, we highlight Linda Mahoney, Associate Director at the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) and the role that she plays in honoring the dignity and respect of all Rhode Islanders seeking care.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as Associate Director of Behavioral Health/Substance Use Conditions at BHDDH?

My name is Linda Mahoney, and I am the Associate Director for the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). As Associate Director, I am responsible for the oversight of Rhode Island’s substance use disorder treatment facilities, including serving as the State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA). I have been an alcohol and substance use disorder clinician for more than 35 years and am honored to serve in this role, ensuring that all Rhode Islanders receive quality care with dignity and respect.

How does Rhode Island define “treatment” for substance use disorders, what goals does the state prioritize in its treatment approach, and what different levels of care are available in the treatment system?

The Rhode Island Behavioral Health Division prioritizes improving access to all forms of substance use disorder treatment. Rhode Island is fortunate to offer all American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standard levels of care for alcohol and substance use disorders. This includes withdrawal management (detoxification) provided at licensed behavioral health organizations and, in some cases, through home-based withdrawal management programs. Information on bed availability can be found at www.ribhopenbeds.org [ribhopenbeds.org].

In addition, Rhode Island has five opioid treatment programs (OTPs) offering the gold standard of care—medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. These OTPs operate in 17 locations throughout the state. For a small state, Rhode Island has a high number of available treatment services.

Treatment also means timely access. When immediate behavioral health services are needed, individuals can access the 988 Lifeline, Rhode Island’s behavioral health hotline, as well as BHLink, the state’s 24/7 behavioral health hotline and triage center. BHLink can be reached at 401-414-LINK (5465) and is located at 975 Waterman Avenue [google.com] in East Providence, RI 02914. More information is available at www.bhlink.org [bhlink.org].

How does an individual typically enter the treatment system in Rhode Island—from first contact to being placed in an appropriate level of care?

Individuals seeking help for a substance use disorder can enter the treatment system through a variety of pathways. The first step often begins with asking for help. This may include speaking with a primary care provider, calling 988 or BHLink, or researching available resources online.

Rhode Island’s website, www.preventoverdoseri.org [preventoverdoseri.org], offers comprehensive information for individuals, families, providers, and community members interested in learning more about substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state.

What role does the state play in coordinating and overseeing the treatment process across providers and agencies?

BHDDH has statutory responsibility for planning, developing, and implementing quality programming across the behavioral health system. This includes responding to and following up on patient grievances through the BHDDH hotline at 401-462-2629 and coordinating with Rhode Island’s workforce to implement the latest evidence-based clinical practices.

BHDDH licenses and conducts quality audits for 33 behavioral health agencies statewide. These agencies must meet federal and state regulatory requirements, and BHDDH maintains a dedicated team to ensure clinically appropriate services are delivered. RI has a team of people that look to ensure clinically appropriate services:  Welcome to the Rhode Island Code of Regulations – Rhode Island Department of State

BHDDH serves as Co-Chair of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force and collaborates with community partners and statewide agencies to identify system needs, improve services, and strategically utilize state and federal funding.

What barriers do people in Rhode Island commonly face when trying to access or stay in treatment, and how is the state working to address those challenges?

In January 2022, Rhode Island joined the national opioid settlement with three major opioid distributors, securing more than $90 million to support state and local efforts to address the opioid crisis. Additional settlements—$21 million from Johnson & Johnson and $2.5 million from McKinsey & Co.—bring Rhode Island’s total opioid litigation recoveries to more than $114 million.

With settlement funds allocated to BHDDH to improve treatment services, significant investments have been made in substance use disorder residential treatment. These include increasing the number of treatment beds for both insured and uninsured individuals experiencing financial hardship. Settlement funds have also been used to ensure access to medications for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine and methadone, at no cost to individuals in need.

BHDDH has expanded additional services as well, stewarding opioid settlement funds to ensure that programs launched with these resources are sustainable long after the funding period ends. More information on how these funds have been allocated is available in the Final Opioid Settlement Annual Report – December 2025_cs.pdf

How does the state measure whether substance use disorder treatment is effective, and what outcomes are considered most important?

Rhode Island measures the effectiveness of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment through a combination of treatment-level performance metrics and statewide public health outcomes. Using data reported by licensed providers to the Rhode Island Behavioral Health On-Line Database (BHOLD), the state tracks indicators such as timely treatment initiation, level of care received, and planned versus unplanned treatment discharge, which serve as key measures of treatment quality and effectiveness. These measures help show whether services are accessible, supportive, and effective for individuals. At the system level, Rhode Island also monitors broader outcomes, including overdose mortality trends, access to medication-assisted treatment, and harm-reduction indicators such as naloxone distribution, to assess whether the overall SUD treatment and prevention system is reducing morbidity and mortality and supporting long-term recovery.

Is there anything else you’d like to share? (e.g., any additional messages, initiatives, or resources you’d like folks to be aware of?)

This January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is leading a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment through the observance of SUD Treatment Month. The campaign highlights the many paths to recovery, the support services that complement treatment, and the importance of strong support systems.

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.4 million people aged 12 or older (16.8%) experienced a substance use disorder in the past year. Of these, 27.9 million had an alcohol use disorder, 28.2 million had a drug use disorder, and 7.7 million experienced both.

Data also shows that among people aged 12 or older who needed substance use treatment in 2024, only about 1 in 5 (19.3%, or 10.2 million people) received treatment.

SUD Treatment Month serves to support:

• People contemplating or seeking help for substance use
• Practitioners treating or considering treating substance use disorder
• Friends, family members, and loved ones of individuals with substance use disorder

By raising awareness of treatment options, including medications for substance use disorders, SAMHSA seeks to:

• Break down barriers that prevent people from seeking help
• Encourage individuals on their treatment and recovery journey
• Promote best practices such as screening, intervention, and evidence-based treatment
• Help spread SAMHSA’s message through social media and public education campaigns focused on treatment, recovery resources, and hope

Every effort helps save lives. Visit SAMHSA’s SUD Treatment Month digital toolkit [samhsa.gov] to learn more.

The post January 2026 Provider Profile: Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month – Spotlight on Treatment Partners with Linda Mahoney appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role in prevention as Program Manager at the City of Providence’s Department of Housing & Human Services?

My name is Julia Brida, and I joined the City of Providence’s Department of Housing & Human Services in July 2025. As a Program Manager, I oversee the Providence Regional Prevention Task Force, the Mayor’s Coalition on Behavioral Health, and several substance use prevention grants. I grew up in Arkansas and earned my degree from Keene State College in New Hampshire. I have called Providence home for the past five years. Outside of work, I enjoy live music, biking, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops around the city.

This year, the theme of SAMHSA’s Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month is Telling the Prevention Story, what are your motivations for working in substance misuse prevention? What was your career path to working in prevention?

Substance use prevention is personally meaningful to me because I’ve witnessed its impact on people close to me—and I know millions of others are affected every year. While access to treatment has improved, prevention plays a crucial role in reducing addiction rates, easing financial burdens on communities, and mitigating long-term health consequences. I studied Public Health with a concentration in Community Health because I’m passionate about addressing public health challenges through education and proactive approaches. Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have—not just for reducing disease and disability, but also for lessening the emotional, societal, and economic toll of preventable health issues. My path in prevention has been guided by a deep belief in its potential to build healthier, more resilient communities.

The City of Providence has historically collaborated with schools, senior centers, and parks to provide prevention programming on prescription drugs and tobacco. Would you be able to expand on the specific programs that the city has found successful and your organization’s relationship with community partners?

The City of Providence has seen success through a number of prevention programs in collaboration with community partners:

• Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL): This program serves adults 55+ and focuses on improving strength, mobility, and balance. It also includes education on opioid and substance use. In addition to supporting physical health and prevention, it provides a social setting for older adults to connect.
• Chronic Pain Self-Management Program: This evidence-based program offers education on exercise, nutrition, appropriate medication use, and tools for living with chronic pain. It empowers older adults to maintain active, fulfilling lives while fostering peer support and connection.
• Mayor’s Youth Prevention Teams (MYPT): In partnership with Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS), we coordinate school-based prevention teams at several middle and high schools across Providence. These teams meet biweekly with RISAS Student Assistance Counselors to engage in peer-led education on substance use, overdose prevention, and adolescent mental health. Each team completes a final project presented to the Mayor’s Coalition on Behavioral Health at the end of the school year. The program has strengthened collaboration between school-based prevention and citywide youth advocacy—and students have expressed excitement to get started this school year!

Providence also secures grants and allocates funding to support many local programs that help people directly impacted by the opioid crisis. We announced an $870,000 investment in overdose prevention programs earlier this year and became the first municipality in Rhode Island and one of the first in the nation to support and license an overdose prevention center (OPC). Since opening in January, the OPC has been a tremendous success: it has seen more than 3,500 visits and conducted 113 life-saving interventions, with EMS needing to be called only once. The City allocated $250,000 in opioid settlement funds to help make the OPC a reality. We’ve also secured a $2.3 million Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) grant from SAMHSA, equipping EMS teams and community members with tools and training to respond to overdoses.

How can folks get involved in helping to support the prevention work that the City of Providence does? What advice do you have for people looking to start working or volunteering in prevention?

