Contact: Valerie Compagna, 207-661-6633, vcompagna@mainebehavioralhealthcare.org
PORTLAND, MAINE – MaineHealth will bring together medical providers (hospitalists, ambulatory providers, nurses, behavioral health clinicians, etc.), community and public health partners, patients, and families to learn more about the best practice care for people with substance use disorder (SUD) at an annual conference to be held Sept. 28 at 110 Free Street, Portland, ME.
The conference, titled “Better Together: Treating SUD in Diverse Populations,” will address the unique needs of those in diverse and vulnerable populations so as to foster hope, healing and resilience for all people struggling with substance use disorders.
A keynote address will be delivered by Christopher Poulos, executive director of the Center for Justice and Human Dignity. As an advocate, lawyer and person in long-term recovery, he will set an ideal tone for the day of learning. Christopher was born and raised in Portland, Maine and his talk will weave between his lived experiences and the larger health and policy issues.
An expert slate of presenters will delve into substance use for a variety of diverse populations, with topics to include:
- Diversion and Recovery for Individuals with Justice Involvement
- Understanding and differentiating Cultural Humility and Cultural Competency with Maine's Immigrant and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Communities
- Treating ADHD in Patients with SUD
- Addressing SUD among People Experiencing Homelessness
- Addiction, Recovery, and Parenting: Considering Child Safety & Nurturing Healthy Families
- Adolescents with SUD
- Veterans with SUD
- Understanding and Utilizing Harm Reduction Principles to Better Care for LGBTQ+ Individuals
MaineHealth Chief Health Improvement Officer Dora Anne Mills, MD, MPH, will provide opening remarks.
"Over the last ten years, the rate of overdose deaths in our communities has risen at an alarming rate,” said Dr. Mills. “At MaineHealth, we see substance use disorder as a chronic disease that can be treated holistically, involving counseling, medication, primary care and peer support. Delivering treatment can be particularly challenging for those in diverse populations, making the education offered through this conference so critical.”
The cost to attend the conference in person is $75, including breakfast and lunch. A virtual option is available at $50.
Free parking is available at the Spring Street parking garage, which is adjacent to the MaineHealth building located at 110 Free Street.
Learn more and register at: https://www.mhesevents.org/BetterTogether
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About MaineHealth
MaineHealth is a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” It consists of nine local health systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and 1,700 employed providers working together through the MaineHealth Medical Group. With approximately 22,000 employees, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. It includes Franklin Memorial Hospital/Franklin Community Health Network in Farmington, LincolnHealth in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, Maine Behavioral Healthcare in South Portland, MaineHealth Care at Home in Saco, Maine Medical Center in Portland, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., Mid Coast-Parkview Health in Brunswick, NorDx in Scarborough, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital in Rockport and Belfast, Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Sanford, Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook and Stephens Memorial Hospital/Western Maine Health Care in Norway. MaineHealth Affiliates include Maine General Health in Augusta and Waterville, New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland.