eNewsletter or Blog
The January 2025 Dialogue contains articles on:
Addiction: A Road Map to Success: Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Challenging Environments
Prevention: SAMHSA's 21st Prevention Day
Opioid Response: National Mentoring Month
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: January 8, 2025
eNewsletter or Blog
The September 2024 Dialogue contains articles on:
Addiction: Understanding Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults: A Focus on Opioid and Alcohol Use
Mental Health: September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Prevention: Preventing Suicide Through Integrated Substance Use Prevention Efforts
Opioid Response: ORN Regional Summit for the Construction Industry
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: September 5, 2024
Multimedia
In this engaging 1-hour course, professionals in substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery will gain a comprehensive understanding of evaluation practices and their crucial role in planning and success. We will demystify evaluation, making it accessible and encouraging its integration into your work. You’ll learn how planning and evaluation complement each other and discover the importance of monitoring as a distinct yet integral part of evaluation. The course will provide practical ideas on what and how to measure, along with sense-making guidelines. Additionally, you’ll explore the differences and similarities between impact evaluation and contribution analysis, understand the steps involved in contribution analysis, and see real-world examples of its application. Join us to enhance your evaluation skills and ensure your programs achieve their desired impact.
This course offers a certificate of completion.
Published: July 23, 2024
eNewsletter or Blog
The July 2024 Dialogue contains articles on:
Addiction: A Syndemic Approach to Training and Technical Assistance in the Central East
Mental Health: Supporting Mental Well-being within Minority Communities
Prevention: Championing Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention: Honoring BIPOC Mental Health Month
Opioid Response: Construction and Opioids
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: July 3, 2024
Multimedia
Stigma the Gift that Keeps on Giving: Residual Effects of Stress During the Recovery Process from Active Substance Use
Part 2
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, and Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF
June 13, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Identifying triggers is essential at the beginning of the recovery process, but more is to be revealed. Comprehensive support systems, including counseling, employment assistance, and accessible housing, can alleviate some of the stress and contribute to a successful recovery. Sustainable support is a counterbalance to stress and the stigmatization of being in recovery. As we unpack the benefits of support systems, we will also discuss the tools for prevention and how to move forward in recovery.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Recognize the role of comprehensive support systems in alleviating stress during recovery.
Investigate various types of support systems and how they can act as preventive measures in dealing with stress and the association of stigma.
Examine tools and techniques and address stress and triggers in a recovery context.
Develop strategies to build and maintain long-term recovery and apply the knowledge gained to support others.
PRESENTERS
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations.
Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF, has been working in the field of recovery professionally for 10 1/2 years at the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore City. He has been clean and sober for 13 years. Shawn loves being a Treatment Manager, Peer Specialist, Facilitator, and Treatment Coordinator! Shawn has a passion for assisting others toward a life of positive transformation out of the darkness of addiction!
Published: June 13, 2024
Multimedia
Stigma the Gift that Keeps on Giving: Residual Effects of Stress During the Recovery Process from Active Substance Use
Part 1
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, and Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF
June 11, 2024, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST
COURSE DESCRIPTION
While many intricate parts develop a positive outcome to recovery, identifying triggers that cause stress is the first step to a continuous, healthy recovery. Stigma can often become the conduit for environmental and emotional triggers. It is crucial to challenge and dismantle the stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs surrounding addiction and the recovery process. As we unpack the association of stress and triggers, we will close the loop on the missing link of dismantling the negative attitude of doubt facing the newcomer in recovery.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Understand the importance of identifying triggers that cause stress during recovery.
Recognize the role of stigma as a potential trigger for stress in individuals in recovery.
Investigate the various ways in which stigma can act as environmental and emotional triggers.
Consider how dismantling stigma can contribute to a healthier and more successful recovery.
PRESENTERS
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations.
Shawn Colvin, CPRS, RPS, RCPF, has been working in the field of recovery professionally for 10 1/2 years at the Helping Up Mission in Baltimore City. He has been clean and sober for 13 years. Shawn loves being a Treatment Manager, Peer Specialist, Facilitator, and Treatment Coordinator! Shawn has a passion for assisting others toward a life of positive transformation out of the darkness of addiction!
Published: June 11, 2024
eNewsletter or Blog
The May 2024 Dialogue contains articles on:
Addiction: From Stigma to Support: SUD and Mental Health Needs in AAPI Populations
Mental Health: New Video Examines Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis
Prevention: Empowering Communities: National Prevention Week
Opioid Response: Observing and Celebrating Pride Month
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: May 7, 2024
eNewsletter or Blog
The March 2024 Dialogue contains articles on:
Addiction: Celebrate Women’s Recovery and End Addiction Stigma
Mental Health: Health Equity Webinar Series Explores Bipolar Disorder, Autism
Prevention: What are Youth Saying About Gambling?