There are several ways to get involved in prevention work here in Providence:

• General Involvement: Anyone interested in supporting prevention initiatives can contact me directly at Jbrida@providenceri.gov. We also welcome community members from all backgrounds to join the Mayor’s Coalition on Behavioral Health (MCBH)—a collaborative space for raising awareness, developing partnerships, and driving action on key public health issues. Learn more here. The MCBH meets monthly and meetings are open to the public.
• Youth (Ages 11–17): Youth can contact Venus Wolo at Vwolo@providenceri.gov to learn about joining the United Youth Sub-Committee, a branch of the MCBH. This group teaches youth about prevention best practices and gives them a voice in shaping policy and programs through engaging, hands-on activities.
• Young Adults (Ages 18–25): Young adults can reach out to Jen Wall at Jwall@providenceri.gov to get involved with the United Young Adults Sub-Committee, a branch of the MCBH. This group focuses on prevention education, outreach, leadership development, and creating positive community change.

My advice for new preventionists is to just take that first step! Prevention is a rewarding and impactful field, and many organizations are eager for volunteers and new ideas. Whether you’re participating in events, joining a coalition, or educating peers, your involvement can make a real difference for individuals and the broader community

Is the City of Providence hosting any events for Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month that you would like to share?

We will be hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Providence Public Safety Complex (325 Washington St.). This event provides residents with a safe, convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications—and it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of proper medication disposal in preventing misuse.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as Regional Coordinator of the Blackstone Valley Regional Coalition?

I, Lisa Carcifero, am pleased to share this profile of my 25+ years in the Prevention Field as the Executive Director/Regional Director of the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition Corporation, dba the Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition (BVPC). The BVPC region is the largest region per capita and benefits from the range of communities, urban, suburban and rural, with three of the four Core Cities in Rhode Island housed in our region. Our evidence-based and evidence-informed efforts reflect and support our multiplicity.

This year, the theme of SAMHSA’s Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month is Telling the Prevention Story, what are your motivations for working in substance misuse prevention? What was your career path to working in prevention?

After graduating from Lincoln High School, I attended Stonehill College and received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Biology. I then received my Master of Social Work, Clinical with a concentration in Medical Social Work from Boston College and have been practicing as a Private Practice clinician for over 33 years. I began my role in prevention in 2000 at which time I was also a treatment provider. Then I was contacted by the Executive Director and founder of the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition, Ann Sutherland Auclair, to consider being a consultant for the organization, which meant coordination of subcommittees and serving as a radio show host at the onset. Little did I know, my predecessor was planning her transition and positioning me as her successor. At that time, I was eager to learn about prevention as the beginning of the continuum of care. In January of 2001, I began my role as Executive Director of the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition and never looked back. I became responsible for overseeing the City of Woonsocket’s prevention efforts and diversifying its funding base. In 2017, as BHDDH moved to regionalization of the Prevention Coalitions and The Woonsocket Prevention Coalition began serving as the Administrative/Fiscal agent for the region, which is comprised of Coalitions from Burrillville, Central Falls, Cumberland, Lincoln, North Smithfield, Pawtucket and Woonsocket and the Coalitions agreed to be known as The Blackstone Valley Prevention Coalition (BVPC), our business DBA.

The Blackstone Valley Regional Coalition has historically collaborated with local schools and families to provide afterschool prevention programming, information on the Rhode Island Social Host Law, and to promote mental health resources. Would you be able to expand on the specific programs that your coalition has found successful and your organization’s relationship with community partners?

At the heart of the BVPC is its community collaborations and partnerships that support work within the communities, schools and families. The partnerships and community-based processes allow for maximization of effort within the communities from community events to media campaign development, the variety of perspectives and feedback is priceless in prevention. In addition, through the development of content-specific and community/population-specific materials, information is disseminated to meet each target group’s needs through eight evidence-based programs. Alternative activities are also provided to youth through individual and regional after-school youth groups/programs. For example, Lincoln has its PAWS (Prevention, Awareness, Wellness, Support) program, Pawtucket has CSI (Creating Solutions for Independence), Woonsocket has ATI (Above the Influence), SWAG (Student Wellness and Growth) and LEAD (Learn, Educate, Advocate, Demonstrate) programs. Strong environmental strategies are based in support from our law enforcement partnerships with compliance checks and through our organically developed media campaigns focusing on current issues facing our communities.

What began as a focus on substance use prevention, has morphed into a holistic approach to overall health and wellness through comprehensive prevention efforts through a lens of acceptance and understanding of all populations and communities. The BVPC no longer works in a silo, but has been transformed through the integration of all aspects of prevention, including substance use, mental health and well-being, physical health, prevention within recovery, violence and safe schools and communities to name a few.

How can folks get involved in helping to support the prevention work that the Blackstone Valley Regional Coalition does? What advice do you have for people looking to start working or volunteering in prevention?

These past 25 years have been an incredible ride alongside some amazing Prevention Professionals that have become part of my work family. I have been blessed to grow with the field of Prevention and am so proud of our Region’s work within our communities. Prevention has seen tremendous growth through the credentialing of its workforce and strengthened through its evidence-based programming. I have never been so proud to be a preventionist and I am forever thankful to those in the field that have had the forethought to build this respected field. I encourage individuals to consider a career in Prevention as there is great reward for protecting children and families, educating communities and engaging partners in building safe and substance free schools, communities and families.

Is the Blackstone Valley Regional Coalition hosting any events for Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month that would you like to share?

Specifically focusing on Substance Abuse Prevention month, most of our communities organize activities both in partnership with our schools and Student Assistance Counselors or within their communities during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, 2025. Lincoln PAWS will be planting tulip bulbs in memory of DEA Agent, Kiki Camerena, and will be available within the schools to raise awareness to substance use prevention. Pawtucket Prevention Coalition, the Pawtucket School Department and the Mayor’s Office are holding a Red Ribbon Rally and Poetry contest for students. Woonsocket is hosting a Trunk or Treat for families and will attend the Woonsocket Middle School’s Trunk or Treat and will have the BVPC trunk decorated with Red Ribbon educational materials.

The post Telling the Prevention Story: Prevention Experiences Across Rhode Island appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

Progreso Latino is dedicated to empowering Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities by fostering self-sufficiency and advancing socio-economic progress. Through a wide range of transformational programs, the organization promotes personal development and drives meaningful social change.

With 14 targeted initiatives addressing the diverse needs within the community, Progreso Latino is actively working toward a future in which Latino and immigrant communities not only thrive socially and economically but also lead in shaping solutions to statewide challenges.

Deputy Director Cindy Montoya emphasizes the organization’s proactive efforts in prevention—particularly in the areas of health and wellness, substance use, and youth support—underscoring Progreso Latino’s holistic approach to community well-being.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as Deputy Director of Progreso Latino?

My name is Cindy Montoya and I am the Deputy Director for Progreso Latino here in Rhode Island. I started in this position rather recently as it has only been about ten months. In my role I support the oversight of Progreso Latino’s operations, programs, and strategic initiatives. 

I am bringing to my role as Deputy Director here at Progreso Latino over 14 years of experience with clinic organization, data management, and the client fulfilment spectrum. I also previously worked with children and in case management. All of which has provided me with the skillset to effectively lead and serve the communities that Progreso Latino reaches. 

Progreso Latino’s overarching mission is to help Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and socio-economic progress by providing transformational programs that support personal growth and social change. Can you tell us a bit about Progreso Latino’s work around each of these objectives? (e.g. Strategies being implemented)

As it relates to self-sufficiency, we have the Adult Education Program. This program has served the community for more than 30 years, preparing adults so that they may achieve their education and career goals for improved life and work opportunities. We offer a variety of courses such as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Native Literacy, Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, Citizenship, Job Training/IET/RI-Best, and Job Development. I would like to especially highlight our Job Training/IET/RI-Best course offering which is a training for entry-level careers in mental health with a pathway to earning national certification in Mental Health First Aid. 

In regards to socio-economic progress, we have a Job Club. Job Club educates and helps individuals become competitive in the labor market. We connect employees and employers, provide trainings that supports both parties with the opportunity to offer and receive a better work experience. In fact, Progreso Latino’s Job Club increased the workplace capacity of 12 individuals who completed the OSHA Training by Groundwork Rhode Island. 

What are some of the current prevention aims of Progreso Latino (e.g. in terms of substance use, health and wellness, and youth)? Are there any new or emerging areas of focus, challenges, or initiatives that you’d like to highlight?

First up we have our Wellness Center which has a goal to eliminate the disparity in access to health services that exists between the Latino community and the general population. Progreso Latino’s Health & Wellness Program provides health education, health prevention resources and access to health care. It is a comprehensive program for adults, primarily from Central Falls and Pawtucket who participate in structured, onsite health, wellness, personal enrichment and social activities that promote physical health, emotional health, and community engagement. We offer a variety of different programming through our Wellness Center, but to highlight just a few, we do have a free walk-in clinic with free screenings on the last Wednesday of every month from 9-11 AM on the first floor of our building, room 100. 

Specifically in 2024 and 2025 we have increased our outreach to individuals impacted by substance use by partnering with local organizations such as Project Weber/RENEW to develop support groups. This of course is a new and emerging area of focus for Progreso Latino, but one that we do believe is vitally important and look forward to continuing to expand our reach and support to these individuals. 

With regards to our programming for youth, we do have a Mentorship program that was created in partnership with MentorRI. This program serves students in 7-12th grade and is designed to connect dedicated mentors with young people seeking guidance and support. In addition to our Mentorship Program we also have the Teen Outreach Program (TOPs). TOPs serves youth ages 12-18 and was created to promote positive development in adolescents by guiding them to build a foundation of healthy behaviors, sense of purpose, avoid risky behaviors, improve their ability to manage emotions, increase empathy, work as a team, and take responsibility. 

Progreso Latino notes on their website that they support “have developed strong relationships with community partners throughout the state, and have touched the lives of tens of thousands of individuals.” Can you please tell us more about this and what this means in terms of Progreso Latino’s work? 

