Choose a track below!
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Preventon
- Law Enforcement
- Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
- Violence Prevention
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Cannabis and Mental Health
Presenter: Emma Wilson, Prevention Educator II, PreventEd
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention; Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
As state-level medical and recreational cannabis programs continue to expand across the country, we are also observing increasing evidence that suggests a connection between cannabis use/THC exposure and poor mental health outcomes.
Open Minded: The Changing Landscape of Psychedelics
Presenter: Emma Wilson, Prevention Educator II, PreventEd
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
With increasing interest in psychedelics and the potential therapeutic benefits they may offer, the concerns regarding access, potential misuse, and other harms are also increasing. In this presentation, we will first discuss the landscape of psychedelics, including what psychedelics are, their physiological impact, and current use rates. Then, we will examine research and evidence that indicates the potential for therapeutic benefit and the limitations of those findings. Finally, we will highlight concerns from substance use professionals and stakeholders, as well as possible public health threats to consider from a prevention perspective.
Empowering Change: Building Safe, Supportive, and Impactful Prevention Teams
Presenter: Dave Closson, DJC Solutions
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
In ‘Empowering Change,’ we delve into a workshop designed to revolutionize the way we lead by intertwining the essence of vulnerability with the power of purpose. This session stands as a call to action for leaders who aspire to cultivate environments where safety, support, and impactful outcomes are foundational elements of their team’s culture. It’s about the bravery to foster openness and the determination to guide with a compelling vision, ensuring every team member feels an integral part of something greater. Through this experience, we uncover the practices that nurture trust, empower individuals, and connect us all to a deeper mission. We explore how creating a space where every voice is heard and valued can inspire a collective movement toward meaningful community change. This workshop is your pathway to transforming leadership into a beacon of hope and action, where the why of our work ignites the how and the what, propelling our teams toward sustainable impact.
From Concept to Community: Strategies for Supporting Students in Recovery on Campus and Beyond
Presenter: Katherine Melton, Own, Author Consultant, Integrated Well-Being Consulting
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
This session offers a comprehensive overview of strategies for supporting students in recovery, emphasizing the creation of recovery-friendly environments both on campus and within the wider community. We will explore key approaches for developing recovery programs and/or recovery support, from initial concept to sustained implementation, and discuss how to integrate resources, build student networks, and engage faculty and staff in supporting recovery. Through practical examples, participants will gain tools for fostering a culture of inclusivity and wellbeing. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to help students in recovery thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Helping Today’s Students Make The Choice Not to Become Tomorrow’s Impaired Drivers
Presenter: Denise Roy, Program Advocate & Tara Diamond, Program Specialist, YouImpact – Online Victim Impact Panel
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Stories are all around us. They have the immense power to build empathy, change and refine values, and impact our choices. From the moment a person obtains their driver’s license, we can almost guarantee that either they or someone in their proximity will either be faced with the choice to drive impaired. YouImpact uses non-judgmental storytelling to target the specific risk-taking behavior of impaired driving. Program participants hear from people of varying backgrounds and experiences explain the consequences of a choice to drive impaired. We’ll share why and how YouImpact can be used as an individual sanction for any alcohol-related violation. We’ll discuss how an online format benefits the participant and their institution and the potential barriers to implementing live, in-person storytelling experiences.
How We Think About Substance Use Matters: Transformative Reflections for Student Support
Presenter: Dylan Dunn, Senior Director of SAFE Campuses
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
As reflective practitioners, it’s critical to grapple with underlying frameworks that shape our understanding of students and their behaviors. One place where biases often go unchecked is in our approaches to student substance use, addiction, and recovery. This session will engage each participant in a systematic review of their own assumptions and beliefs that also develop our collective professional and personal approaches to addressing student alcohol and other drug use. Through guided discussion, we will consider ways that our paradigms show up in our policies, procedures, and our collaborations. Data will be shared regarding the findings of this process from groups around the country.
Leading by Example: Tobacco/Nicotine Influence on the Workplace
Presenter: Michelle McDowell, Sr. Program Coordinator, MU Extension
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
As faculty or staff of an Institute of Higher Education (IHE), you have the power to set a standard of expectation for the workplace. You are able to demonstrate the negative impacts that tobacco and nicotine use has on the individual and the workforce while offering strategies that can positively counteract those impacts. In this presentation, we will discuss the impact that Tobacco Nation has on the workforce, explain the importance of IHE becoming a Recovery Friendly Workplace designee, and describe the Recovery Friendly Workplaces designation process.
