News & Events
Check out our recent newsletters and view our upcoming events.
Newsletters
June 2025
Workforce Development Accomplishments, Conference Season Wrap Up, Recovery Coach Certification Board Update, Certified Prevention Specialist Update, Updates from Traci Sawyers of the Vermont Department of Health, Prevention Spotlight: Sara Stearns of Rutland Regional Medical Center, PW!VT’s Calendar of Events, Coalition News From Across The State.
September 2025
Workforce Development Opportunities, Recovery Coach Certification Board Update, Certified Prevention Specialist Update, Updates from Traci Sawyers of the Vermont Department of Health, Prevention Spotlight: Jacob Dombroski of The Collaborative, A Word From Matt Wolf of Vermont Afterschool, PW!VT’s Calendar of Events, Coalition News From Across The State.
Upcoming Webinars and events
Friday, December 12 | 12:00–1:00 PM
PW!VT Quarterly Lunch and Learn
Bring your lunch and join us for a relaxed and informative session featuring two thoughtful presenters.
Liberty Belote, Program Coordinator with UP for Learning
Liberty will share information about “Getting to Y 2025,” a youth-driven, data-centered model that helps students understand their YRBS data and take meaningful action to support school and community well-being.
Marielle Matthews, Policy and Grants Manager, Winooski Partnership for Prevention
Marielle will discuss Alcohol Policy from a Public Health Lens, offering insights into current trends, prevention strategies, and opportunities to promote healthier and safer communities.
This Lunch and Learn is a great opportunity to gain new perspectives and connect with colleagues across the prevention field.
If you would like an invite or link for either event, please reach out to [email protected]
in case you missed it.......
Cutting Through the Noise: Connecting Prevention to VT Policy in 2025
Workshop Description: Are you concerned that your “voice” has been lost in the current “noise?” Vermont is facing many crises, distractions, and competing priorities right now, it can be difficult to get policymakers and the public to focus on the solutions that are effective. Clear, pragmatic approaches to communicate the value of preventive measures are needed for local communities and all Vermonters.
Learn simple strategies you can use to successfully advocate for policy-based approaches to long-lasting systemic barriers to public health. This workshop will help you:
- Make the case for prevention: Use relevant data and storytelling to highlight the value prevention plays in keeping our communities healthy:
- Engage with the supportive policymakers: Identify and meet policy leaders who are willing to develop and champion prevention policy initiatives;
- Frame a call-to-action that resonates: Create compelling content that is both educational and emotionally resonant to grab attention and drive action;
- Build coalitions: Collaborate and build coalitions with allies and unusual suspects to build prevention campaigns that will have an impact.
About the Facilitator:
Jill Sudhoff-Guerin has 14 years of experience working in the Vermont Statehouse, focused on advocating for public health and mission-driven campaigns. She has previously served as the Vermont Medical Society Policy and Communications manager, policy lead for the Vermont chapter of the American Cancer Society, and legislative and regulatory analyst at Leonine Public Affairs (previously KSE Partners). Jill currently provides communications and policy support through her independent firm, Maidstone Public Relations.
Prevention Works!VT PL4 Workshop: “The Intersection Between Substance Misuse Prevention, Harm Reduction And Recovery” facilitated by Will Roberts, Director of Training, VAMHAR
Session One: Core Principles:
Through lecture, discussion, and activities, learners will:
- Review the definitions of:
- Prevention
- Harm Reduction
- Recovery
- Define and analyze how the three philosophies overlap
- Define the similarities and differences.
- Create a list of overlaps.
Session Two: Opportunities for Collaboration: Through lecture, discussion, and activities, learners will:
- Review techniques for creating shared goals and objectives
- Review effective communication skills
- Define clear roles and responsibilities
- Analyze problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Review the components of creating a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
Prevention Works!VT WFD Professional Development Opportunity: Essentials of Evidence-Based Programs
The process of selecting prevention strategies that best fit the needs and assets, readiness, and capacity of a community begins with identifying evidence-based interventions. These are catalogued in registries or databases of evidence-based programs (EBP), policies, and interventions.
This 2 part series, with an optional in-person component, will provide the essential information and tools for prevention organizations and staff to choose evidence-based programs that fit their community needs.
Prevention Works!VT PL4 Workshop: The Intersect Between Substance Misuse Prevention and Suicide Prevention In Youth with Debby Haskins – February 13, 2025
The goal of the workshop was to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between substance misuse and youth suicide and to support them in their work with youth.
NEW ASSOCIATE PREVENTION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL!
If the thought of applying for the Certified Prevention Specialist credential has felt too overwhelming or you need more time to prepare, we have great news for you. The Vermont Prevention Certification Board is launching the Associate Prevention Specialist (APS) Credential starting January 10th, 2025.
This new credential provides a manageable entry point for those working in the substance use prevention field who want to begin the certification process. The APS credential allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience in prevention, building both your confidence and competence. This prepares you for more complex responsibilities as you progress toward the full CPS certification.
Take the next step in your professional development—apply for the APS or CPS credential today!
Prevention Works!VT PL4 Workshop: Integrating AI into Youth Substance Use Prevention – Leveraging AI in Youth Substance Use Prevention: Tools, Strategies, and Best Practices facilitated by Tony Moulton
The goal of the workshop is to equip professionals in youth substance misuse and use prevention with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in using AI, specifically ChatGPT, to enhance their work in prevention.
Prevention Works!VT WFD Professional Development Opportunity: Internship Panel Winter 2025 –Effectively Utilizing Internships in Your Prevention Organization