In addition to the partnerships I previously mentioned, we have also been fortunate to be able to collaborate with the Department of Health and hospitals for our Free Diabetes Prevention Program as well as our Chronic Pain Management Program. Some of our other partner organizations for our Wellness Center include Care New England Integra, Pawtucket YMCA, Pawtucket Central Falls Health Equity Zone, and Local Initiatives Support Cooperation. 

One partnership that we are particularly proud of occurred between us, Rocío Oliva and Megan Duckworth, medical students at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Integra Community Care, and Johnson & Wales University. Through this partnership we were able to create Savoring Health, a Healthy Latinx Cookbook and Recipe Nutrition Labels. 

How can folks get involved in helping to support the prevention and other work that Progreso Latino does?

One of the major ways that folks can get involved in helping to support our work here at Progreso Latino is to sign up to be a volunteer or to be a mentor. Both of these opportunities can be found on our website at www.progresolatino.org/volunteer. One important note about becoming a volunteer with us is that individuals will need to obtain a background check first. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share? (e.g. Any additional messages, initiatives, or resources you’d like folks to be aware of?)

Yes, the contacts for the various programs that I have highlighted above. First, our Director of Adult Education is Claudia Cordon ccordon@progresolatino.org. Second, our Job Club Coordinator is Rosalba Perez rperezfontalvo@progresolatino.org. Third, our Wellness & Senior Program Coordinator is Dominga Taveras dtaveras@progresolatino.org. Finally, our Mentorship Program and TOPs Coordinator is Luz Rojas lrojas@progresolatino.org.

The post Outstanding Community Organization in RI- Progreso Latino with Cindy Montoya (June 2025) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

Obed Papp is the Regional Coordinator of the Providence Regional Task Force. She received the Community Outreach Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), which highlights individuals who conduct outreach, education, and prevention programming relating to underage drinking.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as a Regional Coordinator of the Providence Regional Task Force and your motivations for working in substance misuse prevention?

My name is Obed Papp, and I serve as the Regional Coordinator of the Providence Regional Task Force. I collaborate with community partners, schools, policymakers, and families in this role to implement evidence-based strategies that prevent substance misuse and promote healthier communities. My motivation for working in this field stems from witnessing the devastating impact that substance misuse, particularly impaired driving and underage drinking, can have on families and communities. It’s not just about statistics—it’s about lives, and every life saved through prevention efforts reminds me why this work matters.

The RI Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) awarded you the Community Outreach Award for using public relations mediums and outreach to educate the public, deter traffic violations and prevent underage drinking. Can you tell us a bit about your work in impaired driving prevention? 

Receiving the Community Outreach Award from MADD is truly an honor. My work in impaired driving prevention has focused on three key areas: education, enforcement partnerships, and community engagement. Through initiatives like the Community Mobilization for Change in Alcohol and the Family Matters Program, we educate parents and youth about the risks of underage drinking and impaired driving. Our social media campaigns, school presentations, and collaborations with law enforcement have been instrumental in spreading awareness.

What role does the greater community have in impacting substance misuse and impaired driving? What strategies have you used to create these meaningful partnerships?

The community plays a pivotal role in preventing substance misuse and impaired driving. It’s not just the responsibility of law enforcement or health organizations; schools, parents, youth, faith-based groups, and local leaders all contribute to creating a culture of prevention. One proven effective strategy is building coalitions like the Mayor’s Coalition on Behavioral Health. These coalitions unite diverse stakeholders, ensuring everyone has a voice and can contribute to sustainable solutions. We also collaborate with local media to amplify prevention messages. I want to emphasize that prevention is a shared responsibility, and everyone can play a part. Whether it’s talking to your children about the dangers of underage drinking, participating in community events, or supporting initiatives like MedReturn boxes for safe medication disposal, every effort counts. Let’s continue working together to build safer, healthier communities.

Patricia Sweet is the Regional Coordinator of the Southern Providence County Regional Task Force, which includes the Johnston Prevention Coalition (JPC). The Johnston Prevention Coalition received the National Coalition Institute’s Blue Ribbon Coalition of the Year Award Honoring Long-term Outcomes from Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) for its work addressing nicotine use in youth.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as a Regional Coordinator of the Southern Providence County Regional Task Force and your motivations for working in substance misuse prevention?

My name is Patricia Sweet, I am the Director of Prevention at Tri- County Community Action Agency and also serve as the Director of the Southern Providence County Regional Prevention Coalition. Back when I attended college, degree options in this field were quite limited. Initially, I planned to become a psychologist counseling adolescents, so I focused on psychology and took as many substance use-related courses as possible. One of the most impactful was Alcohol Troubled People (ATP)—a course that reshaped my perspective on individuals with alcohol use disorder. Instead of labeling them as “alcoholics,” I learned to see them as people struggling with alcohol-related challenges. As part of my coursework, I worked with at-risk students at my former high school, which I absolutely loved. Had public health been a more recognized field back then, I likely would have taken that path. Working at Tri-County Community Action allows me to pursue my passion for helping and educating others. As a Regional Coordinator, I have the opportunity to do both—collaborating with a fantastic team to prevent substance misuse and implement programs that empower youth to make healthier choices.

The Johnston Prevention Coalition has a strong programming focus on youth substance misuse prevention and tobacco use prevention. Would you be able to expand on the specific programs the coalition has developed and administered in the community?

With the support of local schools, BHDDH, and Drug-Free Communities grants the Johnston Coalition has implemented highly engaging and effective prevention programs tailored to youth. One of our most successful initiatives is Escape the Vape, an interactive escape room experience that educates students about the risks of vaping. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm from youth in my career as a prevention specialist—students are so eager to participate that they stand in line multiple times just for another chance to complete the challenge. Beyond the excitement, the program delivers real impact; consistently showing positive learning outcomes and reinforcing the importance of hands-on prevention education. Another impactful program we deliver is Pick Your No’s, a refusal skills campaign originally named by Tiverton youth. We took this creative campaign and developed a structured program that we teach in health classes. The title itself sparks curiosity, and students enjoy the interactive approach while gaining practical strategies to resist peer pressure related to substance use. Additionally, we implement Media Ready for all 6th graders at the middle school. This evidence-based program, widely used across multiple regions, teaches students how to critically analyze media messages, recognize false advertising, and understand how marketing tactics are designed to target young audiences—especially when it comes to tobacco and substance use.

What role do parents and the greater community have in impacting youth substance misuse? What initiatives has the Johnston Prevention Coalition used to successfully engage parents and caregivers? What strategies would you recommend to other coalitions who are looking to create these meaningful partnerships?

We utilize community-wide awareness campaigns to keep prevention a priority. Through our regional website, social media outreach, and the SPC Regional newsletter, Raising Healthy Kids, we share critical messages about the risks of underage drinking, vaping, and other substances. Additionally, we aim to host at least one community event each year. Most recently, we hosted The Community Conversation, by Cathy Andreozzi, bringing together parents, students, and community members to discuss impaired driving, relevant laws, and actionable steps for prevention. Another initiative we implement is “Talk They Hear You,” a SAMHSA national campaign that provides parents with conversation starters and strategies for discussing substance use with their children. By equipping parents with tools and resources, we empower them to have ongoing, age-appropriate discussions that make a lasting impact. The Johnston Prevention Coalition exhibits the Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program which is an interactive exhibit designed to educate parents on the subtle warning signs of risky behaviors that may be present in their teen’s bedroom. We built strong partnerships through clear communication, collaboration, and shared goals. By engaging stakeholders early, aligning initiatives with community needs, and showing appreciation we build trust with the community.

Learn more about MADD Rhode Island here.

Learn more about CADCA and the Blue Ribbon Coalition Awards here.

The post Excellence in Coalition Community Engagement with Obed Papp and Patricia Sweet (March 2025) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

One of the most challenging aspects of implementing an evidence-based program is balancing fidelity and adaptation. In this interview, Rachel Ferrara, MSW and Dr. Allison Minugh discuss overcoming challenges in the implementation of the Family Matters program for Providence’s Partnerships for Success grant by prioritizing cultural responsiveness and community collaboration. Read the full Family Matters Results Summary Report here.  Could you please start by introducing yourselves and sharing about your experience in substance use prevention and your current prevention work.  Rachel Ferrara, MSW, currently serves as the Human Services Division Director for the City of Providence’s Department of Housing & Human Services (HHS). The Human Services Division serves as the coordinating body for the City’s health living policies and initiatives by implementing policy, environmental, and system changes to support community health in Providence’s neighborhoods. The Division focuses on closing the health gap through increased access to healthy food, physical activity, maternal health services, behavioral health supports, and other health-related programming. In this role, Ferrara advises the Mayor and senior policy staff on youth health, overall wellness, and chronic disease prevention, with a strong focus on substance use and overdose prevention. Her background reflects a strong commitment to substance use prevention and community health, blending strategic oversight, data-driven evaluation, and hands-on program management. Allison Minugh, Ph.D. is president and CEO of Datacorp, a small, woman-owned business. Dr. Minugh is a trained research methodologist in behavioral health psychology and distinguished senior data scientist with specialized expertise in data governance, data handling policies and procedures, and the creation of transparent data infrastructures. As a committed life-long learner, Dr. Minugh has collaborated with leading researchers nationwide to enhance her research methodology skills. She is widely respected for her work in the prevention and treatment fields and for her exceptional abilities in needs assessment, evaluation, social indicators, data management, and analytic protocols.  Rachel Ferrara and Dr. Minugh currently work together on the City of Providence’s Municipal Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success (PFS) Grant. The City of Providence’s Department of Housing & Human Services (HHS) was awarded 5 years of funding through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services for the Partnerships for Success grant in August 2020.  The PFS program focuses on city-wide alcohol and tobacco/nicotine use by youths aged twelve to seventeen years, particularly in out-of-school settings. Could you tell us about the Family Matters program? How and why did you select Family Matters as the evidence-based practice to implement?  Family Matters was originally selected as part of our Regional Substance Use Prevention Taskforce strategic plan to support our strategy for intervening with parents/families. We needed a no-cost evidence-based practice, with known effectiveness. For our Partnerships for Success grant, Family Matters was largely selected for its fit and feasibility, which suggested it would be a good candidate for adaptation. Family Matters can be implemented by a variety of organizations and individuals, such as health promotion practitioners in health departments, school health educators, parent-teacher groups, community-based organizations, non-profits, and volunteers.  The program addresses parenting techniques related to substance use prevention for a wide age range and can be applied to all genders, multiple races and ethnicities, and geographic locations. The program has been implemented since 1996 and has a solid evidence base supporting its use.  It is a universal prevention program that has shown no adverse effects, concerns, or unintended consequences.   The program addresses local conditions and activities, including:

