Oregon Health Authority 2023 Recovery Symposium
On September 8, 2023, the Youth & Young Adult Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Symposium was held in person at the University of Oregon. The symposium was led by CFBH’s Youth Young Adult Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Program Policy Coordinator, Bernardino De La Torre. The event was presented with the support of Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
The symposium was a recommendation of the Youth and Young Adult Substance Use Disorder Collaborative, which had reconvened in 2021 to bring youth with lived experience, providers, and funders together to discuss priorities for youth SUD treatment. One of the Collaborative’s priorities was a yearly conference with content decided by a SUD steering committee. The steering committee is community led and focuses on improving the system of care through prevention, recovery training and workforce development. Through the participation of schools, peer mentors, prevention specialists and the community, the symposium featured presentations on supporting prevention of substance misuse in schools and supporting adolescents in early recovery via the recovery high school model. There were also panel discussions with multicultural recovery mentors and the state opioid response.
See below for a list of speakers, presenters, and their topic. Click any of the titles to watch the recorded presentation.
Bernardino De La Torre, the Youth and Young Adult Substance Use Disorder Program Policy Coordinator for Oregon Health Authority introduces the symposium.
Featured Guest Speaker, Director OHA Behavioral Health
Ebony S. Clarke highlights the critical rise in youth substance use disorder and mental health issues in Oregon, emphasizing the need for innovative and collaborative strategies. She discusses the efforts to bridge gaps in mental health and substance use services, the importance of equity, and the role of community involvement in fostering meaningful change for youth and families.
Featured Guest Speaker, Director Alcohol Drug Policy Commission
Annaliese Dolph outlines her role and the Commission’s strategic focus, emphasizing Governor Kotek’s vision for behavioral health, youth prevention, and addressing substance use challenges. She highlights the need for systemic improvements, better coordination across state agencies, and actionable steps to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of substance use services in Oregon.
View Annaliese Dolph's presentation slides
Supporting Adolescents in Early Recovery: the Recovery High School Model
Sharon Dursi Martin, the principal of Harmony Academy in Portland, offers an in-depth analysis of recovery high schools, highlighting their success in supporting students with substance use challenges, the difficulties they face, and the importance of tailored approaches. Her presentation includes data on student substance use, outcomes of recovery programs, and future plans for expanding recovery high schools in Oregon.
View Sharon Dursi Martin's presentation slides
Supporting Substance Misuse Prevention in Schools
Dr. Sean Austin from the University of Oregon outlines how schools can implement a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) to address substance misuse through a framework of prevention and intervention, emphasizing the crucial roles of substance use providers, family engagement, and emergency protocols in fostering a safer, more supportive educational environment.
View Dr. Sean Austin's presentation slides
District 44 Video Guest Speaker
In this video message, Representative Travis Nelson discusses his advocacy for youth-focused substance use and behavioral health initiatives in Oregon. He highlights key legislation, including support for school-based health centers and recovery high schools, and emphasizes the need for equitable funding and workforce support in addressing youth substance use and mental health challenges.
4D Recovery Mentors Panel Discussion
This panel discussion features Tony Vezina, Robert Sanders, Skyla Harrison, Marisa Barral, and Harlo Haynes, who provide a comprehensive overview of their experiences in addressing youth substance use and recovery from their work with 4D Recovery. The panelists share their challenges and successes, highlighting the necessity for robust community support, the influence of positive peer interactions, and the complexities involved in engaging families. The panelists offer valuable insight into effective strategies and resource utilization for supporting youth through their recovery journey.
View Tony Vezina's presentation slides
Multicultural Recovery Mentors Panel Discussion
Odelia Garcia, Elbio Gonzalez, Carmen Duran, Elizabeth Maldonado, and Ricardo Garcia share their transformative journeys toward healing and recovery. Their personal stories and insights reflect the power of culturally specific support and the collective strength found in overcoming stigma and building resilience.
Intersections between Youth Suicide & Substance Use
Jill Baker, Suicide Prevention Specialist, and Shanda Hostetler, Substance Use Disorder Expert, from the Oregon Health Authority explore the intersection of youth suicide and substance use. Jill and Shanda share current data, shared risk factors, and practical strategies for integrating mental health and substance use interventions to enhance youth resilience and well-being.
View Jill Baker and Shanda Hostetler's presentation slides
State Opioid Response Updates Panel Discussion
Presented by John McIlveen, Ashley Q. Jones and Kelsey Smith-Payne of the Oregon Health Authority, this session offers an update on the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant, emphasizing youth-focused initiatives. The speakers discuss the challenges posed by fentanyl, outline key projects like Save Lives Oregon, and describe efforts to enhance treatment, prevention, and harm-reduction services across Oregon.
View the group's presentation slides
