Project ECHO: Shifting Community Norms using Strengths-Based Frameworks

This Project ECHO will explore a theme at the heart of our work in prevention: how we intentionally shift community norms to promote prevention and well-being, for youth, families, communities, and ourselves, as prevention professionals.

Over six interactive sessions, participants will engage in a blend of brief didactic presentations and facilitated case discussions designed to support shared learning and practical application. Together, we will explore how community beliefs, attitudes, and narratives shape prevention efforts and influence health outcomes. The series will emphasize strengths-based frameworks that move beyond deficit-focused approaches, helping participants reframe challenges, reduce stigma, and reinforce positive, protective norms. This Project ECHO is designed to support peer connection, shared problem-solving, and skill-building, equipping prevention professionals with practical tools and perspectives they can apply in their local contexts.

Discussion topics will include:

• The impact of stigma on prevention and substance use outcomes
• Broadening our understanding of substance use
• Using strengths-based frameworks to shift community norms
• Reinforcing norms through policy and environmental change
• Community engagement and authentic partnership-building
• Strengths-based messaging to promote positive norms

Schedule: Every other Wednesday, 11:00-12:00, April 15 – June 25, 2026

• April 15
• April 29
• May 13
• May 27
• June 10
• June 24

Participation eligibility:

• Work in a New England state (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
• New and experienced prevention professionals interested in exploring applications of strength-based prevention frameworks
  • At least 1 year of general experience in the prevention field is recommended
• Availability to participate in at least 3 of 6 Project ECHO Sessions
• Active & respectful participation in group discussion and learning activities

Register coming soon –

Due to limited capacity, participants within the New England region will be prioritized for registration. Registration for remaining available spaces will be released to participants in other regions on April 1, 2026.

Continuing education: Participants in this course will receive a certificate of completion for up to 6 hours, depending on total participation. This course is pre-approved by the Maine Prevention Certification Board, an IC&RC member board.

About this program: This Project ECHO is hosted by CCSME, a Project ECHO Hub site, & a partner of the New England PTTC. The New England PTTC is supported with supplemental funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Award No. 1H79SP084326-02. Views and opinions represented in this program are those of the speaker and do not represent the official position of SAMHSA or DHHS.

About Project ECHO^®: Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) is an evidence-based distance learning method developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico, in which a group of faculty experts meets regularly with a participant cohort to engage in case-based discussion and learning. Each session will include a brief expert-led educational segment and an extended participant-led case discussion. Project ECHO is designed to support peer connection, shared problem-solving, and skill-building, equipping prevention professionals with practical tools and perspectives they can apply in their local contexts. This Project ECHO is hosted by CCSME, a Project ECHO Hub site & partner of the New England PTTC.

For questions or more information, contact distance learning coordinator Kristen Erickson, kerickson@ccsme.org.