Opioid Response: Empowering our Youth: Strategies for SUD Prevention
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: March 4, 2024
Multimedia
Dr. Monty Burks Deputy, Director of the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, where his role is engaging and connecting Tennessee’s faith communities to government and other non-profits with the goal of creating partnerships. In this episode we explore Building Blocks – Faith, Prevention, Recovery and the different intersection points between traditional and non-traditional behavioral health communities.
Connect with our guest.
Email:
[email protected]
Web site: www.tn.gov (search faith based)
The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Since 1993, SAMHSA has actively engaged and supported faith-based and community organizations involved in mental health services and substance use prevention and treatment. Their Community Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership Program includes more than 800 faith-based community partners. To learn more about programs and practices available, including funding opportunities visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/faith-based-community-engagement
Faith and community leaders are often the first point of contact when individuals and families face mental health problems or traumatic events. In fact, in times of crisis, many will turn to trusted leaders in their communities before they turn to mental health professionals. Religious and other community organizations can play an important role in supporting individuals living with mental illnesses and encouraging them to seek help. To learn more about the role of Faith and Community leaders in mental health visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders
Published: February 15, 2024
eNewsletter or Blog
The January 2024 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: COVID-19 Impact on Substance Use Disorder and Recovery | Mental Health: Heart Disease and Mental Health Disparities in Black America | Prevention: Celebrating 20 Years of Prevention Excellence | ORN: ORN Consultant's guidance on Recovery Houses
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: January 3, 2024
eNewsletter or Blog
The November 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Trans Awareness Week | Mental Health: School Well-Being Learning Community | Prevention: Fostering Inclusivity and Substance Use Prevention | ORN: Finding a Voice
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: November 7, 2023
Multimedia
Dr. Emily Kline is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. She serves as the Director of Psychological Services for the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis team and leads the Motivational Interviewing for Loved Ones lab at Boston Medical Center. Her research focuses on early course psychosis, adolescent and young adult mental health, and parent-focused interventions.
Dr. Kline is the author of The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids and the creator of The School of Hard Talks Online. She has published dozens of articles appearing in a range of peer-reviewed scholarly journals, textbooks, and popular magazines, and she has spoken with audiences all over the world about mental health and interpersonal communication.
Dr. Kline completed her bachelor’s degree at Haverford College, her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her clinical and post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School. She lives in Boston with her family.
Email:
[email protected]
Web sites: www.dremilykline.com www.learnaboutmilo.com
Socials: Instagram Linkedin
E-course: The School of Hard Talks
Book: The School of Hard Talks
The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Talk, They Hear You is a national youth substance use prevention campaign that help parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use. To learn more, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you
Published: October 29, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The September 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Nurturing Purpose in Recovery: Unveiling Passions and Living Intentionally | Mental Health: Improving Suicide Prevention Strategies in Maryland | Prevention: Improving Suicide Prevention Strategies in Maryland | ORN: Addressing Regional Needs
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: September 5, 2023
Toolkit
Connecting Communities to Substance Use Services: Practical Approaches for First Responders - SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Equity Statement
Published: August 20, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The July 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: We Live it Every Day (DEI) | Mental Health: Improving LGBTQIA2S+ Youth Outcomes | Prevention: National BIPOC Mental Health Month: Culture, Community, & Connection | ORN: BIPOC Communities and Families | Regional Spotlight: 2023 Syndemic Solutions Summit
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: July 5, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The May 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: The Deadly Impact of Fentanyl: National Fentanyl Awareness Day | Mental Health: Mental Health Awareness Month | Prevention: SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week: Promoting Health and Wellness | ORN: Make Possibilities a Reality | Regional Spotlight: ORN Xylazine Regional Summit
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: May 2, 2023
Print Media
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Women’s use and misuse of substances create unique challenges, especially in treatment and recovery from opioids. Medical research on substance use by women, along with other health-related concerns, is largely lacking, especially research specific to women and their physiological differences and tolerance of substances to that of men.
Published: April 1, 2023
Multimedia
Webinar Description
Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD) are recommended for individuals with an opioid use disorder, including pregnant women. While facilitating pathways to recovery for the person with an opioid use disorder (OUD) is appropriate, it is important to consider and address the severe effects OUD has on family relationships and functioning. Children are especially vulnerable and are at an increased risk of trauma, academic challenges, or child neglect, which can disrupt healthy development.
This interactive webinar will define opioid use disorder (OUD), review adverse effects of opioid use on family dynamics, and review behavioral and developmental concerns for children, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The content will also discuss medications recommended to treat OUD and inform on approaches to support healthy recovery for children and family wellness.
