Who We Are
Hawaiʻi Substance Use Professional Development (SUPD) based out of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health is in collaboration with and funded by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) to examine the current state of the substance use workforce in Hawaiʻi and address its training needs.
Guiding Values and Principles
Innovation
All “best practices” started as “alternative practices.” Hawaiʻi SUPD is committed to providing trainings on practices that are shown to work and are promising, but not yet classified as evidence-based practices, such as those that are culturally based.
Sustainability
It is a priority for Hawaiʻi SUPD to entrust and develop our existing pool of expertise in Hawaiʻi. Increasing and empowering our local pool of experts reduces our reliance on outside entities and prolongs the impacts of our efforts.
Culturally & Community Informed
Hawaiʻi has unique communities with specific needs. With many practices not representing Hawaiʻi’s diverse population, whenever possible, frameworks that are founded and cultivated in Hawaiʻi are imperative to addressing the needs of our communities. Advanced and innovative trainings need to integrate the cultural histories and legacies of our communities.
Program Approach
Assessing Hawaiʻi’s current workforce and training needs through research efforts engaging providers, frontline staff, and allied professionals.
Developing a statewide plan focused on prevention, treatment, and recovery with an emphasis on the importance of cultural grounding and competence.
Providing continuing education (CE) training opportunities for certified substance use professionals, those working in the broader substance use field, and those working in allied fields.
Organizing and streamlining the certification process through the electronic tracking of requirements and creating a more efficient Substance Use Continuing Education (CE) approval process for training sponsors and individuals.