Nicotine Screening & Treatment Implementation in Campus Clinical Settings
Presenters: Heather Lyons-Burney, Clinical Associate Professor, UMKC School of Pharmacy and Thuylinh Pham, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Associate Professor, UMKC School of Medicine
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention; Health & Well-Being sponsored by CCHA
Campus clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify nicotine use disorders and provide interventions to a student population. This program will assist with identifying the need for a nicotine cessation program on a campus and best practices for implementation. The participant will learn about methods of intervention, and the appropriate selection of pharmacotherapies. Additionally, this program seeks to provide a better understanding of resources for supporting cessation efforts and nicotine replacement products.
Planning and Prioritizing Prevention: The Role of Evidence-Based Strategies (and Going Where Your Data Take You)
Presenter: Jason R. Kilmer, PhD, Professor, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Adjunct Professor, Psychology, University of Washington
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
In this presentation, we will consider the mix of strategies within a campus’s approach to prevention for alcohol and cannabis, along with possible partners on (and off) campus. Lessons learned about what works (and what not might work as well) will be discussed.
Policy and Enforcement: Community Collaborations to Address Substance Misuse
Presenter: Nancy McGee, Attorney
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention, Law Enforcement
Three major issues facing college communities are the misuse of tobacco products, alcohol, and marijuana. The misuse of these substances can create issues both within the confines of the college campus and the surrounding community. This session will address the dynamics surrounding the misuse of these substances and ways that communities can address concerns to create safer and healthier environments. Emphasis will be placed upon developing community coalitions that consists of multi-disciplinary members who use data to inform and advocate for policy change to reduce town and gown issues. The presenter will provide practical strategies that communities can implement to reduce town and gown strain. The presentation will include a discussion of the need for ongoing regulation of these industries coupled with consistent enforcement
Putting Your Plans into Action: Maximizing the Application of Evidence-Based Alcohol Prevention
Presenter: Ashley C. Helle, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
This session will provide an overview of using the Strategic Prevention Framework with your teams on your campus, with a deeper dive into how to find, adopt, and implement evidence-based practices for alcohol prevention and early intervention. Using validated frameworks and existing tools, we will review how to consider approaches that will work best for your campus, and when and how to get support for specific implementation needs.
“Replacement Smokers”: the Tobacco Industry’s Targeting of Young and Disadvantaged Audiences
Presenters: Kelsie Gibler, Health Educator and Peer Education Coordinator and Andrea Kimura, Health Educator, University of Missouri
Tracks: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention; Law Enforcement
As the generations have changed, so have tobacco and nicotine products. Keeping up with current trends of younger audiences, Big Tobacco seeks to find its “Replacement Smokers”: the demographic that will fund their future. This session will discuss how and why certain demographics are being targeted, what are possible solutions, and engage with undergraduate students who have firsthand accounts of how the tobacco industry has affected them.
Responding to Addiction
Presenter: Kathleen Ratcliff, Executive Director, Upstream Prevention
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
As the addiction and overdose crisis reaches troubling milestones – 100,000 overdose fatalities last year alone – all leaders and key stakeholders in the community are needed to address the problem. The Responding to Addiction training is designed to increase knowledge about addiction and develop skills and strategies to help your community, specifically focused on:
- The Science of Addiction
- The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Evidence-Based Treatment Options
- Medications to Treat Addiction
- Engagement Strategies
Small Pouches, Big Questions: Exploring Novel Nicotine Products
Presenter: Stephanie Murray-Miller, Manager of Health Promotion and Prevention, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
This presentation will explore the rising use and popularity of oral nicotine pouches, such as Zyn, among college students. Participants will gain insight into the health risks associated with these products and understand the strategies used to market them to young adults. Through discussion, attendees will analyze how nicotine pouches are positioned to appeal to young adults and the potential impact this has on students. Together, we will collaborate to develop prevention strategies aimed at reducing the use of these products on campuses and how we can better support students who are using them.
Strengthening Tobacco-Free College Policies Together
Presenter: Christy Inskip, Youth Tobacco Use Prevention Specialist, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Most Missouri colleges have tobacco-free policies, but many contain gaps that may act as barriers to prevention and cessation among students. Comprehensive tobacco-free policies effectively help people quit if fully implemented, regularly communicated, and consistently enforced. This session will cover how to move closer to a comprehensive policy by partnering to identify gaps, advocate for a stronger policy, strengthen policy language, and successfully implement the policy. Participants will grow their skills and professional networks, obtain tools and resources, and plan the next steps necessary to adopt, implement, and sustain a more comprehensive tobacco-free college policy.
The Real Cost of Vaping: Understanding the Physical & Mental Health Impacts
Presenter: Andrea Kimura, Health Educator, University of Missouri
Track: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Vaping has become an epidemic. With a staggering 78% increase in high school student use (approximately 3.6 million) and college students who report using tobacco products is up 24%. Those students, 75% reported they used e-cigarettes or other vape products. A common mistaken belief, for individuals wishing to quit using cigarettes, is vapes are a safer alternative.
