2022 Conference
Thank you to our sponsors!
Workshop Presentations
Plenary Round Table Discussion - Magellan Behavioral Health
Stigma includes negative attitudes and beliefs toward people who have a mental health condition and is harmful because it is so isolating. Stigma can lead to discrimination such as in the workplace, or housing, and can be a cause of chronic stress. Sometimes people will not seek treatment due to stigma. Our 2022 Plenary Panel Discussion, moderated by Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania, will include local champions for breaking the silence of mental illnesses, and community efforts to combat stigma.
Eric Bartosz - BAR40
*Sponsored by Northampton County Mental Health*
Mental health is becoming a much more frequent topic of conversation in the media and likely with people in our own lives. Simply stated, this is an issue impacting an increasing number of people across all age groups. Busy and productive are two very different things, and ‘busy’ is often a byproduct of trying to fit too many low-value tasks into too few hours. Having goals and objectives that help elevate your life are critical, allow you to reach your full potential, and become the version of yourself that you always envisioned.
Dr. Rory Marraccini- Lehigh Valley Health Network)
The Covid-19 Pandemic has changed our lives in many ways; one of which is the accessibility of care from virtually anywhere. Many have expressed skepticism of this new enterprise uncertain of its effectiveness in their care. Join Dr. Marraccini as he debunks some common misconceptions surrounding Telehealth and learn why it may be right for you!
Connor Moriarty - Reset Outdoors
*Sponsored by Lehigh County Mental Health*
Participants will leave with an increased understanding of 1.) Current research outlining the impact time outdoors has on our well-being, 2.) How to measure this impact on our own well-being, and 3.) How to talk about this topic with others!
Ralph Aquila - Horizon House
The presentation will focus on how the social determinants of health need to be addressed to truly help persons with serious mental illness recover.
Laura Foster & Katelyn Kresley - New Vitae Wellness and Recovery
QPR is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons. The intent is to identify
and interrupt the crisis. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to use three simple steps: Question, Persuade, and Refer to help save a life from suicide.
Alyssa Durnien - Step By Step
Step By Step worked closely with the National Alliance as a pilot program with other organizations for over a year. Step by Step continues to look at the work we do to impact Individuals with mental illness.
Angela Stevens-Carr - Mid Atlantic Rehabilitation Services
This seminar will discuss the importance of healing and support for families experiencing the impacts of substance use through community, peer, group, and individual support. The discussion will include what has been learned from families participating in a collaborative program and how support can make change possible. Perspectives from direct service providers with MARS and Lehigh County will be shared to provide important information about how families can heal through collaboration and community support.
Jerica Gerena & Anthony Bucca - St Luke's University Health Network
The COVID19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of people around the world, including children and adolescents. Almost all studies show that during this ongoing pandemic youth have suffered from increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Equally concerning is the effect the pandemic has had on minority and LGBTQ+ youth communities around the world. In this workshop we will review the current literature on the effect of COVID-19 on child / adolescents and discuss management tactics that would be beneficial to all children.
Janson Eggerton & Silas Farrow - PMRC/HCRC
Janson Eggerton, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC, CCS, will facilitate a discussion of the
programmatic approach to treating addiction. Silas Farrow, CAAC, ICADC, will discuss the
impacts of the Covid pandemic on those affected by substance use disorder, with a focus on the adolescent population. Together, Janson and Silas will share information on the
increasing dangers of fentanyl.