(727) 315-8658

ASAP ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Secure Your Ticket Today

Bio of Lamar Joseph Odom

Lamar Joseph Odom, born on November 6, 1979, in Queens, New York, is a former professional basketball player whose life story is marked by remarkable highs and daunting lows. Standing at 6’10” with a versatile skill set, Odom made a name for himself in the NBA, but his journey extends far beyond the basketball court.

Raised in a challenging environment, Lamar Odom’s childhood was far from easy, losing his mother Cathy Mercer to colon cancer at age 12 years old. Despite facing early adversities, he exhibited a natural talent for basketball that led him to become one of the most sought-after high school recruits in the nation. After a standout season at the University of Rhode Island, Odom declared for the NBA Draft.

In 1999, Lamar Odom was selected fourth overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, launching his professional basketball career. He played for several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010 and was made 6th Man of The Year.

However, Odom’s life off the court was tumultuous. He battled substance abuse issues and personal tragedies, including the loss of his son, Jayden. Despite these challenges, Odom’s resilience and determination were evident. He sought help for his addiction and embarked on a path to recovery.

In addition to his basketball career, Lamar Odom ventured into the world of reality television, gaining further notoriety through his marriage to Khloé Kardashian and appearances on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and “Khloe & Lamar”. Lamar stayed in the limelight appearing on Dancing with The Stars, Celebrity Big Brother and College Hill.

Today, Lamar Odom’s story serves as an inspiration to many. His openness about his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery have raised awareness about mental health issues in professional sports.

Odom founded “Odom Recovery Group” in 2023 and has built a network of Addiction Treatment Facilities across California. Lamar has continued to build his Health Empire, in 2023 Lamar founded “Odom Senior Care” to create affordable senior living communities. Later in 2023, Odom Senior Care merged with ZNest to simplify the way families find senior living options. Lamar also founded “Odom Dental Care” for affordable dental care which is called Oxy Dental in Lomita California. Odom hired his children, Destiny Morales-Odom and Lamar Odom Jr as well as their mother, Liza Morales, making Odom Recovery Group a family ran business.

Odom’s legacy extends beyond the basketball court, reminding us all of the power of resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

Become an Event Sponsor or Vendor

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

To help us continue providing this meaningful conference and the results it incurs, we are asking community partners to please consider sponsoring the event. Among other benefits, sponsors like you would have the opportunity to market your organization to hundreds of attendees, build strategic relationships with community partners, and network with decision makers, businesses, and service providers.

Special Event $10,000

Building Communities  $8,000

 Changing Lives $5,000 Bright Futures Break $3,000

Health & Wellness

$1,000

 Hopes & Dreams $500

 

ALA CARTE OPTIONS

Single Booth $200 Quarter Page Ad $200 Logo on Website $200

Become an Event Sponsor or Vendor

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

To help us continue providing this meaningful conference and the results it incurs, we are asking community partners to please consider sponsoring the event. Among other benefits, sponsors like you would have the opportunity to market your organization to hundreds of attendees, build strategic relationships with community partners, and network with decision makers, businesses, and service providers.

Special Event $10,000 Building Communities  $8,000
Changing Lives $5,000 Bright Futures Break $3,000

Health & Wellness $1,000

 

 Hopes & Dreams $500

ALA CARTE OPTIONS

Single Booth $200 Quarter Page Ad $200
 
Logo on Website $200

Program Schedule

Schedule:

  • 8:30am-9:30am —Registration and Vendors open. Continental Breakfast served
  • 9:30am- 10am —Welcome: Joey Resnick
  • 10:00am-10:45am —Sheriff Nocco: Opening Remarks 
  • 10:45am-12:00pm—Keynote Speaker: Lamar Odom
  • 11:55am-1:00pm—–Lunch
  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm—Breakout session #1 (5 options)
  • 2:00pm-2:30pm—Networking Break 
  • 2:30pm-3:30pm—Breakout session #2 (5 options)
  • 3:30pm- 3:45pm—Networking Break   
  • 3:45pm -4:30pm—Closing Plenary: Dr. Oshea Johnson with SAMHSA

SPEAKERS

Pasco County opening remarks by Sheriff Chris Nocco

 