In this session, we will analyze data and evaluate the true cost of vaping on physical and mental health. With an emphasis on the often-overlooked psychological implications, we will explore how vaping contributes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the unexpected ways vaping affects mental well-being. You will compare national and regional resources to best serve your campus needs.
Track: Law Enforcement
Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis
Presenter: Art Amato, Sergeant, Extract-Ed Training
Tracks: Law Enforcement, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
Due to the trend of legalizing cannabis, law enforcement and private entities must increase their knowledge of cannabis and the potential products produced from it. During this training, you will learn about the different types of cannabis plants and how they are identified, how cannabis extracts are made and used, and how cannabis is broken down in the body. Current field sobriety research that is available in detecting a driver that is impaired on cannabis as well as ongoing studies and resources that are available for law enforcement’s continued education on this subject are included as well.
Disarming Suicide
Presenter: David Ray, Senior Trainer, Disarming Suicide Initiative, Behavioral Health Response
Tracks: Law Enforcement, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
This program focuses on strategies for reducing access to lethal means, particularly firearms, to prevent suicides among individuals, especially within the police, fire and EMS communities. Key objectives include:
- Determining strategies to reduce access to lethal means and their impact on suicide prevention.
- Defining and providing examples of suicide risk and protective factors.
- Identifying four levels of intervention (societal, communal, relational, and individual) to reduce firearm access.
- Understanding the critical role of fire/EMS personnel in suicide prevention
The program highlights the importance of safe firearm storage, temporary removal of firearms during suicidal crises, and the implementation of effective mental health support and debriefing protocols. It aims to promote a culture of self-care and provide practical guidance for intervention and risk reduction.
Enhancing Campus Safety: Integrating Prevention and Law Enforcement Strategies
Presenter: Dave Closson, DJC Solutions
Track: Law Enforcement
This breakout session will explore the key strategies and best practices outlined in the DEA’s “Prevention with Purpose: A Resource for Campus Police and Public Safety Personnel.” Participants will gain insights into the collaboration between campus law enforcement and prevention programs to create a safer and healthier campus environment. The session will focus on practical applications, case studies, and interactive discussions to equip attendees with actionable strategies they can implement on their own campuses.
Over the Counter, Under Arrest
Speakers: Ashley Eller & Sergeant Frank Imparato, Law Enforcement Research & Training
Track: Law Enforcement
This course will explore over-the-counter substances and readily available herbal supplements that are becoming increasingly popular and raising concerns among drivers. Attendees will be introduced to the ever-changing landscape of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs). Instructors will discuss the impairments caused by these substances and how to articulate the effects of these impairments effectively.
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Missouri
Presenter: Kailey Reeves, Crisis Services Specialist, Department of Mental Health
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers a critical resource for individuals experiencing mental health crises, suicide crises substance use issues, or emotional distress. In Missouri, this initiative plays a pivotal role in connecting individuals to immediate support, local mental health services, and follow-up care. This presentation will explore the implementation and impact of 988 in Missouri. The Missouri 988 team has prioritized spreading awareness of one of the largest suicide prevention resources available, 988. The Missouri Department of Mental Health has launched a statewide 988 awareness campaign to increase education of 988 throughout Missouri.
Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
Presenter: Kathleen Ratcliff, Executive Director, Upstream Prevention
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Many people do not access behavioral or physical health care despite having thoughts of or being at risk of suicide. Yet many of them signal to others – directly or indirectly – that they are struggling. This workshop is designed to provide friends, family and others with information on how recognize and respond to suicide risk with an additional focus on reducing access to lethal means – especially firearms. Participants learn how to talk with someone who might be having these thoughts in a collaborative, non-judgmental and supportive manner.
Q&A with the Defensive Line
Presenters: Martha and Chris Thomas
Track: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
As a follow up to their opening keynote, sit down with Martha and Chris Thomas to learn more!
Track: Violence Prevention
An Overview of Best Practices for BIT/Care Teams
Presenter: Aaron L. Austin, Ed.D., Consultant, TNG Consulting
Track: Violence Prevention
Whether you’re looking to share your expertise or learn from others, this session promises to be a valuable opportunity for growth and collaboration for you and your Behavioral Intervention Teams (BIT)/Care Teams. This engaging and interactive training session will focus on the critical work of BITs/Care Teams and the pivotal role they play in violence prevention efforts on campus. Participants will explore a real-world case study to analyze how coordinated interventions can help identify and mitigate potential risks, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for students and staff. Additionally, the session will provide opportunities for seasoned BIT leaders and those new to the work to ask questions, discuss, and exchange best practices.
Domestic and Sexual Violence 101
Presenter: Sammie Jurado, Partnership Development Coordinator, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Track: Violence Prevention
Domestic and Sexual Violence has major impacts on people and the communities they live in. In this session you will learn the nature and dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and advocacy tools to assist survivors.