• Provides caregivers with accurate information about substance use
• Impacts attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol use
• Reduces tobacco and alcohol use in youth and adolescents
• Increases family bonding
• Increases parenting skills

What challenges did you encounter in the implementation of the program? How did you address and overcome these challenges, particularly in balancing adaptation and fidelity to the program? Key challenges arose when scheduling the sessions and deciding between group versus individual formats. We addressed these challenges by allowing the implementation to be scheduled on a cohort-by-cohort basis. Early on we experienced a lot of apprehension from participants due to cultural norms and stigma surrounding substance use.  Some participants perceived the program funder (City of Providence) as a government threat and worried that disclosing certain information in program discussions would lead to their prosecution. This issue was addressed through further discussion of the program using culturally familiar terms and reassurance from facilitators communicating in the participant’s native language. Facilitating language seemed to be a big help.  Your implementation of the second cohort of Family Matters focused on being collaborative and community-driven. Could you tell us about the collaborative nature of this program and the people and organizations involved? What was the impetus to engage community members and organizations like the Center for Southeast Asians (CSEA)? How has this engagement enriched your work and the impact of the program?  Providence is extremely multilingual, with more than double the statewide percentage of foreign-born residents and households that speak a language other than English (over 35 different languages) at 31.6% and 48.4%, respectively. It was critical to partner with organizations that were already connected with and providing services to these populations. CSEA uses an outreach approach to recruitment. Facilitators head into the community to local shops, neighborhoods, and community events that they know have a high population/attendance of Southeast Asian (SEA) individuals. Facilitators advocate for the program by using fliers and personally engaging with potential participants. On the spot, they provide potential participants with the recruitment flier as well as any additional information to help answer questions regarding substance use or the program curriculum.  Likewise, the Refugee Dream Center supplies information to individuals within the organization and uses more of an in-reach approach for recruitment. With both community partners, we work closely throughout each implementation to ensure it is truly collaborative effort. How did the program prioritize cultural sensitivity and responsiveness? How did implementation integrate and address cultural values? The PFS program prioritized cultural responsiveness by using culturally familiar terms as well as facilitators who could communicate in the participant’s native language, which truly reassured participants. Facilitation in the participants’ native language had a big impact.  What was the process like to develop resources in Lao and Cambodian? Who was involved? CSEA staff translated the materials into written languages. There are some strictly spoken languages used at CSEA; in these cases, staff translate on the spot.  What has been the most rewarding aspect of this experience?  Frankly, the most rewarding aspect of this experience has been seeing the participant results and sharing the outcomes in various different forums. There seems to be a great deal of interest in this adaptation that has been rewarding. How do you envision the program evolving? What are some of the broader goals of this work? In the future, we envision this program potentially expanding to different family members based on cultural considerations. For instance, both SEA and Refugee families tend to have more than one generation living within the household. CSEA inquired about adding grandparents as participants in future implementation. The program could also be expanded to school parents. What advice would you give to prevention providers who encounter challenges in program implementation, particularly in balancing adaptation and fidelity?  It is truly important to perform qualitative interviews and work closely with implementation staff. You have to really dig into the issues you face while sticking to the intended delivery format. For prevention providers, it’s important to remember that it’s a real-world situation and you have to be able to adapt to unforeseen issues that will invariably arise.

The post Family Matters with Rachel Ferrara & Dr. Allison Minugh (August 2024) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

In 1980, 13-year-old Cari Lightner was killed by a drunk driver while walking to a church carnival. Cari’s mother, Candace Lighter, turned her pain into purpose by working to change drunk driving laws in California, and thus Mothers Against Drunk Driving was formed. In this interview, Wesley Pennington- Program Director for the Rhode Island Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving- discusses how MADD’s work supports equitable traffic safety enforcement, potential legislation changes, the impact of cannabis legalization, collaboration with local partners, victim resources, and accountability within our community to end impaired driving.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and sharing a bit about your role as Director of the RI Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)?

My name is Wesley Pennington and I am the Program Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) here in Rhode Island. I came to this position somewhat fortuitously through my previous role as a state trooper with the Rhode Island State Police, which I retired from in 2022. As a state trooper, I was in charge of leading our traffic safety unit. Most of our work there revolved around impaired driving enforcement, so while my role here at MADD is somewhat new, I’ve been involved in impaired driving prevention work for the last 15 years or so and the transition to this new role with MADD felt seamless. 

In my previous work, I often had the difficult task of having to deliver the worst news a person could ever hear. I appreciate now having the opportunity to shift my focus and walk beside the folks who have heard that devastating news to support them. 

Candace Lightner carried her daughter Cari’s photo with her when she began her advocacy work in 1980 which ultimately led to the formation of MADD. To this day, MADD continues to prioritize the act of sharing photos and stories of victims and survivors of impaired driving incidents. How does MADD engage in this practice today and why is this such an important focus?

The picture serves as a reminder, it tells a story that people don’t easily forget. We focus on the combined impact of sharing photos with stories in our messaging so that we can effectively get the message across in a memorable way. All of this work that we do here at MADD is in service of our victims. It’s so important that people understand that this crime is 100% preventable, and sharing pictures of those who we’ve lost or those who have been impacted by this crime helps to drive the message home for folks. It allows them to connect the numbers to actual stories and put faces to the victims of something that we have the power to prevent. We share these photos to deliver a stronger message in the hopes of being able to reach more people and motivate a commitment to change that allows them to make the safe decision in the future to not get behind the wheel while impaired.

MADD’s overarching mission is to end impaired driving and create a Nation Of No More Victims®. To achieve this, the organization focuses on a few key objectives: ending drunk driving, helping to fight drugged driving, and preventing underage drinking and other substance use. Can you tell us a bit about MADD’s work around each of these objectives on a national level? 

As of late, MADD’s focus on ending drunk driving and on fighting drugged driving have come together more with so many states now legalizing cannabis as well as other substances. We’re primarily concerned with the question: how do we end drunk and drugged driving? We concentrate on a few different methods to do this. One of these methods is strengthening awareness. We aim to spread the message as far as we can to help folks understand and take seriously the dangers of driving impaired, whether it be drugs or alcohol. Another way we try to do this is by focusing on legislative issues and advocating for policy change. MADD works to support changes in the law that have the potential to help people understand the consequences of these actions to reduce the likelihood of folks making or repeating unsafe decisions when getting behind the wheel. Part of this work also involves supporting law enforcement in their efforts to go out and hold people accountable by enforcing these laws. 

The last thing we prioritize in doing this work is our youth programming. MADD has several youth initiatives with different objectives. The first of these is our Power of Youth program, which focuses on prevention among middle school-aged youth. Data tells us that the average person has already had a drink by eighth grade, so the sooner we can start addressing this issue and spreading information about it, the better, and the Power of Youth aims to do this. The Power of Me program focuses on reaching youth at the junior high or high school level by highlighting how alcohol and drug use can impact brain development and the long-term effects this can have. Lastly, we have our Power of Parents program, the aim of which is to reach parents and share critical prevention information and resources with them so that they can act as partners in helping MADD keep their children and other young people safe. 

Since its inception, MADD’s work has also focused on supporting victims, families, and friends impacted by impaired driving. Can you tell us a bit about MADD’s Victim Services program and the types of support it offers for those impacted by drunk or drugged driving incidents? Are there any victim assistance options and supports available to folks in RI through MADD?

MADD has victim advocates who focus on this work and partner with the victims of these crimes to provide them with the support they may need. This is the case for our RI chapter as well. Our victim advocates strive to come beside victims from the moment the incident occurs and onwards, helping them to understand their rights and the difficulties they are likely to encounter and may have to work through, and then providing assistance to help them move through these challenges. This can include things like accompanying victims in court, providing assistance throughout the hearing process, and helping folks to prepare for victim impact statements, providing support as needed to ensure that victims have the chance to share their stories. If victims require any type of counseling, our advocates can help them explore their options and then make referrals to get them the support they need. We also offer support with restitution and can provide financial assistance to help with things like funeral planning and other associated costs. 

Our victim advocates are there with victims throughout the entire process and sometimes even afterward. We work with many victims who have lost loved ones to impaired driving long ago, sometimes 20-25 years ago, and we stay connected with them as long as they need, helping them to deal with their loss every day. 

There is a significant amount of impaired driving data presented throughout MADD.org and highlighted on MADD’s Statistics page, which begins with a stark reminder that “Every statistic is a person.” Can you speak to why sharing this data is so important, in general, and specifically in terms of MADD’s prevention efforts? Are there any statistics you’d like to emphasize for the RI substance use prevention community?

