WED-052 - Pioneering Innovation: Launching the First Project ECHO Hub for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion launched the world’s first Project ECHO hub dedicated to behavioral health prevention. Learn how the ECHO model, an evidence-based, interactive learning experience, was adapted to meet the needs of Ohio’s Prevention Professionals while maintaining program fidelity. Gain insights into aligning the model with adult learning theories, tailoring it for specific audiences, and overcoming challenges in democratizing knowledge and amplifying best practices. Analyze data from the first five months of implementation to uncover initial successes and lessons learned.

Detailed abstract description: In 2024, the Ohio Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Prevention and Promotion became the world’s first hub to apply the Project ECHO model to behavioral health prevention. This interactive learning experience connects professionals with subject matter experts through virtual “All Teach, All Learn” sessions to build workforce capacity. Attendees will learn how the ECHO model was adapted to focus on prevention, providing critical support to Ohio’s Prevention Professionals as they work to deliver high-quality, evidence-based behavioral health programs in their communities.

During this session, participants will:
• Explore the core elements of the ECHO model and how they align with adult learning theories to facilitate skill-building and knowledge exchange.
• Identify opportunities to tailor the ECHO model to meet the unique needs of diverse audiences while maintaining the program’s fidelity to its core principles.
• Learn about the planning and implementation strategies used to launch this innovative program and ensure its sustainability.
• Analyze data from the first five months of the program to understand initial successes and challenges, including practical lessons learned that can inform future ECHO projects focused on population-based behavioral health prevention.

By attending this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the ECHO model can be a powerful tool for addressing behavioral health prevention problems of practice. This session will appeal to public health professionals, educators, and prevention specialists looking to expand their understanding of workforce development models and their practical application in community-based behavioral health prevention efforts.