Upcoming Events

This training reviews fundamental concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for those new to the organization and for organizations just beginning to incorporate DEI principles to their mission. This highly interactive training includes breakout groups, videos and skill-building activities to increase awareness and capacity for DEI.

The use of the classic “Ice Breaker” activity can often backfire, making it more of an “ice-maker” experience for groups;  meaning-a well intentioned activity offered for the purpose of tone setting and participant engagement can have the effect of creating discomfort and provoking anxiety. 

The concept of Connections before Content takes the value of an ice breaker (to laugh, connect, create a sense of anticipation for what’s next) and removes those aspects that can feel awkward, perhaps isolating and most significantly-disconnected from the overall objective of the gathering. This engaging workshop will cover over a dozen simple and effective connection activities that are designed for a broad audience (age, setting and so forth) We will also explore the components of quality connection activities, and participants will leave with a toolkit of activities to use with their groups.

This workshop is participatory. While all participants will determine when and how they participate in the experiential activities, folks should be prepared to be actively involved. Wear comfortable clothing, bring water, sunscreen and other items that will help you be ready to learn and engage in an outdoor setting.

The workshop will be tailored to meet the unique needs of clinicians, case workers and other youth serving professionals offering traditional therapeutic or psychoeducation groups.  Connections Before Content will offer strategies to add a spark of creativity to group therapy to enhance youth engagement and foster trust, teamwork, and connection.

The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity (KSCMHE) will host a two-day speaker symposium which aims to address the question, “Why is mental health equity, health equity?” The invited panelists will represent a diverse, inclusive and unique set of voices in the field, to speak on issues related to policy and data; clinical services; and cultural humility and sensitivity. It is purposeful that KSCMHE is outreaching lesser-known experts and leaders to uplift their voices in an effort to accurately depict the state of mental health equity in America in real time. Our vision is that our programming is as equitable and inclusive as the system that we are working to change.

Session I: Introduction of Advanced Ethics & the development of the visual framework, with a focus on cultural humility and how it enhances to cultural competence.

Professional ethical standards are based on values. Values are the basic beliefs that an individual thinks to be true and are also seen as guiding principles in one’s life or the basis on which an individual makes a decision.

Join us for a deep dive into how creating equity in program planning is a fundamental ethical practice. We are kicking off the series with a two-part discussion on the role of cultural humility and social justice in prevention ethics.

This training reviews fundamental concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for those new to the organization and for organizations just beginning to incorporate DEI principles to their mission. This highly interactive training includes breakout groups, videos and skill-building activities to increase awareness and capacity for DEI.

The Kennedy-Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity (KSCMHE) will host a two-day speaker symposium which aims to address the question, “Why is mental health equity, health equity?” The invited panelists will represent a diverse, inclusive and unique set of voices in the field, to speak on issues related to policy and data; clinical services; and cultural humility and sensitivity. It is purposeful that KSCMHE is outreaching lesser-known experts and leaders to uplift their voices in an effort to accurately depict the state of mental health equity in America in real time. Our vision is that our programming is as equitable and inclusive as the system that we are working to change.

As we transition back to in-person and hybrid meetings, how are your meetings measuring up? This training will address the functionalities of Zoom and how to use its features to help you facilitate successful and engaging online meetings, and will also expand on this to talk about how to run a hybrid meeting, where folks are joining in-person and online.  It can be challenging to build connections with in-person and remote meeting participants, and this training will build skills to facilitate those connections so that everyone feels heard.  In this training, you will build rapport and confidence with your meeting facilitation skills. Come prepared to participate and try on some new facilitation strategies!

This training focuses on the brain structures and systems involved in addiction, the role of learning in the addiction process, and the critical neurological differences between youth and adults. We will first review typical adolescent brain development and how substances can impact the brain’s reward pathway system, leading to addiction.  We will also discuss the impact of both adverse childhood experiences and mental health challenges on neurodevelopment. 

We will then focus on the disease model of addiction (as defined by the medical community and evidenced by research), and the role that key regions of the brain play in the development of substance use disorders. We will discuss what takes place at the synaptic cleft when neurons are impacted by substances, and how this changes brain functioning in both the short-term and long-term.  Finally, we will review the implications of the neurobiology of addiction for youth and young adults in recovery and discuss ways that we can help support their recovery over time.

This training is aimed towards anyone working with youth and young adults; prior knowledge is not required.

As we transition back to in-person and hybrid meetings, how are your meetings measuring up? This training will address the functionalities of Zoom and how to use its features to help you facilitate successful and engaging online meetings, and will also expand on this to talk about how to run a hybrid meeting, where folks are joining in-person and online.  It can be challenging to build connections with in-person and remote meeting participants, and this training will build skills to facilitate those connections so that everyone feels heard.  In this training, you will build rapport and confidence with your meeting facilitation skills. Come prepared to participate and try on some new facilitation strategies!

