Connecticut Prevention Professional Spotlight: Elke Sweeney
The Prevention Training and Technical Assistance Service Center (TTASC) likes to take the time to spotlight the fantastic prevention professionals within Connecticut and discuss prevention in their communities. For this Prevention Professional Spotlight, we had the chance to interview Elke Sweeney, Director of Prevention Services, Midwestern Connecticut Council of Alcoholism (MCCA), Stand Together Make Difference (Danbury Local Prevention Council).
Can you tell us about your background and current role?
I am a proud Indigenous Latina serving as the Director of Prevention Services at Danbury MCCA. I have been a mental health clinician for about 17 years and specialize in working with offenders of violence. My heritage and upbringing deeply influence my work.
What are the main focuses of your prevention work?
My work focuses on substance misuse prevention, mental health awareness, and addressing violence, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV). We also address the high rates of school absenteeism and its connection with housing and poverty issues in families.
How do you address health equity in your community?
Health equity is a core component of my work. We ensure that our interventions and educational materials are culturally responsive and available in multiple languages. I actively engage with various community groups, including those from diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, to tailor our services effectively.
What strategies do you use in your prevention programs?
I use a variety of strategies, including psychoeducational workshops, team leadership programs, and community events. These are designed to be interactive and engaging, often incorporating elements of the participants' culture and language.
How do you incorporate teen dating violence prevention in your work?
We facilitate workshops on intimate partner violence and educate about healthy relationships, especially targeting youth. After tragic incidents like murder-suicides in our community, there's a push to discuss violence more openly in schools.
How do you ensure your approach is effective for different cultures?
I emphasize the importance of being culturally competent and responsive. This means translating materials into different languages and understanding and respecting the cultural nuances, beliefs, and practices of other communities.
Can you share an example of a successful intervention or program?
One successful initiative was our “Healthy Love Workshop” for teens, which focused on promoting healthy relationships and preventing IPV. We also conducted programs on safer sex and STI prevention tailored to the specific needs and cultures of the participants.
What are the challenges in substance use prevention and mental health promotion?
Addressing taboo topics like mental health and substance misuse in certain cultures can be challenging. We have to navigate around cultural norms and beliefs that may hinder open discussions about these issues.
How do you engage with the community to stay informed and relevant?
I spend time at the courts, connect with public defenders, and talk to DCF workers to understand the prevalent issues. Also, I stay active on community social media groups and participate in local events to keep my finger on the pulse of the community.
What message would you like to share about the importance of prevention work?
Prevention work is essential for building healthier communities. It's not just about avoiding negative outcomes but also about promoting positive health, wellness, and community resilience. Engaging the community, especially the youth, in these efforts is crucial for lasting impact.