Keynote speaker Lamar Odom

Emcee Joseph Resnick

Joseph D. Resnick joined Premier Community HealthCare Group, Inc. as the Chief Executive Officer in 2014. As CEO, Resnick is focused on the impact of the health care reform by improving operations, with emphasis on the patient experience and strengthening the workforce of Premier. He is also dedicated to improving the health center business model which includes communicating the health center’s strategic plan to the community-at-large. Prior to joining Premier, Mr. Resnick served in several leadership positions with Women’s Care Florida – Insignia Care for Women, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Ankle & Foot Center of Tampa Bay, and Tampa General Hospital. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tampa and a Masters in Healthcare Administration through the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health. Resnick and his wife (Erika) have made the Tampa Bay area their home and stay busy raising four children together. He enjoys an active lifestyle which includes traveling, volunteering, running, musical festivals and outdoor adventures.

Kylie McGivern

Kylie McGivern is a 7-time Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC Action News. Kylie grew up just a few miles down the road, in Tarpon Springs, where she graduated from Tarpon High before going on to the University of Missouri School of Journalism. From there, she worked on investigative teams at TV stations in Johnson City, Tennessee and Austin, Texas, before making her way home to Tampa… six years ago.  It was during her time (2012-2015) in northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia nearly 10 years ago… reporting in Appalachia… that Kylie first dug into the opioid crisis… as it ravaged that part of the country. She has continued reporting on the ongoing national crisis… here in Pasco County. Shining a light on dark, difficult topics in the Tampa Bay area… including child sex trafficking… sex abuse within the Catholic Church… and problems within the Florida prison system… have earned Kylie regional and national recognition. https://www.abcactionnews.com/kyliemcgivern

  • Breakout Session One
  • STAND Panel on Mental Health and Substance Misuse
      • Track: Mental Health and Wellness
      • Organization: STAND Youth and Florida Army National Guard
      • Speaker: STAND youth with Captain Mason from the Florida National Guard moderating

STAND Above the Influence is a youth-led coalition located in Pasco County. Our mission is to empower youth to be agents of change by strengthening their voices and educating others to build a healthier community. Our vision is to inspire innovative communities that embrace the voices of our youth to affect positive change in cultivating safe and healthy communities. We work to fight any issue that directly impacts youth wellbeing in our county. Some of these issues include substance use, mental health, impaired driving, bullying, inclusion, safety, and violence. Through STAND, youth gain leadership skills, have the chance to show their creativity, and learn advocacy skills through planning, coordinating, advertising, and running their own events to reach students. They gain valuable communication skills, learn public speaking, and professionalism skills and they use these specialized skills to make presentations throughout the year. Additionally, the youth participate in an annual youth panel, tabling events, fundraising and service projects, and traveling to Tallahassee to talk with legislation about current issues that are impacting youth wellness. Furthermore, the youth STAND coalition members can receive community service hours for community activities/events we participate in which may be useful for college and career resumes. The STAND youth coalition is part of a non-profit 501c3 Alliance for Healthy Communities and based right here in Pasco County. STAND clubs can take place anywhere, whether in the community or in the schools and are youth-led. The youth choose and work on projects that they are passionate about, and we would help the youth in their specific area. Being a part of a coalition such as this where their voices are heard has helped improve teenagers’ mental health, keep them from engaging in risky behaviors, and it gives them a purpose.

Description of presentation:

STAND and ASAP (AHC) are pleased to announce CPT Zachary Mason for the Florida National Guard will be moderating the annual STAND youth panel discussion at the Strengthening Our Communities ASAP Conference. In addition to providing information on STAND, the youth will discuss issues currently impacting youth in the community and what adults can do to assist.  These community youth advocate will provide audience members with the opportunity to learn youth perspective on current substance and mental health issues. The audience will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the youth panel. The panel is designed to enhance prevention efforts and gives the youth a seat at the table in preventing current issues from affecting youth in the future.

