This innovative course, created by the Center’s expert team, enables participants to integrate and apply key behavioral‑health theories within a public‑health prevention framework.
“The WV Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals recognizes prevention as a true science—one that demands both knowledge and skill,” said Lori Garrett Bumba, project director for the Collegiate Strategic Prevention Framework Partnership for Success program and WVCBAPP officer. “As a certified prevention specialist, I know how important it is to build a workforce that’s not only passionate but also properly trained. This microcredential offers high-quality educational hours that count toward certification and help strengthen the foundation of prevention work across the state.”
Designed for real-world application, the course equips participants to identify, assess and implement effective prevention interventions across ecological domains. It also explores the influence of cultural factors and social determinants of health on prevention efforts.
“This microcredential was created to help learners turn knowledge into meaningful impact,” said Dr. Tammy Collins, associate director of the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery. “By exploring real-world strategies and the cultural factors that shape prevention work, participants will walk away with tools they can apply immediately in their communities. It’s about building confidence, connection and capacity to make a difference.”
The course fee is $250, and enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Classes will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings via Microsoft Teams, beginning Aug. 20, 2025. Two in-person sessions will be held Sept. 19 and 26 at the Brad D. Smith Center for Business and Innovation, room 315 (1425 Fourth Ave., Huntington, W.Va.).
Course instructors (in order of instruction) include:
- Tammy L. Collins, Ph.D., WV Prevention Specialist 2, Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant
- Emily Baker, Ph.D., Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist, Behavioral Health Research Director
- Katelyn Fowler, M.S.W., Evaluation Coordinator
- Heather McDonnell‑Stalnaker, M.A., WV Prevention Specialist 2, LPC, ALPS
- Lori Garrett‑Bumba, B.A., WV Prevention Specialist II, WV LSW
- Jim Ryan, Ohio Certified Prevention Consultant, Executive Director, Ohio Prevention Professionals Association
Course schedule at a glance:
|
Date |
Format |
Time |
|
Aug. 20 |
Virtual – Meeting 1 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Aug. 27 |
Virtual – Meeting 2 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Sept. 3 |
Virtual – Meeting 3 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Sept. 10 |
Virtual – Meeting 4 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Sept. 17 |
Virtual – Meeting 5 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Sept. 19 |
In-person – Brad D. Smith Center, Rm 315 |
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
|
Sept. 24 |
Virtual – Meeting 6 |
5:30 – 8:45 p.m. |
|
Sept. 26 |
In-person – Brad D. Smith Center, Rm 315 |
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
Orientation materials and a welcome video will be available Aug. 15 for enrolled participants.
Registration for the prevention science course is now open. To learn more about microcredentials and the Marshall Skills Exchange, visit marshall.edu/microcredentials.