MADD collects and shares this data because it helps to tell the story. It allows people to see and understand the reality of the problem we’re dealing with. Like the page says and as I always say, every number is a person, and it’s extremely important that we understand that. We can sometimes get so tied up with numbers and data that we forget what they represent, that these are actual people. So when we’re talking about this data and all of the fatalities that happen due to impaired driving, we want to remind folks that we’re talking about real people—real lives lost and real families and friends impacted in crushing ways by crimes that are 100% preventable.

On average nationally, 29% of total fatalities are due to impaired driving. This is a huge number, but in RI, the proportion of fatalities that are due to impaired driving is even higher, typically averaging about 34-43%. We ended the year with about 70 total fatalities across the state, which means that we lost about 30 people to impaired driving in one year in RI. Again, these fatalities were preventable, so those are 30 people that didn’t have to die on our highways. 30 families and countless friends that didn’t have to experience hearing this devastating news and having to come to terms with the fact that their loved ones would never be coming home again. When you’re able to visualize all of the people who are impacted, it’s easy to understand how the numbers multiply. 

I think there tends to be an assumption among many in RI that we’re not dealing with this issue, that this is happening elsewhere in the U.S. but not for us. We prioritize sharing these numbers at MADD to help people recognize not only that this is happening in our state, but also that it’s impacting the lives of so many. We can say to folks these are the actual families who are affected and they can share their stories with you to help you understand that this is something we have to deal with, something we all have to work towards ending.

What are some of the current prevention aims of MADD’s RI Chapter specifically? Are there any new or emerging areas of focus, challenges, or initiatives that you’d like to highlight?

Right now, we’re in our legislative session, so we have a couple of bills that we’re currently working to get passed within the state. One of these is the Look Back Bill. If a person is arrested for impaired driving in RI, we can review or “look back on” only the last five years of their driving history to determine the severity level of the offense. What this means is that if someone is arrested for impaired driving, and then 5 years and a day later they are arrested again for impaired driving, this could only be considered a first offense despite it actually being a repeat offense. Most states have a ten-year lookback period, and some have a lifetime lookback period. With this bill, we’re trying to work with the Senate and the House legislators to change the law and extend that lookback period to ten years. 

In general, we’re always active in the community working to spread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. We do this in a variety of ways, whether that be speaking at schools, working within the community to strengthen understanding of the problem and share prevention messaging, or presenting information to law enforcement agencies. This week for example, we’ll be leading an awareness event at North Kingstown High School where each student will learn about a victim of an impaired driving incident, and they’ll then have an opportunity to share that person’s story by organizing a display and creating a non-alcoholic mocktail that honors who this person was. This will be a competition to help get students more engaged in the activity, but it’s a great awareness tool as well.

Do you collaborate with the Regional Prevention Coalitions or other local partners around this work at all, and if so, how do you work with them? 

Absolutely! The Mocktail event is an example of some of our work partnering with RISAS. Previously, we’ve partnered with the Warwick Coalition to offer free rides to folks who might be impaired on the night before Thanksgiving, and we’ve also partnered with the Newport Coalition to do this same thing in Newport on St. Patrick’s Day. As MADD’s Program Director for RI, I’m in touch with all of the state’s Prevention Coalitions—we work together often and support each other’s efforts and events within our RI communities. We’ll be holding a big walk this year in September in Narragansett to honor Katie DeCubellis, who was killed by a drunk driver in 1999. The Coalitions will be our partners in this, as they are and have been with our previous years’ Walk Like MADD events, and we’ll all come together to work on this cause collectively. Prevention is really the major key to this work, so we love being able to partner with the Coalitions, and we’re always open to collaborating with other local partners on these efforts as well. 

MADD notes on its website that it supports “equitable traffic safety enforcement to decrease roadway deaths, injuries, and racial disparities.” Can you please tell us more about this and what this means in terms of MADD’s work? 

MADD recognizes that across the country, we’re seeing a significant number of people who are being killed by police officers and that a majority of these people are African American men. On a national level, MADD realized that they needed to be clearer about their stance on this matter to let folks know that while the organization supports police, it is not in support of police brutality, and to recognize publicly the reality of this issue. Diversity and equity have always been a key part of what MADD does and this focus continues to be critical to our work today.

One of the things I did while working at the police department and still do is provide training around fair and bias-free policing. I train at the majority of police departments to help folks understand what this entails and why it’s so important in this context when you’re engaging often with people from different racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, etc. backgrounds who may hold different identities than you. I aim to help people understand how to look within and acknowledge the things inside of themselves that could potentially cause them to do something like kneeling on someone’s neck for nine minutes when they’re saying they can’t breathe and ultimately killing them. It’s so important for us to be having these hard conversations and providing folks with the tools to identify the biases they may be holding and the impacts this could have so that we can work to mitigate this issue and not allow this to happen in RI. MADD is in full support of this, and we lead our own trainings around the country on unbiased policing, diversity and equity, and how we, as a country, can work to bridge the divide we’re seeing between communities and police. MADD sees a role for itself in helping to bridge this gap, and I personally think we’re the best agency to do so. Standing somewhere in the middle of these groups, we’re in a good position as an organization to be able to see the full scope of the issue and the differing views so that we can try to understand what can be done to bring folks together and get to a place where communities can trust that police are doing their jobs fairly and equitably.

On a local level, how can folks get involved in helping to support the prevention and advocacy work of MADD’s RI Chapter? 

You can visit our website, madd.org/rhode-island/, to learn more about all of our work and connect with us if you’d like to get involved. There are so many ways that folks can engage with MADD and help to support our mission and work in RI. You could volunteer with us, show your support by donating to our program, follow us on our social media accounts, participate in our events and activities in the community, and much more! If you have expertise in a particular area and want to volunteer your time and skills with MADD, definitely let us know, we’d be thrilled to work with you. Folks can connect with MADD RI and/or let us know they’re interested in volunteering with us through our website. Send us a message, and someone from our team will reach out to you to learn more and start a conversation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

We call this period from May through September the one hundred deadliest days. It’s during this time that we historically lose the most people to impaired driving in RI. In the warmer months, people tend to engage a lot more in activities like going out with friends, taking vacations, and attending backyard parties and celebrations. As a result, they also tend to engage a lot more with drinking alcohol and other behaviors that may be unsafe. As we’re coming up on the summer, we ask that you, our RI community members, help to make sure your friends and family members don’t get behind the wheel while impaired. Be vigilant, take care of each other, and help each other to stay safe. We can pass important legislation and shout prevention messaging from the rooftops, but really what it comes down to is us, all of us taking care of each other. It is our communities that have the power to act and create change. When we focus on looking out for each other, we can each help to make our community a safer place so that these tragedies don’t happen, and together, we can get to a place where there are no more victims of this 100% preventable crime.

The post Mothers Against Drunk Driving in Rhode Island with Wesley Pennington (May, 2024) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

In May of 2022, Rhode Island made the decision to legalize adult cannabis use through the passing of the RI Cannabis Act. In this interview, Sarah Hall—BHDDH’s cannabis subject matter expert—discusses the details of this legislation and the history that led up to this point, its influence on cannabis prevention efforts in RI, how the State is working to advance equity and racial justice through the regulated legal cannabis market and why this is such a critical focus, and future goals for the State.

Could you please start by introducing yourself and telling us a bit about your role at the Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)?

My name is Sarah Hall and I work within BHDDH’s Prevention and Recovery Services Unit to provide subject matter expertise around cannabis. I come to this role with an educational background in public policy, and prior to this work, I was engaged in strategic planning as a consultant within the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as local work throughout RI which allowed me to learn more about the State’s non-profit provider landscape. I also worked for a period of time as the Prevention Coordinator for the town of Westerly, an experience which really helped to deepen my understanding of the prevention field in RI.

My current role here at BHDDH is funded by tax dollars from the state’s regulated cannabis market. I’m focused on monitoring and gathering information about how our legal cannabis market is unfolding and evolving, both from a public and behavioral health perspective as well as a policy perspective. There was a steep learning curve in terms of content expertise needed in this role, and I have spent a lot of time researching and listening to better understand the science, the data, the history, and the social and political context of cannabis.

With the 2022 passing of the RI Cannabis Act, RI became the 19th state in the U.S. to legalize adult cannabis use. Could you provide some background around how we got here, as well as what the current RI landscape looks like in terms of cannabis policy and the entities involved in overseeing it?

Cannabis has been utilized by humans in many ways throughout our entire history, including as a medicine. By comparison, the history of the prohibition on cannabis represents a very short, yet incredibly impactful period of time, and how we got to this place of legalization is really a function of how prohibition began. For most people, our exposure to cannabis has been limited to messages that it is a dangerous social ill. In the U.S. and other countries, we are now beginning to unpack this history, and part of this involves recognizing and taking accountability for the ways in which prohibition was enacted under the guise of public health with racist motivations.

Cannabis was looped into a war on drugs that was aimed at and disproportionately impacted People of Color. Many drug policies began more than 100 years ago as an extension of Jim Crow and aimed at restricting the movement and criminalizing the presence of People of Color, even if there were also public health considerations. This history is well hidden and little understood, although the impacts of it are obvious, particularly for Black and Brown communities. The policy history makes it clear that the propaganda that socialized and rationalized decisions around cannabis was racially motivated. Those messages evolved over time and billions of dollars were thrown behind them, effectively obfuscating the intent and impact.