 

  • Breakout Session One
    • Track: Creating Change and Inspiring Innovation 
    • Organization: CFBHN and SAFE Collaborative
    • Speaker: Karen Barfield and Chrissie Parris
    • Zero Suicide Framework 
    • Suicide Awareness Form

Karen Barfield

Karen Barfield is the Community Manager for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties with Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc. Karen is a University of South Florida graduate. She has spent her social service career working with highly vulnerable populations including those with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring substance misuse disorders. Karen began her career working in an inpatient setting in Pinellas County 43 years ago. She has been on staff with several providers across the Tampa Bay Area including Horizon Hospital (currently Windmoor Healthcare), Anon Anew, Glenbeigh, MHC (Gracepoint Wellness), Charter Behavioral Health and Northside Behavioral Health Center.

Chrissie Parris

Chrissie Parris is the Community Health Activation Team (C.H.A.T.) Supervisor at BayCare Behavioral Health in Pasco County. C.H.A.T. provides prevention and outreach activities focused on improving overall health and wellness of Pasco County residents. Chrissie has also served in a leadership role for the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention – ASAP of Pasco County coalition since 2009 and co-founded the nonprofit Alliance for Healthy Communities, Inc. She spent 10 years coordinating crisis and referral hotlines after graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology from Penn State University. She has over 25 years’ experience in behavioral health and loves to vacation when she isn’t working.

Description of presentation:

The Presentation will provide an overview of the Zero Suicide Framework which is an evidence and best practices to address the fluctuating nature of suicide risk which requires ongoing risk assessment, direct intervention, and monitoring. The presenters will share the processes to lead Pasco County towards system wide change and collaboration with community partners across the system of care. 

Barry Reiman. Psy. D.

Dr. Barry Reiman, the V.P. of Business Development for Recovery Unplugged Behavioral Health, has been a featured guest on such daytime television shows as Dr. Phil, The Doctors and Face the Truth with Vivica A. Fox. Working in the field of addiction treatment for close to two decades, Dr. Barry has developed an acute understanding and passion for treating those struggling with substance use disorders. Dr. Barry’s career in the treatment field stems from his personal connection to addiction. Dr. Barry has been in recovery since June of 1996, and has dedicated his personal and professional life to facilitating change in the lives of those looking for a way out of their addiction. His passion and thirst for knowledge has led to him becoming one of the Treatment Industry’s leading influencers.

Description of presentation: 

This presentation will explore the differences between Instant Gratification and Delayed Gratification and the overall impact it has on our lives, both current and past. This session will cover the following three learning objectives: understanding the nature of addiction, thinking outside of the box and the impact that will have on lasting recovery, and how music impacts the brain when it comes to the treatment of addiction and mental health. 

  • Bridge to Recovery
      • Track: All Tracks
      • Organization: The Hope Shot
      • Speaker: Justin McPadden and Nathan Cante
      • The Hope Shot Form

Justin McPadden

Justin McPadden serves as the President and CEO of the Hope Shot. A person in long term Recovery, Justin is passionate about assisting those still struggling with substance use disorder. Having grown up in a household where substance use was normalized, he experienced substance use disorder personally for 23 years. Today he is married father of 5 and a trained CCAR Certified Recovery Coach. A contractor with the state of Florida, and a business owner in Pasco County. Justin is dedicating to supporting the community in the county where he has Faced challenges in the past. Through The Hope Shot, he aims to help individuals reinterrogate into society and achieve sustainable recovery and employment goals. Justin believes that “We are only as strong as the community we serve.”

Nathan Cante

Nathan Cantie serves as the Hope Shots Vice President, where he assists those seeking recovery by guiding them to the appropriate treatment and community resources. Nathan also holds the role of Director of Peer Support with the Alliance for Hope Project. Nathan is a person in long-term recovery and a CCAR Certified Recovery Coach. Professional Nathan owns a local business and dedicates his days to serving his customers. In his leisure time, he enjoys surfing whenever possible, attending live concerts, experiencing music. He is passionate about living life to the fullest, spending quality time with his family, and aiding those with substance use disorders by sharing his own experience. Nathan is a living proof that recovery is achievable, and life can be fulfilling after experiencing substance use disorder.

Description of presentation: 

The Bridge to Recovery program facilitates a seamless transition from in-patient treatment to sober living, harnessing community and peer support to establish a continuous care network. This includes support groups within the treatment center, financial support for sober living arrangements, and the guidance of a dedicated recovery coach who assists with reintegration challenges. The program is designed to break the cycle of recidivism by empowering participants to embark on a lifelong journey of resilience and sustainable recovery. This approach encourages participants to change their perspectives, promoting growth within the recovery process.

