Through grants awarded to community-level prevention organizations, the Bureau of Substance Use supports effective, aligned substance abuse prevention services that minimize problem behaviors and prevent a variety of public health problems. Find prevention grants the bureau currently administers.
Substance Use Prevention Grants
The County Substance Use Prevention Grant, eligible only through the County Board of Supervisors, works to increase substance misuse education, prevention, referral or post-treatment services throughout Iowa’s counties. This grant is available each year and the project period is one-year in length.
Contact: Chandra Jennings at 515-204-3903
The Improving Tomorrow: Prevention Focused Mentoring (IT:PFM) grant provides support to 10 community and school-based youth mentoring programs selected through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. These programs support mentee/mentor matches that meet all year. Find a program near you.
All mentoring programs support the state's goal of primary prevention of use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD) as well as problem gambling.
Programs follow the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring established by the National Mentoring Partnership and will obtain certification through the Iowa Mentoring Partnership.
Resources
- Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring
- If there is not a program in your area, visit the Iowa Mentor website.
- You can find PFM campaign materials on the Your Life Iowa Resource Center.
Contact: Chandra Jennings at 515-204-3903
The Integrated Provider Network (IPN) Grant provides statewide, community-based, resiliency- and recovery-oriented system of care for substance use and problem gambling services (prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery support). Prevention services are provided through 18 contractors that serve all 99 counties in Iowa.
IPN services are funded by the State General Fund appropriations for substance use and problem gambling services and the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Contractors comply with the definition of prevention in IAC 641-155 Licensure Standards for Substance Use Disorder and Problem Gambling Treatment Program: “activities aimed at minimizing the use of potentially addictive substances, lowering risk in at-risk individuals, or minimizing potential adverse consequences of substance use or gambling.”
Through 18 contractors serving all of Iowa’s 99 counties, prevention services are provided that address the lifespan using evidence-based programs appropriate to different persons and populations. Services are identified through the Strategic Prevention Framework and utilize the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention Strategies and Institute of Medicine classifications.
The following priorities are addressed through IPN prevention services: Alcohol, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Prescription Medications/Opioids, Problem Gambling, Suicide, and Tobacco.
Resources
Contact: Katie Bee at 515-214-3699 or Julie Hibben at 515-326-5703
The Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) Grant is a four-year cooperative agreement funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This grant focuses on the complex and changing nature of the drug overdose epidemic as well as highlights the need for an interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and cohesive public health approach. The grant’s surveillance and data collection systems help drive prevention efforts to reduce overdose morbidity and mortality from licit and illicit drugs. All OD2A strategies being implemented in Iowa are listed below:
Surveillance Strategies
- Morbidity Data -Collect and report more timely and complete data on overdose-related emergency department visits.
- Mortality Data -Collect and report more timely and complete data on overdose-related deaths.
Prevention Strategies
- Iowa’s Overdose Data to Action in States Grant Overview
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) - Better utilize prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) data to inform prescribing practices and prevention programs.
- State and Local Integration - Improve state and local prevention efforts to build more effective and sustainable surveillance and implement community-level interventions in high-burden areas.
- Linkage to Care - Ensure people are connected to the care they need by leveraging systems and upstream prevention efforts.
- Provider and Health Systems Support - Support healthcare providers and health systems with drug overdose prevention and response, including expanding the use of evidence-based prescribing and treatment practices.
- Partnerships with Public Safety and First Responders - Develop new and/or enhance existing partnerships with public safety partners to improve data sharing and advance prevention efforts.
- Empowering Individuals - Increase awareness about drug-related harms, treatment, and risk reduction strategies to help individuals make informed decisions.
- Peer-to Peer Learning - Foster information-sharing and build capacity among jurisdictions.
Resources
Projects
- Iowa’s Peer to Peer Learning
- Stigma of Addiction - Iowa Baseline Results 2022 (PDF)
- Linkage to Outreach Referrals and Engagement (LORE) Pilot Project: Initial Report 2021-2022
Contact: Julie Hibben at 515-326-5703
Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the purpose of this grant is to prevent the onset and reduce the progression of substance abuse and its related problems while strengthening prevention capacity and infrastructure at the community and state level. This is the second generation of Partnerships for Success grant funding received through the Bureau of Substance Abuse. In Iowa, this five year grant focuses on preventing alcohol involved deaths with older adults through utilization of the Strategic Prevention Framework.
Resources
Contact: Merry French at 515-201-8241
The Strategic Initiatives to Prevention Drug Overdoses (SIPDO) Grant funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant, supports an expedited Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) model to address the priority issue of preventing drug overdose deaths. Nine highest counties were selected through a Request for Proposal process to implement four evidence-based strategies to address prevent opioid and methamphetamine use including the "See the Person. Not the Addiction" anti-stigma media campaign and an opioid-focused academic detailing program.
