Coming Together Conference

Implicit Bias Related to Addiction
Dominick Gladstone | Vivacity Ventures LLC, Recovery Advocate and Activist

50+ years after the American Medical Association declared addiction a disease, society still faces a great deal of addiction stigma. The language we use, the media we view, and conversations we have, affect us all, subconsciously. This session will explore our bias, why awareness is important, and how to break it.

Cultivating Cultural Competency: Uncovering Biases and Building Inclusive Communities
Dr. Kenlana Ferguson | Chief Consultant, Ferguson Consulting

This session delves into cultural competency through dynamic activities and real-world examples. Participants will uncover personal biases, learn how they shape interactions, and explore practical strategies to foster inclusive environments. Engaging discussions and interactive exercises will equip attendees to confidently apply cultural competency in their professional and community settings.

Gun Lake Tribe Health & Human Services: Mental Health Services for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)
James “Bud” Day | Language and Culture Director, Gun Lake Tribe
Dr. Rebecca Werner, MD | Physician, Gun Lake Tribe Health & Human Services
   
Attendees will learn about American Indian/Alaska Native culture and care coordination within Tribal Health Centers. Presenters will highlight integrated care approaches at Gun Lake Tribe’s Health & Human Services department to support one’s physical and mental health and efforts to achieve Mno Bmadzewen “good way of living.”

The Impact of Parental Substance Use on Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
Amber R. Walker, MA, LPC, IMH-E® | Children’s Clinical Supervisor, Community Healing Centers

Infants and children rely on caregivers for attuned, predictable, nurturing relationships as they develop and make sense of their world. When parents and caregivers are impaired, this need often goes unmet leading to poor outcomes including delayed development, relationship difficulties, mental health challenges, and exposure to trauma.

Management of Substance Use Disorders in the Perinatal Period
Madhavi Latha Nagalla | Psychiatry Residency Program Director, WMed Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

In this session we will talk about Benzodiazepine and Opioid use in the perinatal period. We will discuss medications used in the management of substance used disorders and their safety in the perinatal period.

New and Upcoming Sober Housing
Chris Pompey | Founder and CEO, Reach Sober Living Inc.
Megan Allen | Program Director, Healthy House for Women
Matt Hollander | Partner and Senior Developer, Hollander Development
       
We all know housing is an issue in Kalamazoo, especially for those with a substance use disorder. Come learn about the exciting new housing opportunities coming to Kalamazoo that target those in recovery. Also learn about the continuum of housing options in Kalamazoo County for those with a substance use disorder and the difference between recovery housing and sober living.

Opioid Settlement Funds Deployment with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health: Assuring Positive Impact
Jared Welehodsky, State Assistant Administrator to the Michigan’s Chief Medical Executive
Amy Dolinky | Opioid Settlement Technical Advisor, Michigan Association of Counties
Jen Strebs | Kalamazoo County Commissioner, Kalamazoo County Opioid Task Force Chair
       
$1.5 billion in opioid settlement funds is flowing into Michigan through the state, counties and municipalities creating an unprecedented opportunity to favorably impact individuals and communities. Join several knowledgeable subject matter experts to share ideas and synergize your activity over the next decade.

Psychadelics and Cyberdelics Role in Treating SUD and Psychiatric Disorders
Mark G. Goetting, MD | Associate Professor, Division Head – Pediatric Neurology and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Medicine Center for Clinical Research Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Infants and children rely on caregivers for attuned, predictable, nurturing relationships as they develop and make sense of their world. When parents and caregivers are impaired, this need often goes unmet leading to poor outcomes including delayed development, relationship difficulties, mental health challenges, and exposure to trauma.

Recognizing and Addressing Neurodiversity in Your Substance Use Disorder Clients
Judith E. Lipson | Licensed Professional Counselor

Develop a broader understanding of how neurosensitivities, including those with ADHD, ASD, PTSD and TBI, impact daily life. Learn how these sensitivities can potentially be a factor in alcohol and substance use. Then learn to environmentally, energetically and therapeutically address your clients with this neurodiverse knowledge.

Substance Use Youth Panel Discussion
Helena Cole | Youth Peer Support, ASK Family Services
Emma Brown | Student
Victoria Orbe, LMSW CAADC | Elizabeth Upjohn Clinical Director, Community Healing Centers
       
This youth-led panel discussion will explore the diverse experiences of youth in substance use and recovery, as shared through their personal journeys, highlighting challenges, strategies, and insights for fostering empathy, support, and effective interventions in our communities.

2024 SPONSORS

Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Coming Together Conference?
Contact Allysa Crittenden at acrittenden@chcmi.org