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.
Visit our Training Vault for newly available asynchronous CE trainings!
About Hawaiʻi SUPD
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information about Hawaiʻi SUPD activities, please email hisupd@hawaii.edu.
Substance Use CE Approvals
Prior to submitting a request for Continuing Education, please review the Policy and Procedure for Obtaining ADAD Approval for Continuing Education for Trainings.
For more information about CE approval for a training or conference you attended in the past, please email doh.adad.qai@doh.hawaii.gov.
University of Hawaiʻi Thompson School Faculty
Cliff Bersamira, PhD, AM
Principal Investigator
Rebecca Stotzer, PhD, MS, MSW
Co-Principal Investigator
Meripa Godinet, PhD, MSW
Co-Investigator
Mike DeMattos, PhD, MSW
Co-Investigator
Hawaiʻi SUPD Staff
Maisha Amare-Herrera, LSW
Program Coordinator
Jina Uyeda, MA, LMFT, CSAC
Program Associate
Julia Rivera Reyes, M.Ed.
Program Associate
Brendan Joanou, BA
Graduate Assistant
Faizah Shyanguya, BS
Graduate Assistant
Samar Faison
Student Assistant
Nicholas Thong
Student Assistant
Peyton Reynolds
Student Assistant
Hawaiʻi SUPD Scholars
About Our Logo
The creation of this logo was done in consultation with two of our Hawaiʻi SUPD trainers, Dolly Tatofi and Dr. Dayna Schultz. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to them for guiding us in its inspiration and design.
The ʻumeke is meant to hold, collect, and keep things together. This becomes kuleana of the ʻumeke. Over time challenges happen and obstacles occur that can lead to kaumaha filling the ʻumeke and wear and tear occurs. This impacts the foundation of the ʻumeke, requiring restoration and reinforcement. There are various ways in which to repair the ʻumeke; one way is to do this with the pewa, a fishtail joint that held the damaged area together, making it solid and whole again. Depending on context, the symbolism behind the ʻumeke can be likened unto a person, ʻohana, the community, and even an organization. It can be seen in many ways; so is the true spirit of symbolism and the beauty of interpretation.
This symbol is reflective of the kuleana that SUPD has been called to do in collecting, maintaining, and passing along knowledge and experience to others. The pewa reflects many aspects of SUPDʻs efforts including: (1) the strengthening of the ʻumeke and efforts in making new pilina, restoring old ones, and moving forward with grace to support communities, (2) the individual’s path in finding these pewa to feel whole again, and (3) the ʻike kupuna to guide, strengthen, and uplift with aloha. The pure intention of aloha is symbolized through the hilo style ti leaf lei that embraces the ʻumeke while providing security and protection.