Barnstable County, Department of Human ServicesProgram Specialist; Substance Abuse Prevention
Nov. 2015 - May. 2016 Led the development of the strategic plan and logic model for region’s five-year Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative grant; a federal grant funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services intended to reduce underage drinking and other drug use among youth Researched and published informational issue briefs on safe prevention messaging, social norms, and recreational marijuana for regional distribution to elected officials, town coalition leaders, clinicians, and others
Conducted a comprehensive scan of regional school districts to collect data on current and ongoing substance use prevention activities in order to assess community readiness for implementation of new evidence based strategies
Worked to create a comprehensive social-media strategy for the department by researching best practices, developing a cohesive message, and populating social media platforms
Led the development, planning, and recruitment processes used to conduct five focus groups of youth and parents around attitudes and perceptions of underage drinking and other drug use
Provided technical assistance to local town substance abuse coalitions to build internal capacity for prevention focused activities and events