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.
Please register below and join us to celebrate the positive impact prevention has on Pennsylvania communities.
Explaining Prevention: A Guided Walkthrough of the River Story Toolkit
Thursday, October 2nd — 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 — 10:00 – 11:30 am
Dr. Nathaniel Woods, Jr. Senior Executive of Stedent Wellbeing and Inclusive Excellence, PA College of Technology
Once considered a “nice-to-have,” collaboration has become essential to an organization’s sustainability. McKinsey & Company postulated that collaboration improved innovation rates (up to 30%), shorter product development cycles (25%), and higher problem-solving capabilities, leading to market agility and increased revenue.
Objectives:
- Define the science of collaboration
- List the multiple drivers
- Develop a scoping strategy to determine the value of collaboration
Leading Today, Impacting Tomorrow: Launching the 2026 CPA Youth Prevention Summit
Friday, October 10th — 9:00 -10:00 am
Jeff Hanley, CPA Executive Director
Join us to hear more about the 2026 CPA Youth Summit as we open applications for youth coalitions across Pennsylvania. This session is designed for adult coalition leaders and will provide all the details needed to guide youth participants through this unique advocacy experience.
During the session, we will cover:
- An overview of the CPA Youth Summit, including its tagline: “Empowering youth advocates to champion prevention, strengthen communities, and influence policy.”
- The application process, including eligibility, deadlines, and guidance for submitting coalition applications.
- Youth preparation and expectations, including advocacy training, meetings with legislators, press conference participation, and the CPA Conference Youth Panel.
- Important dates and next steps to ensure your coalition and youth are ready to engage.
This session is essential for coalition leaders committed to supporting youth as they use their voice to create meaningful impact in prevention, mental health awareness, and community advocacy.
