The ACT ATOD sector is seeking to build capacity and consistency to undertake evidence informed ATOD specific brief intervention and validated screening. To support this, the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Association ACT, in partnership with ACT ATOD services, have engaged a consultant to develop and deliver training across services.

This training is based on the latest evidence and provides an opportunity for workers to update their core skills with modules on:

• Drug knowledge (including new and emerging drugs) linked with the most recent harm reduction messages;
• New forms of Australian validated screening for ATOD using the electronic ASSIST tool (adapted for the ACT context). Further information on the screen is available at http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=477;
• ATOD brief intervention, matched to screening outcomes.

The training is provided by Annie Bleeker, BA, MPH who has worked in the HIV/AIDS and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector since 1990. She has taught and facilitated workshops on a variety of topics all over Australia and internationally and has held senior research or training positions at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre and the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, University of New South Wales.