We are excited to announce a regionwide train-the-trainer workshop for the new curriculum, Taking Action Against Substance Use in Communities (TASC), funded by the North Central Cooperative Extension Association (NCCEA) and the Great Lakes Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Regional Center (ROTA-RC). Please forward this announcement to NCR Extension professionals who may be interested in this opportunity!

Are you working with communities that are struggling with addiction? Are you tired of working in silos? Taking Action Against Substance Use in Communities (TASC) is a new curriculum designed to give Extension educators the tools to effectively guide their community coalitions by visually mapping their recovery system of care (ROSC) and leveraging existing community assets to improve substance use disorder outcomes. TASC is not intended to replace existing coalitions; instead, it is a research-based approach focusing on the coalition's work and increasing the group's collective impact.

Extension has a role in helping communities develop effective responses to substance use in their communities. But learning the landscape of addiction, response, and recovery is daunting. Extension professionals can use the Taking Action Against Substance Use in Communities (TASC) program to prepare for this work and facilitate the community's planning process. The Extension professional facilitates the process, with the goal of building capacity among community stakeholders who will sustain the work. The project materials include a reference handbook and a facilitator's guide.

Be a leader in the effort to tackle substance use disorders! Please join us for this hands-on train-the-trainer workshop that will introduce the key concepts, tools, and processes included in this brand-new curriculum.

Who: Extension Professionals serving the North Central Region and/or nonmetro areas.

What: Train-the-trainer workshop for the new Taking Action Against Substance Use in Communities (TASC) Extension program

When/Where: Location options –

• Cincinnati, Ohio: April 15 - 16, 2024
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: May 16 – 17, 2024
• Madison, Wisconsin: August 7 – 8, 2024

Why: Because your community deserves to be healthy, vibrant, and safe! TASC guides the development of effective and sustainable recovery-oriented systems of care to promote health and wellness.

How: Seating is limited. The workshop is free. Lodging and most meals are covered for participants meeting the service area criteria. Registration required and will open soon.

For more information: Please see: http://bit.ly/497Rer0 or please contact Dr. Michael Wilcox by email (wilcox16@purdue.edu) or text/call (765-427-7747).