Conference Opening & Keynote #1

In the video:

  • Opening remarks by Patty Gibson, MD and Kim Shuler, LCSW – founders of Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network
  • Special Guest – Ebony Mitchell – Miss Arkansas 2022
  • First Keynote: Adele Allison with her presentation “Behavioral Health: Leading Dynamic Teams through Digital Health”

Michael Mancino, MD

Opioid Use Disorder: An Arkansas Perspective

This presentation will examine the severity of the opioid epidemic across the nation with an emphasis on its impact in Arkansas. We will explore one of the significant drivers behind relapse, opioid withdrawal. We will discuss the FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and understand the rationale, efficacy, and side effects of each of the medications.

Learning Objectives:

  • Become familiar with the severity of the opioid crisis in Arkansas and across the nation.
  • Become familiar with medications for opioid use disorder.
  • Understand the goals of pharmacotherapy for opioid use disorder.

Jacqueline Sharp

Talk Saves Lives

This presentation is an introduction to suicide prevention that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the scope of the problem by reviewing the latest data on suicide in the U.S. and worldwide.
  • Receive information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, as well as health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk.
  • Gain an understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care.
  • Receive guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, and how to get help for someone in a suicidal crisis.

Rhonda Mattox, MD

Exploring Burnout and Strategies to Reduce It

The healthcare workforce experienced a mass exodus during the pandemic. This was, in part, associated with burnout. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, it is critical that we explore individual and organizations’ contribution to burnout. This session explores individual and organizational strategies to create better balance for front-line workers that leads to employee retention.

Learning Objectives

  • Review differences between burnout and compassion fatigue
  • Briefly outline organizational and individual risk factors for job burnout
  • Identify strategies organizations can employ to reduce risk of burnout

Casey Copeland

Arkansas Peer Recovery

Learning Objectives:

  • Understanding what a Peer Recovery Specialist is
  • Pathways to becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist
  • Arkansas law concerning Peer Recovery Specialists
  • Innovative Peer Recovery programs in Arkansas

Virna Little

Strengthening the Connection: Primary Care & Suicide Prevention

Learning Objectives:

  • Providers will understand the prevalence of suicide across populations
  • Providers will understand how to identify and assess patients at risk for suicide
  • Providers will develop skills for lethal means restriction and safety planning
  • Providers will learn how to care for patients at risk for suicide as part of their primary care population

Panel Discussion

Blazing the Trail of Behavioral Health Integration

2023 Panelists:

  • Derek Lewis II, Quality Care Director, Arkansas Primary Care Clinics; CEO & Founder, DL2 Consulting
  • Dr. Jason Lofton, Physician, Lofton Family Clinic
  • Julie Carman-Calvery, APRN, Behavioral Health Clinical Director, Boston Mountain Rural Health Clinic
  • Sarah Watkins, RN, RN Care Coordinator at MANA Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas
  • Christina Smith, Quality Care and Behavioral Health Supervisor, Process Improvement Director, Prime Care
  • Pennie Biggerstaff, Clinic Administrator, North Hills