Session II: Continue to explore the visual framework, with a focus on social justice and ethics

Professional ethical standards are based on values. Values are the basic beliefs that an individual thinks to be true and are also seen as guiding principles in one’s life or the basis on which an individual makes a decision.

Join us for a deep dive into how creating equity in program planning is a fundamental ethical practice. We are kicking off the series with a two-part discussion on the role of cultural humility and social justice in prevention ethics.

The series will continue in 2022 and include a total of ten sessions designed to include an introductory lecture and lab session to discuss and apply concepts to practice.

Trust is a fundamental component of health care. Not only is trust at the core of the doctor-patient relationship, it is an essential element of public health. The 18th Annual Public Health Leadership Forum will convene leaders in medicine, public health, policy, and government to explore the trust challenges facing public health, examine strategies to counter fear and misinformation, and identify ways to work together to foster the trust and integrity necessary for the equitable delivery of care and uptake of public health interventions.

It can be challenging to run effective support groups for youth and young adults in recovery from substance use disorders.  This training focuses on understanding the basic concepts of group work, best practices for structuring groups, and identifying ways to better manage different group roles and dynamics.

Through a strengths-based model, facilitators will learn the most effective ways to promote group cohesion and successful group work. Information specific to groups in DPH/BSAS (Bureau of Substance Addiction Services) treatment programs for youth and young adults will be discussed. Ways to manage group dynamics will be reviewed and practiced through role play.

This training is aimed towards anyone working with youth and young adults; prior knowledge of groups is not required.

At a time when it’s more important than ever for the public health community to share the latest science, best practices and lessons learned, we are planning a 2021 Annual Meeting that offers attendees the choice to gather in person or participate online. 

From increases in substance misuse and suicide, to reduced quality of life among older adults, the impacts of widespread social isolation are all around us. Public health policies and practices can help counter social isolation by strengthening social cohesion and connectedness. And we can showcase examples and stories that bring attention to hopefulness and connected communities and families to counteract isolation and despair. The time is ripe to highlight communities and initiatives across the country working to restore belonging, trust and connectedness and the emerging research and findings of how public health — working alongside other key sectors — can contribute to environments where healing, hopefulness and aspiration can grow.

APHA's Annual Meeting and Expo is where public health professionals convene, learn, network and engage with peers. With the Annual Meeting, we strengthen the profession of public health, share the latest research and information, promote best practices and advocate for public health issues and policies grounded in research. Come experience APHA.

The 2021 Place & Health Conference is a free, virtual event featuring a full day of presentations, posters, and lightning talks focused on the evolving role of geospatial science and technology in public health.

In addition to this year’s theme of health equity, the conference will also touch on environmental justice, climate change and health, social determinants of health, and COVID-19. Epidemiologists, health geographers, social and behavioral scientists, statisticians, data scientists, other public health professionals, and students are invited to attend. Attendees at previous Place & Health conferences have represented academia, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, non-governmental organizations, and for-profit businesses whose work engages geospatial science.

PACEs Connection's Race & Equity Workgroup is examining historical trauma in the United States of America and its impact on American society in a series of virtual discussions. This series, which began in July 2021, highlights each unique region within the United States and outlines how unresolved historical trauma has impacted every aspect of American life and directly shapes the socio-political landscape of today as well as the overall well-being of Americans. The purpose of these discussions is to make connections between America's history and the current mental health crisis, social determinants of health, and the obvious disparities and inequities present in our communities today. Please join us!

Discussions will include the treatment of Indigenous Americans, chattel slavery, colonization, immigration, and housing discrimination, among other relevant topics.

NatCon is the largest conference on mental health and substance use care and your destination for next-level learning, peer-to-peer engagement and high-octane entertainment. Join us at the Gaylord National Harbor for NatCon22 from April 11-13, 2022, as we reflect on how far we’ve come as a community and how much further we can go in our field.

The 19th in a series of conferences on preventing and reducing alcohol-related problems using public policy strategies.

​The alcohol policy conferences are a series that, from its outset in 1981, has been a forum for researchers, community practitioners, and public officials to meet and exchange findings, explore evidence-based solutions, and consider adoption of policies aimed at minimizing risks associated with alcohol use. The conferences have been organized by governmental, non-governmental and private organizations over the years. AP19 is coordinated by the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, a national coalition of local and state organizations translating alcohol policy research into public health practice and independent of commercial interests. Conference organizers can be reached by email at apconference@alcoholpolicy.org.

The AP19 Conference is co-chaired by Dr. Timothy S. Naimi, Boston Medical Center and Alicia Sparks, Vice Chair of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, Abt Associates. The co-chairs are joined on the planning committee by Dr. David Jernigan, Boston University School of Public Health, and Nicole Holt, Chair of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance, Texans For Safe and Drug-Free Youth.