Welcome to the CPA Training Hub! We are dedicated to empowering prevention professionals with essential resources and engaging training sessions. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to drive effective substance use prevention efforts in your community. By exploring our offerings, you’ll find opportunities to enhance your professional capabilities, stay updated on best practices, and connect with a network of peers committed to making a positive impact. Together, we can advance our collective goals and foster healthier, more resilient communities.
October is Substance Use Prevention Month — and we’re Celebrating Prevention in Pennsylvania.
This October, we recognize the vital work of prevention professionals across Pennsylvania. Every day, you make a difference by reducing the risk of substance use, strengthening protective factors, and supporting the well-being of youth, families, and communities. Prevention is not just an idea — it’s evidence-based practice. Decades of research and real-world experience show that prevention works when implemented thoughtfully and consistently.
To mark Prevention Month, we are offering a series of trainings and opportunities focused on Upstream Prevention — reimagining the Prevention River story, building collaborations on college campuses, and opening the application for the Annual Youth Summit. These sessions are designed to equip prevention professionals with new strategies, practical tools, and connections to peers across the Commonwealth.
Register below to reserve your spot in these no-cost prevention sessions. Certificates of participation will be provided, but registration is required. Join us in celebrating the positive impact of prevention across Pennsylvania communities.
Explaining Prevention: A Guided Walkthrough of the River Story Toolkit
Thursday, October 2nd, from 10:00 – 11:00 am
Kristina Jeanty, Coordinator, Cross Systems Prevention Network
The River Story Prevention Toolkit helps you explain prevention in a way anyone can understand. Using the River Story metaphor, the toolkit illustrates how upstream prevention reduces challenges like substance misuse, school disconnection, and violence, while strengthening protective factors such as family support, caring schools, and community connection. Inside you’ll find read-to-use slides, talking points, and a checklist designed to spark stronger conversations with funders, partners, and community groups. Download the slides, share the story, and start the conversation!
Organizational Health Determines the Effectiveness of Collaboration
Friday, October 3rd, from 10:00 – 11:15 am
Dr. Nathaniel Woods, Jr., Senior Executive of Student Wellbeing and Inclusive Excellence
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the engine that drives innovation, agility, and growth. Organizations that
collaborate effectively, develop ideas faster, solve problems more efficiently, and respond to change with agility—directly impacting revenue and long-term success. In this session, you’ll explore the science of collaboration,
uncover what makes it work, and gain practical tools to pinpoint where collaboration can have the biggest impact in your organization.
Objectives:
- Understand the science and psychology of collaboration
- Identify the key factors that make teams and organizations work together effectively
- Learn how to identify high-impact opportunities for collaboration
Leading Today, Impacting Tomorrow: Launching the 2026 CPA Youth Prevention Summit
Friday, October 10th, from 9:00 to 9:30 am
Jeff Hanley, CPA Executive Director
Join us for a 30-minute virtual session to launch the 2026 CPA Youth Summit, open applications, and
highlight stipend opportunities for youth coalitions across PA. This session is intended for organizations and
coalitions participating in or leading youth coalitions. During the session, we will:
- Provide an overview of the CPA Youth Summit, including the tagline,
“Empowering youth advocates to champion prevention, strengthen communities, and influence policy.” - The application process, including eligibility, deadlines, and guidance for submitting.
- Youth preparation and expectations, including advocacy training, meetings with legislators,
press conference participation, and presenting at the annual CPA Conference. - Important dates and next steps to ensure your coalition and youth are ready to engage.
This is a great opportunity for coalition leaders to learn how to support youth in using their voices to
create meaningful impact in prevention, mental health awareness, and community advocacy.