Presenter Information
Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.
Supplemental Material
Flyer
Powerpoint
Published: March 15, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The March 2023 (Part 2) Dialogue contains articles on: Mental Health: Celebrating Women in Medicine | Regional Spotlight: Sean's House.
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: March 14, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The March 2023 (Part 1) Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Celebrating Women and their Contributions to Medicine | Prevention: From Claw Machines to Video Gaming to Sports Betting, Is it Possible to Eliminate Gambling Activities from Youth? | ORN: Adolescent Health
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: March 7, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The January 2023 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Multiple Pathways to Recovery | Mental Health: Coping After a Death by Suicide | Prevention: SAMHSA’s 19th Annual Prevention Day | ORN: African American History Month | Regional Spotlight: Beyond BARS
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: January 4, 2023
eNewsletter or Blog
The November 2022 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: Gaming Addiction | Mental Health: Helping Children Cope with Death & Grief | Prevention: Veterans and Substance Use Prevention | ORN: Native American Heritage Month | Regional Spotlight: The Recovery Bank
Additional sections include behavioral health observances, virtual training and webinar events, Region 3 news, and new resources.
The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter.
Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.
Published: November 1, 2022
eNewsletter or Blog
The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.
The October 2022 issue closes out our celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (observed Sept.15-Oct.15) with new episodes of the Checking In Podcast. This issue also features information and resources that support National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month. You will also find links to all the upcoming events and trainings for the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.
Published: October 21, 2022
Multimedia
Many Paths, One Objective: Recovery
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD, and Maurice Harrison-El
September 29, 2022, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Recovery Month seeks to promote and support innovative treatments and practices while celebrating individuals in recovery and the dedication of service providers and community members across the country who make recovery obtainable for all who need it the most. While there are many intricate paths for individuals to gain long-term recovery, the peer perspective, treatment options, spirituality, and community support are parts of the "village approach" to sustain freedom from substance use. Is this enough? Underrepresented communities have long been affected by the lack of social support and resources. A holistic approach helps meet an individual's social, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This webinar will examine the scope of peers' roles and how they execute a holistic approach within their communities. We will unpack the barriers peers have while working with marginalized and vulnerable communities and the actions taken to ensure equitable treatment to the clients they serve. This webinar will also explore the techniques used by peers to address the ever-evolving needs of communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Discuss 2-3 SAMHSA's guiding principles of recovery and their connection to individuals, families, and communities.
Define the role of peers and examine their contribution to the holistic approach to recovery.
Explore the barriers of social determinants of health and the challenges clients face seeking recovery.
Give examples of how partnerships are formulated to ensure healthier individuals and communities.
PRESENTERS
Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program Spring of 2022.
Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD is an Associate Pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Connors is Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in the human services/social work/counseling fields for 30 years and has worked in a variety of settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, supporting and empowering those who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with, serving, and providing training related to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices. Ms. Connors is a mental health therapist providing services to individuals who have co-occurring issues. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor. She has taught at the University of Maryland and is currently teaching at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Like many women of color, Ms. Connors has experienced various forms of oppression. Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degrees, respectively, and is a Doctoral Candidate completing her Ph.D. in Psychology.
Maurice Harrison-El is the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator for MedStar Health Baltimore Regional Hospitals. He is also a certified Trainer-of-Trainer for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) with a concentrated domain in Ethics Reconsideration and Basic Coaching. As a certified Peer Specialist and Peer Supervisor his leadership in the field has managed multiple Peer Coaches in obtaining their Specialist Certification. As Program Coordinator for MedStar Behavioral Health he is also a direct supervisor for the Hepatitis C micro-elimination virus program. In 1979 Maurice began experimenting with drugs and alcohol that lead to 30 years of active addiction. With multiple incarcerations and in-patient treatment, he has an extensive knowledge of institutional programs. Through a multi-faceted approach to recovery, he has decided to give back to the community of substance use disorders by first working as a Peer Recovery Coach for 5 years. Seeing his contribution to the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program (SBIRT) MedStar developed a role as Regional Coordinator to supervise and instruct best evidence-based approaches to substance use disorders throughout MedStar’s four Baltimore Hospitals. He tirelessly works with Peer Coaches to ensure that all tools to engage in motivational interviewing are at their disposal. As a liaison between emergency care and patient placement he has developed an extensive resource of inpatient, outpatient, and maintenance assisted programs throughout the Baltimore region. In addition to his career at MedStar he is a family-oriented person that sees the important value of men being present in the family dynamic. He believes that the structure of our youth will enable them to seek internal satisfaction with oneself instead of external validation with gangs and drugs.
Published: September 29, 2022