At the same time, there was a movement to halt research regarding the medical benefits of cannabis, which were well documented until the late 1930s. It was stripped from the American pharmacopeia and the penalties to the medical community for its use were very effective in removing it from the medical toolbox for doctors. While the American Medical Academy fought hard against this early on, government funding has been largely restricted to research on cannabis harms, skewing the information available to the medical community. Movement to decriminalize and bring cannabis back into medical practice began almost as soon as it became illegal, but that history is not well known and was happening in smaller sub-communities in the medical field. So, the movement towards legalization has always been there, but it is only in the last 10-15 years that it has gained wide momentum.

The legislation passed in 2022 established a Cannabis Control Commission whose members were named by the Governor this past June. The legislation also created a Cannabis Advisory Board tasked with informing and advising the Commission in its decision-making processes. The Cannabis Advisory Board (CAB) includes voting members selected by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate Majority Leader, as well as non-voting members comprised of representatives from several state agencies. The Board’s voting members were selected in the fall, and they met for the second time in December. The legislation also provides for this group to create sub-committees focused on public health, public safety, the cannabis industry, market participation, and social equity. At this time, BHDDH does not have a seat on the CAB, but we continue to find ways to provide our support to the group where possible.

As of now, the state’s Cannabis Control Commission is in a transitional period, which means that regulations for the medical cannabis program and regulated adult use market are housed in the Department of Business Regulation under the Office of Cannabis Regulation and through the RI Department of Health. Once the Commission promulgates its first round of rules and regulations, it will become an independent state agency. Right now, they’re working with the Advisory Board to gather the information and analyses needed to create comprehensive regulation. This process may seem like it’s moving slowly, but the decision-makers in this space are focused on doing it right and doing it well in addition to doing it expediently. The process of regulation is never quick, and there are good reasons for that.

Adult cannabis use has now been legalized in RI for over one year. Can you share a bit about how the State monitors and evaluates the impacts of this decision, as well as what some of those initial impacts have been thus far?

The State has many agencies looking at cannabis data through several lenses. For the Behavioral Health Department, much of the data we look at is collected every other year so this doesn’t line up quite perfectly. The data we have available from the Rhode Island Student Survey (RISS) was collected in 2022, so adult use sales would not have begun yet. Overall, however, these indicators have been trending “in the right direction” so to speak. For instance, the most recent RISS results indicate significant decreases in rates of having ever used cannabis and past 30-day use, overall and for high school students in particular. We’ve also seen significant decreases in rates of youth driving under the influence and in cars where someone else is driving under influence, as well as increases in the perception of peer disapproval around cannabis use and a reduction from 20-15% of students who have used cannabis by age 16.

This data tracks with what we’re seeing in many other states that have legalized in that we aren’t seeing an alarming leap in any of the indicators that we monitor closely for youth. Broadly speaking, with a legal market comes a shrinking of the black market with a goal of eliminating it. Since youth have no access to the legal market (our compassion centers have very stringent protocols for entry and purchase only by those aged 21 and older), there are typically fewer opportunities for youth access within a legal market landscape. Additionally, creating a regulated market often entails a focus on supporting informed decision-making, so legalization also tends to coincide with increases in access to education around cannabis and its use.

As we move forward, we’ll continue to collect and monitor these same sources of data, and we’ll also be working to pull in and explore new data sources. The RI Department of Health has hired an epidemiologist in a similar role to mine who is also funded by cannabis tax dollars, and this individual has been working diligently to establish new processes to compile and track relevant information from other data sources, such as data around emergency department visits that are cannabis related. It is difficult to parse out cannabis related hospital data because of the way the system is set up to report these things, so it will take some time to dig in and make sure we’re collecting and monitoring it in a way that ensures its accuracy.

One of the priorities of the RI Cannabis Act is establishing greater equity and advancing racial justice. Can you speak to why this is such a critical focus and how the State is working to advance equity and address the disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalization policies on communities of color through its cannabis policy and prevention efforts?

In recognition that Federal criminalization of cannabis has historically been racially motivated, the RI Cannabis Act, put forth by our legislature, aims to address the legacies of harm that have disproportionately impacted communities of color. One of the ways the legislation aims to do this is through the expungement of cannabis-related criminal records. Another is that it calls for a social equity fund to help mitigate barriers to entry into the cannabis market to ensure that the communities most impacted by the history of criminalization have equitable access to the profits of the legal market. The revenue collected from the regulated market is directed through the legislation to “fund programs and activities related to […] substance use disorder prevention for adults and youth; education and public awareness campaigns, including awareness campaigns relating to driving under the influence of cannabis; treatment and recovery support services; public health monitoring, research, data collection, and surveillance; law enforcement training and technology improvements, including grants to local law enforcement; and such other related uses that may be deemed necessary.”

How is the State currently focusing on cannabis prevention, and how has cannabis legalization influenced cannabis prevention efforts in RI?

Our primary prevention efforts across the state—spearheaded by Regional Directors, Municipal Coordinators, and Student Assistance Counselors—have always included cannabis and still do. The primary objective of these efforts is prevention of or delay in onset of substance use for youth.

To understand the influence of cannabis legalization on prevention efforts, it’s important to consider the full history of legalization and the context of prohibition that precipitated it. This history has had a significant influence on how many currently view cannabis, and we’re now seeing two extreme sides of thinking that have contributed to the spread of misinformation. There is misinformation about the harms associated with cannabis as well as the associated benefits. This makes it quite challenging to get to the truth, which is somewhere in the middle, and gray areas can be very difficult to maneuver. In addition, there is a specific complexity around cannabis and cannabis prevention efforts because of the way cannabis is used as medicine both through the medical program and regulated market sales. What we know about people who use cannabis through the legal adult market is that more than half of them are doing so for medical reasons, so this really shifts the way we need to talk about prevention of this substance. One of my hopes is to better understand, without judgment, what folks use cannabis for, and to use that data to inform prevention messaging. This gives us the ability to expand access to information about how folks can legally use this substance in a way that is safe.

The context of a legal market is asking us to step out of a primary prevention only focus, which is different and can be very tricky. It has moved us into a space where we need to be having conversations about how people of adult age can safely use a substance that has historically been only associated with harm, so it requires a shift in thinking. There is a lack of reliable safe use information available to the public. If we don’t focus on guiding this conversation and sharing information about how to use cannabis in the safest way possible, then we leave that job to our retailers. This is an unfair ask, as they are rightfully focused on solvency in a difficult regulatory landscape. The Federal illegality of cannabis adds another layer of complexity to prevention efforts, because nearly all our prevention work is funded by the Federal government through SAMHSA. As a result, our preventionists work to closely follow their guidelines and best practices, which obviously treat cannabis as a deadly and dangerous schedule 1 substance. It is easy to see how this can be difficult to navigate.

Does BHDDH have a stance on safe use cannabis guidelines for adults over age 21 (similar to alcohol)? Is there any work happening on a state level around this?

I’m currently developing safer use guidelines around cannabis for publication. My hope is that we can make this information available to folks through several channels, including our state’s dispensaries, which is typical practice in other states that have a regulated market. Many of our retailers already have educational information they are providing to their customers. These tools are particularly important for people who do not have much experience with cannabis. As I previously mentioned, there is a gap in public education regarding harm reduction and safer use practices, and retailers are left to fill it. It’s a challenging landscape because states are usually in lockstep with the Federal government on these types of things, but because of the Federal illegality of cannabis, that is impossible here.

There are some adults for whom cannabis is not considered safe. These include pregnant or breastfeeding people and folks with severe mental health challenges such as psychosis or schizophrenia either themselves, or in their immediate family history. It is also recommended to make sure that everyone is informing their health care providers about their cannabis use, as there are some medication interactions that can happen. This is also true for products that contain only CBD. Cannabis also carries a risk of dependence, as does any substance that activates the dopamine reward center in our brains. This is why it is so important that while youth are still experiencing brain development that they abstain from using cannabis. “Just Say Wait” is a tag line I read in a wonderful chapter of Peter Grinspoon’s latest book on cannabis.

For people who don’t carry a risk profile that indicates they should abstain from using, we know that regulated cannabis is safe cannabis, and ensuring this safety is done through strict testing protocols. With vaping, we saw how products that don’t go through regulatory testing can have dangerous additives leading to terrible consequences. Having rigorous laboratory testing requirements is integral to making sure that folks stay safe through our regulated legal market.

Is there any guidance you can share to support substance use prevention providers in thinking about ways of integrating a focus on the intersections of racism and the history of cannabis policy/criminalization in the U.S. within their cannabis prevention efforts and messaging?

I would encourage all prevention providers to look back at the history of cannabis and other drug criminalization because it is disheartening to learn how racially motivated our federal drug policies have been. Further complicating this history is that prevention was born as an arm of the war on drugs, so we must come to terms with the harms done to our country’s communities of color through these practices. It would be helpful to recognize that cannabis prevention was not historically about risks or harms and use that knowledge to inform our prevention efforts. This complex history has left teens and youth in the middle of polarized thinking, encountering one side of messaging that says, “cannabis will destroy your brain,” and another saying “this will cure cancer.” Reconciling this will help us to deliver credible and clear prevention messaging and information around cannabis. I’m using prevention as a term here that refers very broadly to Federal efforts, not to our Rhode Island workforce.

Is there anything else you’d like to share regarding the state of cannabis policy and prevention in RI?

I’d like to underscore that the Regional and Municipal Prevention Coalitions are really the hub of prevention efforts throughout the state. They are the boots on the ground doing great work, so if you’re interested in learning more or helping to support cannabis prevention efforts in RI, I would encourage you to reach out to your local Coalition. I’m also available to offer my support around this, and folks can feel free to reach out to me via email if they’d like to connect (Sarah.Hall@bhddh.ri.gov).