Leslie Degraff

Leslie DeGraff, the founder of Everthrive Counseling in New Port Richey and CEO of Everthrive Wellness Group, is dedicated to fostering education, wellness, and deep healing.  As an organizational wellness strategist specializing in trauma-informed practices and stress management, Leslie empowers organizations to enhance their employee retention and profitability by integrating mental health and wellness into the workplace.  Using a trauma-informed, heart-centered and relational approach, Leslie offers consulting services designed to cultivate nurturing and healing work environments.

Description of presentation:

Trauma can be a significant factor in the development and exacerbation of addictive behaviors. Experience of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, witnessing violence, and experiencing severe loss or disaster can lead to phycological distress. Individuals may turn to substances to cope with the pain, fear, or anxiety stemming from traumatic events. This connection is often explored through the lens of self-medication, where substance use is a form of coping mechanism to manage the intense emotions and symptoms associated with trauma, such as PTSD. 

  • Breakout Session Two
    • Track: Creating Change and Inspiring Innovation
    • Organization: USF Public Health and Leadership
    • Speaker: Parnia Roghani
    • Catching the Wave of Regenerative Leadership
    • The Tide is Turning Form

Parnia Roghani Shareef, MPH, CPH

Parnia Roghani Shareef graduated with her Master of Public Health from the University of South Florida in 2020. She currently serves at USF’s College of Public Health as a Program Planner Analyst in the Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice. In this role, Parnia coordinates programs and trainings for the Center, as it has seen remarkable growth in the past few years. Previously, Parnia served as a Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service Fellow under the Overdose Data to Action grant at the Florida Department of Health. Through this, Parnia worked closely with the Sheriff’s Office, hospitals, schools, and other community partners to share data and solutions on reducing opioid overdoses in the community. She has also implemented campaigns and programs such as Deactivate Opioids for a Safer Community, Use Only As Directed, and #ChangetheLanguage to decrease stigma and increase awareness of the opioid epidemic. Parnia is Certified in Public Health. She is a member of the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP), serving as co-chair for the opioid committee, and sits on the Pasco County Opioid Taskforce. Parnia is also the 2nd Vice President on the board of the Florida Public Health Association and is a member of The American Public Health Association. Parnia has been recognized and awarded for her numerous contributions to public health within the state

Description of presentation:

The landscape of substance addiction and overdose prevention is ever-changing due to constant emerging threats. We require leadership that understands the systems perpetuating addiction and transform community conditions. Regenerative Leadership (RL) fosters resilience, collaboration, and inclusivity, aiming for a system resistant to addiction and promoting equitable thriving. RL, grounded in natural principles focusing on interconnected ecosystems of thriving communities and organizations. Applying RL to address the behavioral health system, will empower communities to enhance prevention efforts, support recovery, and drive system evolution, saving lives and changing the narrative on addiction to one of connection, support, hope, opportunity, equity and thriving.

 

Dr. Angela Hill

Dr. Angela Hill is  the Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Practice at the  USF Taneja College of Pharmacy at the University of South Florida. Although Dr. Hill is a career academician, she has worked and consulted for community pharmacy practice, outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, long-term care facilities, and carved out specialty areas of practice to include, but not be limited to geriatrics, psychiatry, neurology, alternative medicine, substance abuse, and health disparities. She is currently providing medication optimization services at Dr. Tracey’s House which is a one-stop shop for comprehensive medical and behavioral health services for families. Dr. Hill received her  Doctor of pharmacy degree  from Florida A&M University, received postgraduate training in the neurosciences, and holds a certificate in Medication  Therapy Management, Mental Health First Aid, and is a Health Equities Train-the-Trainer for Moffitt Cancer Center and is a registered and consultant pharmacist in the State of Florida.  She has worked with AHEC for over twenty years with their smoking cessation,  diabetes education, and opioid abuse initiatives. She is currently providing medication optimization services at Dr. Tracey’s House which is a one-stop shop for comprehensive medical and behavioral heath services for families. 

