VCU news

A three-day town hall meeting at Virginia Commonwealth University will bring together researchers, practitioners and the public to discuss the latest research on substance use, treatment and mental health in young people.

“From Research to Recovery: A Town Hall Meeting on Alcohol and Substance Use” will be held April 10-12. The first day is a pre-conference workshop on the prevention of substance use, misuse and disorders as well as recovery ally training.

“This is an event that gathers community members, professionals and researchers in the same place to hear a range of perspectives about substance use and mental health in young people,” said Tom Bannard, the program coordinator for VCU’s Rams in Recovery. “Unfortunately, these are groups that are too often siloed and disconnected.”

The event’s agenda includes keynote presentations on the genetics, prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery of alcohol and substance use disorders.

“Right now we are at a critical point in the way that we address substance use and mental health in this country,” Bannard said. “The Surgeon General has emphasized the importance of taking a public health approach in tackling these challenges, and pushes us to move beyond emergency and incarceration based solutions, which have been ineffective in stemming the tide of the opioid epidemic or lessening the burden of substance use. In the midst of tremendous suffering caused by the opioid epidemic, we must find effective ways forward, and that requires all of us at the table.”

The event is open to the public at a minimal cost, but seating is limited. To register, visit the event’s Eventbrite ticketing page. Continuing education units are available for NAADAC and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

The event is presented by the Wellness Resource Center, College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services and is sponsored by partners in the Richmond area, including The Virginia Center for Addiction Medicine, CARITAS, The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine, Genesis House, Farley Center, Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Virginia Recovery Foundation, The JHW Foundation, Northstar Community, The McShin Foundation, River City Comprehensive Counseling Services, Newport Academy, Origins Behavioral Healthcare, Recovery Unplugged and Red Oak Recovery.