Resources
Contact: Janet Nelson at 515-214-7950
Academic Detailing Healthcare Provider Resources
Patient Educational Resources
Provider Training Resources
- Providers Clinical Support System (Medication Assisted Treatment training)
- Interactive Training Series: Modules to Apply CDC's Guideline for Prescribing Opioids
Helpful Websites
- CDC Opioid Guideline to Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
- CDC Opioid Guideline Mobile App
- Assessing Benefits and Harms of Opioid Therapy
- Calculating Total Daily Dose of Opioids for Safer Dosage
- Checklist for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
- Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain: Recommendations
- Nonopioid Treatments for Chronic Pain
- Pocket Guide: Tapering Opioids for Chronic Pain
- Pocket Guide: Turn the Tide
- Why Guidelines for Primary Care Providers
- YourLifeIowa.org
Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the purpose of this grant is to address the priority issue of prescription drug misuse. This is the second generation of the Strategic Prevention Framework for Prescription Drugs (SPF Rx) grant funding received through the Bureau of Substance Abuse. In Iowa, this five year grant focuses on preventing the misuse of prescription drugs for ages 12-25 through utilization of the Strategic Prevention Framework. More information will be provided soon.
Resources
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain
- SAMHSA Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit
- Strategic Prevention Framework Overview
Contact: Janet Nelson at 515-214-7950
The Zero Suicide framework is a system-wide, organizational commitment to safer suicide care in health and behavioral health care systems. The framework provides the tools, training and support to health and behavioral health care systems to create a comprehensive approach to quality improvement and suicide safe care. This grant provides funding for 20 substance use disorder treatment organizations in Iowa to participate in the Zero Suicide Academy and receive ongoing support in their efforts to implement the Zero Suicide framework.
Resources
Contact: Keri Neblett at 515-314-0118
The Peer to Peer Learning strategy has focused on the Bureau of Substance Use's experience with the Strategic Prevention Framework model for prevention service planning as well as creation of a coaching system to support community-level prevention contractors. The following materials are provided as resources for the Peer to Peer strategy:
Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)
Peer to Peer Webinars
- Overview of the Strategic Prevention Framework Webinar - Session 1
- Overview of the Strategic Prevention Framework Webinar - Session 2
SPF Resources
Capacity Coaching
Peer to Peer Webinars
- Developing People: Fundamental Workplace Coaching Skills Webinar – Session 1
- Developing People: Fundamental Workplace Coaching Skills Webinar – Session 2
- Developing People: Fundamental Workplace Coaching Skills Webinar – Session 3
- Coaching Skills Handout
- Fundamental Coaching Skills and Behaviors Document
Coaching Resources
Articles
- Coaching for Change: How to Help Employees Reach Their Potential, Richard Boyatiz, Melvin Smith & Ellen Van Oosten, Harvard Business Review, 2019
- Overcoming the Toughest Common Coaching Challenges, Amy Gallo, Harvard Business Review, 2015
- The Difference Between Coaching Rookies and Veterans, Liz Wiseman, Harvard Business Review, 2015
- The Leader as Coach, Herminia Ibarra & Anne Scoular, Harvard Business Review, 2019
- Twenty Top Coaching Podcasts Coaches Should Listen To, as compiled by Positive Psychology.com
- What Great Listeners Do, Zenger and Folkman, Harvard Business Review, 2016
Books
- Braving the Wilderness, Brene’ Brown
- Coaching for Performance, 5th Edition, Sir John Whitmore
- Co-Active Coaching, 4th Edition, Henry Kimsey-House, Karen Kimsey-House, Phillip Sandahl, Laura Whitworth
- Compelling People: The Hidden Qualities that Make Us Influential, John Neffing and Matthew Kohut
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, 2nd Edition, Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, AL Swtzler
- Daring Greatly, Brene’ Brown
- Humble Inquiry: Gentle Art of Asking instead of Telling, Edgar H. Schein
- Inner Game of Tennis, Tim Galloway
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck
- Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter, 2nd Edition, Liz Wiseman
- The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead, Michael Bungay Stanier
- The Five Languages of Appreciation at Work, Gray Chapman, Paul White
- The Silo Effect: The Perils of Expertise and the Promise of Breaking Down Barriers, Gillian Tett
Helpful Websites
Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Julie Hibben, Overdose Data to Action Project Director at 515-326-5703.
Training & Supports
In order to build capacity of the prevention workforce, the Bureau of Substance Abuse promotes and provides state-level supports that contribute to community-level prevention services. These supports include coaching, training, certification and best practice resources. Each support is described and listed below.
Capacity Coaching
The Bureau of Substance Abuse recognizes the challenges facing the Prevention Workforce. In order to better support prevention professionals, the bureau established the Capacity Coach Program to offer coaching services. In 2010, this program was developed through the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The Capacity Coaching Program has served specific prevention grants and now is being offered to all funded prevention contractors.
