Ballad Health, East Tennessee State University to host Recovery Symposium: Champions of Support on March 4

As the opioid crisis continues to challenge the Appalachian Highlands and communities nationwide, Ballad Health and East Tennessee State University will bring together addiction experts, frontline advocates and community leaders during the Recovery Symposium: Champions of Support, a day-long event aimed at exploring the opioid crisis and innovative solutions to support those impacted by substance use disorders.

The symposium, initially postponed last September due to Hurricane Helene, will take place on Tuesday, March 4, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Monarch Auditorium at Bristol Regional Medical Center and will feature a keynote from award-winning author Beth Macy.

“We are thrilled to partner with East Tennessee State University to bring together a distinguished group of experts who are leading the charge in the fight against substance use disorders,” said Tammy Albright, vice president and chief executive officer of Ballad Health’s behavioral health services. “This symposium is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by the opioid crisis in our region.”

Macy, an American journalist and author renowned for her in-depth exploration of the opioid crisis in the United States, will speak about the key themes and insights from her work on the opioid overdose crisis. She will also discuss hope, justice and recovery in addressing the opioid crisis and identify innovative approaches and solutions highlighted in her latest book "Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice and the Future of American's Overdose Crisis.” Macy is best known for her book, “Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America,” which was adapted into an Emmy-winning Hulu series.

“I’m truly honored to speak at this symposium and share the stories of resilience and innovation that I’ve encountered in my work,” said Macy. “Together, we can turn the tide in this crisis and offer hope to those who need it most.”

In addition to Macy's keynote, the symposium will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, including:

• Judge Stacy Street, First Judicial District Criminal Court, who will discuss the success of drug courts and treatment during incarceration. The drug courts were founded by Judge O. Duane Sloan. Street and other event speakers will honor Sloan, who tragically died on Aug. 25 in a traffic accident.
• Dr. Sarah Thomason, PharmD, chair of the ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice, who will provide insights into the identification and management of illicit substance use.
• Dr. LaTisha Bader, an expert in addiction psychiatry, who will explore the role of cannabis in the 21st century.

Dr. Donna Cherry, ETSU College of Social Work, who will address the impact of adverse childhood experiences on substance use disorders.

“The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across the country, and events like this symposium are essential for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration,” said Dr. Thomason. “We are honored to join forces with Ballad Health to make a meaningful impact in the fight against this epidemic.”

This event is free to attend and has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Quillen College of Medicine and Ballad Health. The Quillen College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, designates this activity for a maximum of 6.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Ballad Health is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. A maximum of 6.5 continuing nursing education hours have been approved for this conference.

Pharmacists will have access to 6.5 ACPE Credits accredited by The Tennessee Pharmacists Consortium for Education (TPCE). TPCE is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

Registration for the Recovery Symposium can be completed here. For those unable to attend in person, the symposium will also be available virtually.