Dryhootch: Coffee shops and technology-based peer support for Veterans

May 29, 2017

Bob Curry is a Vietnam veteran who founded Dryhootch.com to provide support for veterans returning to their communities after deployment. He was inspired to launch the project after his own experience with PTSD and a substance use disorder.  In 2012, the Obama White House recognized Curry as a Champion for Change.

Today, Dryhootch has seven brick and mortar coffee shops/ community centers across the U.S.  Curry has combined his understanding of veterans' needs with his expertise in technology to create virtual supports like the digital Forward Operating Base, or "FOB."  He's also partnered with IntheRooms to test virtual support meetings for veterans in recovery.

No More Excuses: Implementing Technology to Improve Substance Use Disorder Services

May 23, 2017

Terra Hamblin, M.A., NCC, DCC

Project Manager

National Frontier and Rural ATTC

• Seven billion people (95% of the global population) live in an area covered by a mobile-cellular network. (Bhuyan et al., 2016) 
• By 2018, an estimated 50% of the more than 3.4 billion smartphone and tablet users will have downloaded mHealth apps. (Kuersten, 2010) 
• Use of online and mobile technologies is increasing as consumers rely on Internet and smartphone-based tools for health information and tracking. (Ramsey et al., 2016) 
• 80% of providers want to be alerted if their client is at risk of relapse; only 8% would want an immediate alert (Muench, 2015).  Current evidence demonstrates patients use and are interested in using technologies as part of their treatment or continuing support. Understanding how technology can be implemented is a critical first step towards successful adoption of technology-assisted care.

Technology can be a powerful partner in helping people manage their health conditions. Are you prepared to offer technology-based services? 

Marijuana Legalization is a Process and We Haven't Reached the Midway Point

May 11, 2017

Jonathan Caulkins, PhD
H. Guyford Stever University Professor of Operations Research and Public Policy
Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz College

On August 28, 2017, the National Council for Behavioral Health, Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) and the ATTC Network are partnering to host the  2017 National Cannabis Summit in Denver: An objective national forum for changing public policy, public health, treatment and research. In today's blog post, drug policy researcher and National Cannabis Summit plenary speaker Jon Caulkins muses on how marijuana legalization might evolve over the next 25 years. 

Colorado and Washington State legalized large-scale commercial production and marketing of cannabis for non-medical use in November, 2012. Almost immediately reporters started asking: “How has legalization turned out?”

I try to answer helpfully. Some results were predictable, such as declining prices. Others were less anticipated and so are truly news. My top three might include the proliferation of extract-based products, consumption increases coming largely from increased intensity of use rather than increased prevalence, and industry lobbyists replacing do-gooders as the drivers of liberalization.

Yet such comments, though true, are woefully incomplete.

National Academies Report Charts Course to Elimination of Hepatitis B & C

May 1, 2017


Cross-posted from Viral Hepatitis Blog at HHS.gov

By: Richard Wolitski, Ph.D., Director, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Corinna Dan, R.N., M.P.H., Viral Hepatitis Policy Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

A new report from the National Academies makes recommendations for eliminating hepatitis B & C in the U.S. by 2030, complementing National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan.

Read the complete post. 

Myth busters #5, Part 2: There's no right way to make promotion decisions

April 25, 2017

Thomas F. Hilton, PhD

In Myth busters #5, Part 1, guest blogger Tom Hilton talked about the importance of leadership competencies in improving organizational performance. Part 2 continues the discussion: 

Why do leadership competencies matter? 

Researcher and Harvard psychology professor David McClelland found that as you move to higher and higher levels of responsibility, leadership ability begins to overshadow technical skill. Of course, in the health field, many supervisory positions in clinics require educational credentials, licensure, and technical skills. However, if people cannot also lead, they will make ineffective bosses regardless of their professional accomplishments. Bill Gates might be a technological wizard, but Microsoft would never have become the corporate giant it is today without his ability to energize, inspire, and animate a rapidly growing workforce. 

How do you stop the downward spiral due to bad leadership? The answer depends. Surely replacing the person in charge can be a solution—when it is feasible. That is not always the case. Another strategy is for directors to diffuse leadership responsibilities by creating self-managed teams (SMTs) where workgroups report to the boss as a group—no supervisor. SMTs usually reinfuse empowerment among team members and begin to turn things around. Creating SMTs usually requires an outside consultant to coach the change.