Widening the aperture: the Swiss Cheese Model for opioid policy

This session introduces a comprehensive framework for addressing the opioid crisis through the lens of the Swiss Cheese Model. Drawing parallels from safety system’s theory, Jonathan Stoltman will explain how this approach recognizes that no single intervention is perfect—each has “holes” like Swiss cheese. However, when multiple strategies are layered together (e.g., prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery), we can create a more effective and resilient policy response. Healthcare professionals and policymakers will gain valuable insights into how this new policy model can address the full spectrum of opioid-related challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will analyze common policy gaps or “holes” within each domain that can compromise the effectiveness of opioid response efforts.
• Participants will define the Swiss Cheese Model and explain its application to complex public health challenges, particularly opioid policy.
• Participants will identify the four key domains of comprehensive opioid policy (prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery) and explain how they interconnect.

Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Stoltman

An Introduction to a Trauma Informed Approach

A Trauma Informed Approach can strengthen your existing programming and build stronger community relationships.  Join us for an overview of Trauma Informed Approaches. 

Learning Objectives:

• Introduce a shift in thinking about classroom practices
• Generate a shared understanding and language around trauma.
• Increase awareness of trauma

Presenter: Jami Dellifield

Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders and PTSD Webinar

Substance use disorder (SUD) is often comorbid with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this lecture, we will discuss why these two disorders often co-occur and how those who have both differ from those who have either SUD or PTSD in terms of their physical and mental health and treatment outcomes. We will review research on how to effectively treat those who have both SUD and PTSD. The majority of this part of the lecture will be on clinical strategies to use when treating clients who have SUD and PTSD, including treatment planning, engagement strategies, and monitoring outcomes. Free web-based consumer-oriented and clinician resources for treating PTSD and PTSD co-occurring with SUD developed by the National Center for PTSD will be shared. This lecture is intended for clinicians who treat SUD who want to learn more about how PTSD interacts with SUD and best practices for treating patients with both.

Presenter: Dr. Sonya Norman

WeCOPE (Connecting Our Positive Emotions) for Public Service Professionals

7 week program

WeCOPE is an interactive program that helps adults cope with life stress.  WeCOPE has been shown to reduce stress and depression, increase positive affect, and improve health behaviors.  

Managing life’s challenges in healthy ways allows participants to take better care of themselves and others. This 7-week program meets via Zoom once a week for 60 minutes. 

Learning Objectives

• Be better able to cope with life’s challenging times and stressors by facilitating the connection to positive emotions, even during difficulty and stress.
• Learn to use 11 self-care and healthy coping skills for use in daily life.

Presenters: Mike Blaser and Amanda Coorough