Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced the availability of an online certification program for prevention specialists in Montana. This initiative is spearheaded by the Montana Prevention Certification Board (MPCB) and aligns with current standards for professionals in behavioral health and related fields.

The Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) program, managed by MPCB, aims to recognize professionals' expertise in behavioral health. Those interested in certification can find more information at www.mtpreventioncertificationboard.org.

“MPCB strives to advance the field of prevention as a viable and effective professional discipline to benefit all Montana communities,” said Karen Sylvester, Board President. She highlighted that certification signifies a specialist's competency through experience, supervision, education, examination, and adherence to ethical standards.

Prevention aims to mitigate negative health outcomes like substance misuse and mental health issues through evidence-based interventions. The field offers rewarding careers focused on reducing unhealthy behaviors and promoting wellness to prevent incarceration and other adverse effects of substance misuse.

Various professionals contribute to prevention efforts without necessarily identifying as "prevention specialists," including teachers, faith leaders, coalition members, and community law enforcement officers.

DPHHS allocated $100,000 over two years from federal funds for developing the training curriculum. “It’s exciting that Montana now offers a certification program to those working in prevention,” stated DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. He emphasized prevention's critical role in delivering essential behavioral health services across the state.

Brereton noted there are currently about 53 prevention specialists serving all counties in Montana. Substance use and mental health disorders significantly impact daily life activities and are among leading causes of disability nationwide.

Prevention strategies aim to reduce the economic burden of these issues by fostering knowledge, attitudes, skills, and policies necessary for healthy choices or behavior change. These efforts address various at-risk behaviors such as drug abuse, violence, family conflict, depression, anxiety, and suicide.

MPCB will offer CPS credentials following high standards set by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Certified professionals must adhere to ethical codes and pursue annual continuing education for ongoing competence. IC&RC ensures quality certification programs globally for those engaged in prevention work.

For further details on this opportunity and the certification process in Montana, visit www.mtpreventioncertificationboard.org.

The MPCB was established in 2022 with a mission to protect Montanans' health through standardized professional service delivery. As a member board of IC&RC, it sets credential standards nationally while facilitating reciprocity between states.

MPCB aims to enhance workforce capacity by improving retention rates among substance abuse prevention workers through knowledge enhancement, network support creation, career path establishment, recruitment expansion, and cross-training initiatives.

The creation of MPCB resulted from collaboration between DPHHS and Youth Connections in Helena. It receives support from a grant provided by the Montana Healthcare Foundation (MHCF) and operates under the University of Montana's Public Health Training Center.