The post Cannabis Policy & Prevention in Rhode Island with Sarah Hall (February, 2024) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

Thanks to the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, 9-8-8 is now the new dialing code for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in RI, as well as nationwide. In this interview, Joe Ash—Administrative Director of the BH Link and 988 Call Center in RI—discusses how the 988-crisis line was established, what this resource offers, what its impact has been thus far within RI, and opportunities for collaboration moving forward.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at BH Link/Horizon Healthcare Partners and the work that you do around the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline?

My name is Joe Ash and I am the Administrative Director of the BH Link and 988 Call Center in Rhode Island. I work alongside my Assistant Director and the rest of the leadership team here to provide support to program supervisors and staff, engage in program evaluation, develop and strengthen connections with partners, and implement new program elements and initiatives (in a nutshell).

988 is the dialing code for the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in RI, as well as nationwide. Could you start by telling us a bit about what the 988 Lifeline offers and how it works?

Our 988 call center answers calls, online chats, and texts from any number in the nation with a 401 area code. Our services include crisis de-escalation, risk assessment and screening for suicidality, safety planning, mobile crisis and outreach referral, resource navigation, and BH Link walk-in coordination.

Why was it so important to create this new 988 dialing code? Could you provide a bit of background around how the 988 Lifeline came to be within RI?

The 988-crisis line is a national initiative, and we are so proud that it was Rhode Island’s own Senator, Jack Reed, who proposed this legislation federally! The legislation, named the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 9-8-8 as the universal telephone number for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. The idea behind 9-8-8 was that to prevent future suicides, it was critical to transition the cumbersome, existing 10-digit National Suicide Hotline to a universal, easy-to-remember, 3-digit phone number to more easily connect people in crisis with life-saving resources. Prior to this legislation, the BH Link’s 24/7 call center had already been responsible for handling the lifeline calls for all of Rhode Island.

In regard to what went into the development of 9-8-8 at the state level, I can attest to the fact that it was a very collaborative process involving community stakeholders, local partners, and leadership from Horizon Healthcare Partners (HHP), Community Care Alliance (CCA), and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH, our licensing body).

What is BH Link’s role in terms of operationalizing the 988 Lifeline? How does the Lifeline differ from the behavioral health crisis support/services offered through BH Link and how does the Lifeline intersect with these services?

Great question! The BH Link and its corresponding 24/7 call center were opened toward the end of 2018. The BH Link triage facility is a 24/7 walk-in program that serves as an alternative to the emergency room for mental health and/or substance use assessment and referral needs. We refer folks to a whole range of services including (but not limited to) outpatient counseling, crisis stabilization units, residential settings, etc.

Our 988 call center answers two statewide lines and is really meant to be an alternative to 911 for folks with behavioral health needs ranging from active suicidal thoughts to needing information about local mental health and recovery services.

Both elements of our program are unified under the goal of providing the least restrictive and most person-centered forms of support possible. One thing that makes RI’s 988 call center quite unique as compared to other call centers in the country is that our call center and walk-in center are directly connected.

How were people informed of the new dialing code as the 988 Lifeline was being rolled out? Since its initial implementation, how has the Lifeline been promoted throughout RI?

Most of Year 1 (which just recently came to a close) was geared towards staffing up and enhancing the quality of services offered by the 988-call center. This was all in preparation for the national 9-8-8 marketing campaign, which will soon be underway during the current project year. You can expect to see news segments, articles, billboards, signage, and events around the state geared towards raising awareness of the 988-crisis line.

Additionally, we have 988 outreach staff who travel all over the state spreading the word about the new 988 resource. Our outreach staff attend community events and meetings, staff resource tables at local events, and are available to present when asked. If you need 988 materials or would like to request an informational presentation, just give us a call! For more information, contact Elizabeth O’Dea at 401-699-5318 (eodea@hhpartners.org) or Jo-el Tillinghast at 401-654-0979 (jtillinghast@hhpartners.org).

What has the Lifeline’s impact been thus far in terms of helping to provide crisis support and prevent suicide? Could you tell us a bit about how the state/BH Link monitors and evaluates the efficacy of the 988 Lifeline?

The greatest impact that we’ve seen already has been in the areas of access and utilization. Just the switch to the new three-digit number, along with some limited increases in visibility of the 988 Lifeline, have effectively doubled the number of Lifeline calls that we’ve answered within the past year.

In terms of outcomes related to efficacy, we are able to evaluate performance-based data associated with the crisis triage work taking place here at the 988 call center. These metrics will speak to indicators of access and quality of services. As we move forward, I expect that a great deal of attention will be given at the state and federal levels to outcomes data (i.e., trends in suicidality and suicide prevention).

How can folks involved in substance use prevention and mental health promotion work in RI help to support and promote the 988 Lifeline? Are there any new or evolving opportunities for collaboration that you’d like to share with substance use prevention providers across the state?

Yes, there are many opportunities for collaboration! We’re very interested in collaborating and integrating with other prospective partners to create systems that work for the people of Rhode Island and aim to meet folks where they are in the community. We also appreciate help spreading the word about 988 within the community. Please give us a call if you’d like us to present to your staff or to attend your next community event. For more information, contact Elizabeth O’Dea at 401-699-5318 (eodea@hhpartners.org) or Jo-el Tillinghast at 401-654-0979 (jtillinghast@hhpartners.org).

Is there anything else you’d like to share regarding the 988 Lifeline that you’d like folks to be aware of?

There have been some recent legislative pushes to get some form of geo-routing in place for the 988 national network. Right now for anyone dialing 988, their call will be routed to a call center based on their area code. So if you’re living in Rhode Island but don’t have a 401 area code, getting connected to the appropriate resources may be more challenging. This doesn’t prevent the call center who takes your call from engaging in immediate support and risk assessment, it might just mean a couple of extra steps to get you connected to the most appropriate referral. If you’re in Rhode Island and concerned about not reaching a local line, you can always contact our local statewide line by dialing 414-LINK. Either way, we are dedicated to building a set of pathways for our community that mean there will be no wrong number.

Once again, please call us if you’d like to request 988 materials or coordinate a presentation at a future meeting or a resource table at your next event. And finally, please help us spread the word to your friends, family, co-workers, colleagues, and anyone you think should know about the new resource of 988.

The post 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline with Joe Ash (October, 2023) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

The State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) was established in Rhode Island in 2006, and since then, the SEOW has played an important role in terms of informing behavioral health programming and prevention efforts throughout the state. Through collaborative data collection, synthesis, analysis, and dissemination efforts, the SEOW aims to make behavioral health data easy to understand and accessible to all throughout RI. In this interview, Samantha Rosenthal—SEOW lead epidemiologist—and Samantha Borden—SEOW CO-Chair—provide an overview of the SEOW, discuss the goals, strategies, and impact of the SEOW, and share a bit about how the RI substance use prevention community can become involved in supporting the work of the SEOW.

Could you start by introducing yourselves and telling us a bit about what the SEOW is and your roles within the program?

(Samantha Rosenthal) My name is Samantha Rosenthal and I am the lead epidemiologist of the Rhode Island State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW). I am a full time Associate Professor in Health Science at Johnson & Wales University, Director of the Center for Student Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration, and Adjunct Associate Professor in Epidemiology at the Brown School of Public Health. I have been a part of the SEOW since 2008.

(Samantha Borden) My name is Samantha Borden and I am a co-chair of the RI SEOW. I am a Chief Health Program Evaluator at the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), and have been part of the SEOW since 2019.

The SEOW is a great collaborative workgroup with representation from different state agencies, institutions of higher education, and community-based organizations. The group collaborates to collect, synthesize, and analyze national, state, and local data to inform behavioral health prevention and programming. The goal is to make behavioral health data easy to understand and accessible to the average person, and to disseminate the information to all of the key players in behavioral health in the state.

How was the SEOW established and who is involved in this workgroup? How are the SEOW’s organizational partners involved in the work of the SEOW?

The SEOW is currently administered by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), the single state authority for substance abuse prevention and treatment and the state mental health authority. In 2006, the SEOW was established as part of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG), within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). In 2008, the SEOW was transferred from EOHHS to BHDDH. SEOW work has been supported since by various Strategic Prevention Framework grants procured by BHDDH, as well as volunteer membership from key stakeholders.

The SEOW meets bi-monthly and has representation from BHDDH, RI Department of Health, RI Department of Children, Youth & Families, RI Department of Transportation, Johnson & Wales University, Brown University School of Public Health, and the University of Rhode Island. The SEOW also regularly engages community-based organizations and RI Regional Coalitions in the work.

What are some of the short- and long-term goals of the SEOW?

The mission of the SEOW is to institutionalize state and community level data-driven planning and decision making pertaining to substance use, abuse, risk and protective factors, consequences, and mental health across the State of Rhode Island.

The short- and long-term goals of the SEOW include the following:

• Develop a set of key indicators, micro level to macro level, to describe the magnitude and distribution of substance use, abuse, relevant multilevel risk and protective factors, consequences, and mental health for people of all ages across the State of Rhode Island.
• Identify, collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data on the prevalence of substance use, abuse, relevant multilevel risk and protective factors, consequences, and mental health at multiple ecological levels.
• Based on these data, develop, and communicate state-level and community-level epidemiologic profiles for strategic planning, promotion, prevention, treatment, recovery, and policy implications for Rhode Island’s behavioral healthcare system.
• Disseminate, inform, and recommend priorities for the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health and the State of Rhode Island based on the community and state-level epidemiological profiles.
• Maintain, expand, and identify gaps in the systematic, ongoing monitoring systems of the prevalence of substance use, abuse, relevant multilevel risk and protective factors, consequences, and mental health.
• Enhance and encourage inter-agency and inter-organization collaboration, particularly individual data linkage, for data-driven planning for the behavioral healthcare system in the state of Rhode Island.
• Engage and leverage the capacity of the academic community in data-driven products to aid in planning for the behavioral healthcare system in the state of Rhode Island.

