This training has a pre-requisite!

Completion of the 5-hour HealtheKnowledge.org online course, “Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course),” is required prior to the training. Course certificates of completion must be emailed to Susan at spomerleau@adeptme.org before the start of training. This course is linked HERE.

Training Description

The SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) blends a pre-requisite, self-paced online course with four full days of in-person training. Grounded in current research and SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), the SAPST provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that improve substance-related outcomes, reduce behavioral health disparities, and improve wellness.

What does the SAPST prepare practitioners to do?

• Address substance misuse prevention in the context of behavioral health
• Improve practice by developing a comprehensive approach to prevention guided by SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF)
• Reduce behavioral health disparities by identifying the needs of vulnerable populations and improving cultural proficiency
• Sustain prevention by collaborating effectively across sectors to address shared risk and protective factors and improve the health and well-being of communities in a cohesive way

What does the SAPST cover?

Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (HealtheKnowledge.org Pre-SAPST online course)

• Basic terminology and facts
• History of substance use and prevention in the U.S. 
• Substances and the brain
• Effects and health risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Setting the Foundation: From Theory to Practice

• Behavioral health
• Spectrum of Behavioral Health Services
• Public health approach
• Risk and protective factors
• Developmental perspective

Application: SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework

• Assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Health disparities 
• Cultural competency, sustainability

*This training is using newly updated (Feb 2026) SAPST material.

Location:

The Amos House

460 Pine St, Providence, RI 02907

Schedule:

Monday, May 4 9:00AM-4:30PM EST

Tuesday, May 5 9:00AM-4:30PM EST

Wednesday, May 6 9:00AM-4:30PM EST

Thursday, May 7 9:00AM-4:30PM EST

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This training has a pre-requisite

Completion of the 5-hour HealtheKnowledge.org online course, “Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course),” is required prior to the training. Course certificates of completion must be emailed to Susan at spomerleau@adeptme.org before the start of training. This course is linked HERE.

Who Should Participate

This curriculum is designed for entry-level (i.e. less than 5 years experience) substance misuse prevention practitioners working at the community, tribal, jurisdiction, and state-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and allied health partners.

Certificate of Attendance

Participants will receive two certificates for training hours: 

1) 5 hours upon completion of the online course prior to registration
2) 26 hours upon completion of the live, 4-day training

Participants must attend the full 26-hour live training to receive a certificate. No partial credit will be given. 

The IC&RC Prevention Committee has endorsed the SAPST as an IC&RC-approved curriculum. This endorsement provides assurance that the SAPST is applicable to IC&RC's prevention specialist domains and can be used toward the education/training requirement for IC&RC's Prevention Specialist credential. The SAPST has also been approved by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.