 One of her duties as the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs includes her serving as the project manager for WE-CARE, a community-based participatory research entity within the College of Pharmacy where she coordinates activities within the community to recruit, retain, and educate marginalized groups  on research participation and other health issues. Some of the focus areas for her work with WE-CARE include Alzheimer’s disease, mental health, cancer, wellness, health promotion, and health disparities. 

Dr. Hill received her  Doctor of pharmacy degree  from Florida A&M University, received postgraduate training in the neurosciences, and holds a certificate in Medication  Therapy Management, a Health Equities Train-the-Trainer for Moffitt Cancer Center and is a registered and consultant pharmacist in the State of Florida.

  • “Normal” Experimemtation Versus Substance Use Disorder in Adolescent 

Rachel Nelson

Rachel Nelson has a combined 14 years of experience in the mental health field working in a variety of setting such as a reunification rehab center for women and their children, a methadone maintenance clinic, a psychiatric hospital, an alternative school, an emotional support classroom, a partial hospitalization program and intensive outpatient program, and private practice setting. Rachel has experience working with a wide range of populations such children and adolescents with behavioral issues and psychiatric diagnosis such as substance use, OCD, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and eating disorders, and adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and females with a history of trauma and abuse. She also has experience in assessment, multi-disciplinary treatment planning, individual, group, and family work; discharge planning, data collection, supervision, and program development. Rachel has Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is certified as a Florida LMHC, a Delaware PCMH, a Wyoming LPC, and as a Certified National Counselor. 

Page Feller

Page Feller has a masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver as well as a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a certificate in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin. She has been working in the field for over ten years and is a Colorado, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor and a Minnesota Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She has a Wisconsin National Clinical Supervisor Endorsement as an Independent Clinical Supervisor, is a Colorado Licensed Addictions Counselor, is a Wisconsin Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, is State of Colorado Office of Behavioral Health Approved Motivational Interviewing Trainer and is an Instructor for Rogers BH & Carroll University’s accredited Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Academy.

Description of Presentation:

This presentation will review diagnostic criterion for substance use disorders, explore the neurobiology of the adolescent brain & addiction pathways, and evaluate considerations for “normal” experimentation vs. substance use disorder in adolescence.

  • Harm Reduction 101
      • Track: Successful Tx, Prevention and Recovery and Promoting Collaboration and Awareness
      • Organization: IDEA Exchange Miami – University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
      • Speaker: Shelby Meaders and Amanda Bonham-Lovett, LMSW-MPH
      • Harm Reduction Form

Shelby Meaders

Shelby Meaders, MPH is the Director of Statewide Expansion for IDEA Exchange Miami, Florida’s first sanctioned syringe program at the University of Miami, Miller school of Medicine, Shelby provides technical service to all sanctioned and all future syringe service programs throughout the state. Previously, Shelby was the Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Collective, a state-wide not for profit. Shelby was a Project Director and Overdose Prevention Coordinator at the Florida Department of Children and Families, in the office of Substance abuse and Mental Health, where she managed a statewide Naloxone Distribution Program. Shelby received her Bachelor of Science from Fl. State University and her Master’s in Public Health in 2018, with a specialization in Health Policy and Management. Shelby plays an active role in St Pete Prode and is the Board Secretary for Creative Clay in Pinellas County.

Amanda Bonham-Lovett

Amanda Bonham-Lovett, LMSW, MPH is the Director of IDEA Exchange Pinellas, Florida’s sixth legally sanctioned syringe services program. Leveraging her extensive background as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and years of programmatic public health experience, Amanda brings a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the complex issues surrounding substance use, behavioral health, infectious disease, health equity, and advocacy. Amanda’s versatility is evident through her integral roles with PERC, where she served as a grant writer and Director of Virtual Learning, and as the Program Director for The Red Tent Women’s Initiative, where she expanded services for incarcerated women in Pinellas County. Passionate about comprehensive solutions, Amanda’s expertise encompasses grant writing, virtual learning, and innovative program development, reflecting her commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by opioid misuse and fentanyl-related risks.

Description of presentation:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration defines harm reduction as a transformative approach that incorporates community – driven public health strategies. This session will discuss evidence-based strategies supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent opioid overdoes including syringe services programs and targeted naloxone distribution. This presentation will define harm reduction and discuss infectious disease and overdose prevention efforts in Pasco County and Florida. Presenters will review data from effective initiatives and address the importance of collaboration across sectors. This session will address current gaps and increase awareness of programs serving the community. 

