‘Prevention is foundation of behavioral health pyramid’

Behavioral health is the combination of substance abuse and mental health services weaved into the prevention, treatment, and recovery of individuals and families grounded in wellness. The Community Guidance Center’s vision and mission emphasize the collaborative need for prevention, treatment, and recovery services in the many areas of behavioral health to mobilize around effective planning and quality of care delivered to its villages, families, and islands. As an integral component of this continuum of care, prevention serves as the foundation of the behavioral health pyramid. Prevention is invested in addressing issues before they occur and building protective factors collaboratively with families and villages to avoid the many social and behavioral issues that may arise with substance use and untreated mental health problems. A key component toward maintaining a balance in prevention is utilizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Eight Dimensions of Wellness which include the emotional, environmental, intellectual, physical, occupational, spiritual, social, and financial aspects of an individual’s lifestyle.

Another integral component in effective prevention services is the coordinated effort between the Community Guidance Center and the communities it serves. In order to achieve the best outcomes for its people, villages and islands, prevention must ensure that the many existing community and cultural resources that exist in the community are sustained. This is why the Prevention Services Unit works tirelessly to reach out to its communities in many capacity building areas such as the trainings listed below.

SafeTALK

It’s a half-day alertness training that prepares anyone over the age of 15, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. Most people with thoughts of suicide don’t truly want to die, but are struggling with the pain in their lives. Through their words and actions, they invite help to stay alive. SafeTALK-trained helpers can recognize these invitations and take action by connecting them with life-saving intervention resources, such as caregivers trained in ASIST.

ASIST

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for everyone 16 or older—regardless of prior experience—who wants to be able to provide suicide first aid. Shown by major studies to significantly reduce suicidality, the ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community. During the two-day interactive session, participants learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over 1,000,000 people have taken the workshop, and studies have proven that the ASIST method helps reduce suicidal feelings for those at risk.

(Pacific Jurisdiction) Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST)

SAPST provides an introduction to the fundamentals of substance abuse prevention based on the current knowledge and practice in the field. The training was developed for individuals new to substance abuse prevention or early in their prevention career. In addition to the four days of trainings, participants will also be sent a link and need to complete an on-line course prior to the training.

This training is appropriate for:

•Prevention Professionals

•Treatment Professionals

•Coalition Members

•Social Service Professionals

•Public Health Professionals

•Anyone interested in prevention

Challenge Masters

An interaction of adult/youth, staff, community of family activities that fosters and promoted teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, trust and conflict resolution centered around substance abuse prevention.

Social Marketing Information

Flyers, brochures, and fact sheets containing information on substance abuse related topics.

General Substance Abuse Prevention Presentations

Presentation on facts about the different types of substances and their consequences. The presentation also includes data based on Public School System Youth Risk Behavioral Survey. Presentations will be tailored based on audience’s age range.

Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse

Promotion and awareness of the dangers of Prescription Drug misuse and abuse. Also available are Fact Sheets and Q&A Flyers.