As we think about the impact of substance use and mental health within rural communities, a key component is accessing the resources available. In this webinar, we will discuss potential interventions that can be implemented or strengthened within rural communities. This workshop will focus on how providers and community members can develop collaborative networks to support members of their community who may be facing substance use and mental health challenges in their daily lives. We will also discuss potential prevention methods to be introduced within community spaces to reduce the impact of substance use on individuals and families, and increase engagement in mental health care.

Presenter: Dr. Delores Blackwell, LCSW, is a multijurisdictional licensed clinical social worker. She has held numerous administrative and clinical positions within both the addictions and mental health disciplines. She is an adjunct professor at both Touro College and Hunter College Silberman Schools of Social Work. In conjunction with her numerous roles, she also conducts and develops trainings for mental health and addictions professionals in both direct practice and leadership positions. She is currently a Research Project Manager at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University Medical Center, where she works with the Opioid Response Network and Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Center within the Northeast and Caribbean (HHS Region 2).