What is the SEOW’s role in terms of substance use prevention in RI? Does the SEOW currently have any prevention-specific goals or projects?

Currently, there are a few SEOW goals which directly pertain to substance use prevention in RI. For instance, one of the SEOW’s current goals is to regularly disseminate information on how the state performs relative to the nation in terms of substance use, mental health, and risk/protective factors. Another SEOW goal is to regularly disseminate information on how regions within the state perform relative to the state average and to other regions in terms of these factors. Additionally, the SEOW uses a health equity lens to identify sub-populations disproportionately affected by behavioral health problems so that this information can be incorporated into targeted prevention programming at the state and regional levels.

How are new data collection and analysis efforts identified by the SEOW and how are decisions made around which efforts the SEOW will lead?

The SEOW has a strong working relationship with state agencies who have access to various surveillance systems and datasets. We regularly synthesize and analyze the data to identify priority areas. In addition to this evidence-based approach, we collaborate with leaders and stakeholders across the state to ensure we are addressing major issues being identified on the ground. Efforts are generally initiated based on an identified need and consensus from the Workgroup membership.

Can you tell us about some of the data products that the SEOW has been involved in creating, and/or those that are currently underway?

The SEOW regularly creates data briefs on specific high priority topic areas, generates biannual state and regional level profiles, and publishes important findings in peer-reviewed journals. A full list of SEOW products can be found here.

Some recent data briefs include:

• Adversity and Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Rhode Island,
• Driving Under the Influence in Rhode Island, and
• Underage Drinking in Rhode Island.

Some recent peer-reviewed publications include:

• Exposure to Alcohol Marketing and Alcohol-Related Consequences in Young Adults,
• Eliminating Disparities in Young Adult Tobacco Use: The Need for Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, and
• Breaking Down Barriers: Young Adult Interest and Use of Telehealth for Behavioral Health Services.

How are data products generated by SEOW efforts disseminated, and what are some of the ways this data is used within the state?

The SEOW does not directly collect data, but rather, collaborates with data collection entities across the state to provide guidance, support the development of products, and explore novel data linkages. Data and data products are posted on the SEOW website, presented to the Governor’s Council on Behavioral Health, and disseminated through presentations and collaborations with other workgroups and community-based organizations across the state. Findings are used to identify priority prevention needs, inform grant applications to address those priority needs, and to help service providers target their care and programming to those most in need.

Could you tell us a bit about what the SEOW’s impact has been thus far?

The SEOW work has helped to identify disparities in behavioral health in RI, and in particular, a disproportionate burden on the LGBTQ+ community in schools, among young adults, and within the general adult population. This evidence informs the development of programming targeted specifically at supporting this disproportionately affected population. The SEOW work has also identified young adults as a high-risk age group, and this provided an evidential basis for the need for the Rhode Island Young Adult Survey, which was implemented in 2020. Recently, SEOW work has also helped the State understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and substance use trends of youth and young adults in the state, as well as the greater interest in and need for telehealth services.

How can folks stay informed about and/or get involved in the SEOW’s important work? Are there any ways that the RI substance use prevention community can help to support the SEOW?

People can stay informed about the SEOW’s work by regularly visiting our website (https://seow.ri.gov/), contacting us with specific inquiries, and utilizing our available work product findings to inform decision-making and priorities in programming.

In terms of supporting the SEOW, we would like to invite substance use prevention providers to join the Workgroup, attend our meetings, use our products to inform their work, and communicate any novel concerns or priorities to the group in real-time. This ongoing collaboration is essential to supporting the behavioral health needs of the Rhode Island community.

The post RI State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup (SEOW) with Samantha Rosenthal and Samantha Borden (February, 2023) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).

The Partnership for Success (PFS) grant aims to reduce rates of underage drinking among individuals ages 12–20 through a variety of evidence-based programs. One such program is the Text-A-Tip initiative, which the East Bay Regional Coalition (Region 5) has implemented within all three of its PFS-funded East Bay communities. In this interview, Steven Eiland—Region 5’s PFS Coordinator—discusses what the Text-A-Tip initiative entails, how this initiative has been operationalized within Region 5, some of the short and long-term goals of the program, and the impact that this program has had in terms of reducing and preventing underage drinking within Region 5 communities.

Could you start by introducing yourself and giving us a bit of background regarding the Partnership for Success (PFS) grant and what your role is as the PFS Coordinator for the East Bay Regional Coalition (Region 5)?

My name is Steven Eiland, MPH CPS, and I am the coordinator for East Bay Regional Coalition’s Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant. The PFS grant funds the implementation of evidence-based programs with the purpose of reducing underage drinking among individuals ages 12–20. For Region 5, the grant focuses on reaching 12-20 year-old East Bay residents living in Bristol, Warren, and East Providence.

Through the PFS Grant, the East Bay Regional Coalition partnered with law enforcement to implement an evidence-based strategy called Text-A-Tip within three East Bay communities. Could you tell us a bit about what the Text-A-Tip strategy entails and how it aims to prevent underage drinking?

The text-a-tip program allows the community to have anonymous and open communication with local law enforcement. When these lines are available and well publicized, residents will utilize the line to report all manner of issues within the community. This includes direct reports of alcohol or drugs being used or sold to youth. Other tips can also lead to substance use/misuse prevention when they are followed up, such as a noise complaint revealing underage drinking at a party. The line has also provided other benefits to the community such as revealing the location of suspects with active warrants or public safety issues.

When and why did the East Bay Regional Coalition choose to implement this particular PFS strategy and how has the Text-A-Tip initiative been operationalized within the region?

One of the first things we did when planning the PFS grant was to approach local law enforcement and ask them, “What do you need to reduce underage drinking?” We began with Bristol police who were our mid-sized community, and they expressed interest in setting up an anonymous tip line. We jumped at the opportunity, but we did not immediately roll the tip line out to the other Eat Bay communities as we wanted to make sure it would be successful and have an opportunity to identify any potential pitfalls before reaching out to the other departments. The line exploded with use, and we immediately began to receive some really good tips that police were able to follow up with. The Warren police department asked the Bristol police for more information and approached us about collaborating on the tip line. About six months later, Warren began to implement their own tip line and undergo training for the line.

How does the tip line work? How are tips addressed once they’ve been received?

The tip line is easy to use by design. We use a program called tip411 which provides service across the country, and a tip line app was created and put into place for each of the communities implementing the tip line. This app allows users to report tips to the police as well as receive emergency alerts. We understand however that not everyone has a smart phone, so for those without smart phone access or those who just don’t want the app, they can text the specific keyword for their department (for example, “EPPOLICE”) to 847411, add a space, type in their tip information, and hit send.

With either method, the tip411 servers scramble the tipsters identification information, so that they remain completely anonymous. Police are even able to respond to the anonymous tipster to ask for more information, receive photos, and more. Police have software to help them manage the tips, send follow ups to the tipster to report the results of the tip, and forward information to other departments when the tip is from outside their jurisdiction. We have also received some tips about things like school bullying that law enforcement have been able to forward over to school administration for follow up.

How does law enforcement work with the Region 5 PFS program on this effort?

Law enforcement has been great with handling the tips. Each month, they share with us the number of tips received and some general information about each tip. This lets us know the general category and type of tip, but not information that could identify who the tip was about or details that could interfere with an investigation.

Currently, we continue to support law enforcement by raising awareness of the program through marketing and outreach.

How is the program promoted, and where can people learn more about it?

We’ve reached residents through newspapers, social media, internet advertising, direct mailers, radio, flyers, and tabling at community events allowed us to talk directly to residents. Additional information can also be found for each community at eastbayprevention.org/underage-drinking-prevention.

What are some of the outcomes of the program? Could you tell us a bit about what the program’s impact has been thus far in terms of preventing underage drinking within Region 5 communities?

Thus far, we have received over 1,800 tips! Roughly 5% of the tips are related to drugs or alcohol. Many time the tips can take months of investigation before we see results. However, once the investigation leads to an arrest, law enforcement is quick to let us know if the line was involved. One example was a tip about drugs being sold on school grounds. This started an investigation that led to the arrest of the person selling drugs. Another tip came from a father who found his teen with alcohol. This tip began an investigation that led to the identification of a convenience store owner who sold directly to kids from the back of his store, which was not even a licensed alcohol vendor.

What are some of the long-term goals of the program?

Our goal has been to expand the program throughout East Bay communities and increase usage. Since the beginning of the program, we have managed to bring the tip line into usage within all three of the PFS-funded communities in the East Bay and we average about 50 tips per month. We are now investigating the viability of expanding the program into our fourth East Bay community as well.

Are there any ways that folks involved in substance use prevention and mental health promotion work in RI can help to support the Text-A-Tip initiative? Are there any other messages regarding this initiative that you would like to share with prevention providers throughout the state?

Our program is moving into a sustainability phase as we find additional resources to continue funding the tip lines and supporting awareness of the program. We encourage any of our partners to share information about the tip lines on social media whenever possible.

The post Partnership for Success (PFS) Text-A-Tip Program with Steven Eiland (May, 2023) appeared first on Rhode Island Prevention Resource Center (RIPRC).