Coaching focuses on goal-oriented, solution-focused processes to help identify solutions, address roadblocks, delineate goals and identify ways to achieve those goals. Professional coaching helps people tap into their potential, unlocking sources of creativity and productivity.
Iowa HHS' Capacity Coach Program aligns with the code of ethics and guidelines of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing internationally recognized independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
Any Bureau of Substance Abuse prevention funded agency staff members can access Capacity Coaching services. Additional time for coaching does not need to be budgeted for these services. Coaching services are available as capacity permits.
Session topics are driven by the agency staff needs. Common session topics include:
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Brainstorming ways to support teams and systems.
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Expanding knowledge in areas of personal development.
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Seeking resources related to personal growth.
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Developing personal or professional goals.
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Discussing challenges and brainstorm solutions and challenges.
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Seeking support in utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework process.
Contact: Julie Hibben at 515-326-5703
Prevention Specialist Certification
According to the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), credentialed prevention staff ensure that programs and their funders are delivering on their mission of ensuring public safety and well-being. A thorough understanding of prevention and the latest evidence-based practices for treatment is the hallmark of a qualified professional.
The purpose of the prevention certification process is:
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To promote credibility of prevention professionals.
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To assure the public of a minimal level of competency in prevention services.
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To promote the delivery of competent, professional prevention services.
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To establish a recognized credential of professional competency, which allows
for national reciprocity. -
To establish guidelines for new prevention specialists.
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To promote continued professional development for the prevention specialist.
The Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) credential requires professionals to demonstrate competency through experience, education, supervision, and the passing of a rigorous examination.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse supports Prevention Specialist Certification and Recertification through contract requirements in the majority of prevention grants.
The Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) oversees the certification process for the prevention field in Iowa. Details about the certification process and requirements can be found at IBC's Certified & Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist website.
Prevention Trainings
The Bureau of Substance Abuse provides training to support prevention professionals and to assist with Prevention Specialist Certification requirements. Training opportunities noted below are available to all those interested in developing prevention skills.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center (MCTC) sponsors Substance Abuse Prevention Skills and Prevention Ethics trainings two to three times a year.
These trainings are most beneficial for:
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Prevention Professionals
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Coalition Members
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Social Service Professionals
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Public Health Professionals
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Anyone interested in prevention
The goal of the SAPST is to assist professionals in the field to gain an understanding of prevention principles and the application of evidence-based prevention strategies and programs. The training was created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The training consists of 26 hours of training and an online component (5 hours of training) which are both required for Prevention Specialist certification. Participants must attend all sessions to completed the SAPST course.
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate for 31 hours of participation which satisfies the Certified Prevention Specialist requirement for initial credentialing through the Iowa Board of Certification.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse in collaboration with Midwest Counterdrug Training Center (MCTC) sponsors Prevention Ethics Training for certification and for recertification. The six hour training for certification was created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The three hour training for recertification was created by the Bureau of Substance Abuse.
For Prevention Ethics Training for Certification, the training is six hours in length. For Prevention Ethics for Recertification, the training is three hours in length. Participants must attend the full training to receive credit.
These trainings are approved ethics courses through the Iowa Board of Certification (IBC). Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of participation which satisfies the ethics requirement through IBC.
Any scheduled SAPST and Prevention Ethics courses will be noted on the MCTC Training Calendar. Click on each SAPST and Prevention Ethics course in the calendar to register. Priority registration is provided to Iowa prevention professionals.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse provides a variety of trainings available to any prevention professional. All available trainings are noted on the YourLifeIowa.org Training Calendar and open to the public. Training details and registration links are available through this site for prevention and treatment trainings and webinars.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse, in conjunction with state and national professionals, has hosted training webinars on prevention topics ranging from substance misuse, suicide prevention, and problem gambling that are available in the YourLifeIowa.org Training Library. Continuing Education Credits will not be provided for viewing recorded webinars. This webpage is updated monthly.
The Bureau of Substance Abuse provides free prevention focused webinars the first Friday of each month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Central. Most webinars qualify for CEU’s when participants attend live during the day of the event. Once registered to attend a webinar, participants will be added to the webinar information distribution list. To view the webinar offerings and to register, see the YourLifeIowa.org Training Calendar.
Contact: Julie Hibben at 515-236-5703
Prevention Guide
The Prevention Guide, created by the Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention Team, provides foundational instruction and best practices for implementing prevention services throughout the state. The guide offers comprehensive instruction related to program performance standards for service availability and delivery, personnel onboarding and development trainings, fiscal practices, record keeping and data reporting.
Throughout the guide are useful tips and tools to ensure contract compliance throughout the project period. Each component of this guide has been carefully drafted to assist your agency each step of the way. This guide should be maintained at each agency funded by prevention grants to ensure adherence to each component provided within this document.
Due to the evolving nature of the prevention field, the Prevention Guide will be reviewed and revised by a collective group of stakeholders every two years. This group will consist of, but will not be limited to, Iowa HHS representatives and contracted agencies.