 Sonya Bufe

Sonya Bufe has experience counseling and advocating for youth and adults with mental health and substance use disorders.  She has supervised clinical and administrative staff for several programs in the Tampa Bay Area.  She is a devoted member of the community and has been an active member of numerous coalitions and community boards since the early 90’s.  Sonya is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP).  She received her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida and her undergraduate from Texas Tech University.  She is a passionate, dedicated and well-respected professional in the Behavioral Health field.  Sonya’s current position with BayCare includes oversight psychiatric services and community-based programs in Pasco and Hernando counties.  She believes that every individual deserves high quality individualized services provides with dignity and respect.

Captain Toni Roach

Captain Toni Roach is a certified law-enforcement officer and has worked for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida for over 20 years. Her law enforcement experience includes patrol, community policing, school resource officer, and training. Captain Roach holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is a certified Mental Health First Aid Adult and Public Safety Instructor. In 2016, Captain Roach took on the role of agency liaison for mental health and community collaboration and training in Pasco County. She is a certified CIT coordinator for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and three municipalities in Pasco County. Captain Roach instructs on topics including Calm, Assess, Facilitate, Communication Skills, and Suicide by Cop. Captain Roach oversees the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Intervention Team. This team focuses on collaboration between high utilizers of emergency services and the behavioral health community. The goal of the team is to connect high utilizers to resources to improve stability and reduce costs related to emergency services. 

Description of presentation:

Pasco Sheriff’s Office partnered with BayCare Behavioral Health to improve collaboration and connection to services for those individuals that come in contact with law enforcement that are identified with mental health or substance use needs. The outcomes and data showing the success of this partnership will be presented along with opportunities for improvement.   This partnership has continued to develop and expand to meet the needs of the community in several ways including education, addition of co-responders, overdose fatality review, expansion of the Mobile Response Team. Captain Roach and Sonya will discuss lessons learned.  

    • Pregnancy and Marijuana

 

  • Closing Plenary
    • Organization: SAMHSA 

 

Dr. Oshea Johnson

Oshea Johnson, Ph.D. is a Regional Behavioral Health Advisor for Region IV of the United States (U.S.) with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). As a Region IV Behavioral Health Advisor, he works with eight states (AL, FL, GA, KY, MI, NC, SC, TN) and six federally recognized tribes in the southeast U.S. as a federal partner helping to enhance their behavioral health programs and policies.  

Dr. Johnson is sociologist whose work spans the areas of medical sociology, criminology, racial and ethnic disparities, and public health. Dr. Johnson has published peer-reviewed manuscripts and worked in areas of harm reduction through analyzing the growth of Kentucky’s Syringe Services Programs, conducted community rapid needs assessments to better understand mental health outcomes after natural disasters, and used mixed methods analyses to better understand how carceral systems affect physical and behavioral health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. He has conducted research with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Divisions of HIV Prevention and Violence Prevention on topics of substance use behaviors and youth suicide ideation.

Dr. Johnson received his B.A. in Sociology from Morehouse College in 2015, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from University of Miami in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Prior to joining SAMHSA in May 2024, Dr. Johnson was an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer with CDC where he was stationed for two years at the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

 

  • Special Vendor Opportunity:
    • Organization: Thrive Coach

Julie Kay Kettles

Thrive Coach, Julie Kay, is the true representation of an overcomer through crisis and loss. Losing her daughter to an overdose on Fentanyl, March of 2020, caused a passion to bring awareness and save lives. Julie Kay has a B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Counseling and an Advanced Certificate in Life Coaching. She empowers those who have been defined by grief and loss to become overcomers so that they can learn to thrive through it all. As a speaker, through her authentic and powerful style Julie Kay connects with her audience propelling them through whatever obstacle they may be facing.

  • Come check out this special vendor where you can talk about the role grief plays in mental health and substance use disorders as a common root when unprocessed. You will also have the opportunity to set up a complimentary one-hour consult with Julie. Click here to set up a consultation: https://calendly.com/thrivingwithjuliek/60min

Apply for Scholarship

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

CONFERENCE SPONSORS