This interactive in-person three-hour workshop equips Community Health Workers and other frontline healthcare professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, prevent, and respond to unhealthy alcohol and substance use in their service settings. Designed for primary care, behavioral health, and community-based environments, the training blends foundational education with hands-on practice using validated screening tools and evidence-based brief intervention strategies. Participants will gain experience applying Motivational Interviewing informed techniques, supporting patients through behavior change conversations, and navigating systemic barriers that impact access to care. The workshop also addresses stigma, equity considerations, and practical approaches for strengthening referral pathways and community connections. By the end of the session, Community Health Workers will leave with increased confidence and concrete skills they can immediately integrate into their day-to-day work with individuals and families.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the spectrum, patterns, and consequences of unhealthy alcohol and substance use in community health settings and explain how social determinants and systemic inequities influence risk and access to care.
- Identify and use appropriate screening approaches and effectively communicate results using culturally responsive, non-stigmatizing language that supports patient trust and engagement.
- Demonstrate foundational skills for Motivational Interviewing informed brief interventions to support behavior change.
- Identify opportunities to integrate prevention, brief intervention, and intervention strategies into CHW workflows, applying practical stigma reduction techniques and leveraging community resources to connect patients with ongoing support.
Continuing Education Units: 3 CEU / This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
Presenter: Jennifer Hettema, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist and conducts research on the development, evaluation, and dissemination of screening, prevention, and intervention strategies (SPI) for unhealthy alcohol and drug use. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and much of her work integrates this approach. Dr. Hettema develops curricula and has trained thousand of professionals in evidence-based SPI strategies.
Funding for this activity was made possible in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director’s Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.