University of Illinois Chicago Unveils Opioid Program

Plus: Caron’s upcoming fundraising gala; the NBCC’s webinar on diversity; and a media focus at the Olympics on substance use and mental health

By Darya Daneshmand

New & Next: Industry

New UIC Program for Nurse Practitioners 

Nurse practitioner graduates will now have the opportunity to work with patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) through a new program at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. At least two trainees will participate in the program for each of the next five years, thanks to a $1.8 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), working with healthcare centers primarily located in the west and southwest parts of the Chicago area.

Caron’s Annual New York Gala

Caron Treatment Centers will host its 27th Annual New York Gala on Sept. 9 at Cipriani 42nd Street in hopes of raising $1 million for its financial assistance program for young people in need of addiction care. More than 500 guests are expected to attend the event, which will feature live and silent auctions and music from The Fab Faux. Caron also plans to honor alumnus Zac Clark’s family and the provider’s president emeritus, Doug Tieman, for their contributions to helping individuals and families affected by a substance use disorder (SUD).

New & Next: Webinars

Practicing Advocacy for Children of Diverse Backgrounds

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is scheduled to hold a free webinar for certified counselors (NCCs), NBCC Foundation scholars and NBCC Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) fellows as part of its “Innovations in Counseling” series. The event, “Attitudes to Actions: Social Justice–Oriented Play Therapists Serving Minority Populations,” will take place on Aug. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. EST. Though available to anyone, the webinar is geared toward health professionals seeking a better understanding of how they might serve and advocate for children of diverse backgrounds and underserved populations. Those interested in attending can register here.

Using Neuroscientific Models in Counseling

On Aug. 11 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. EST, the Institute for Research, Education & Training in Addictions (IRETA) will host “Stress, Relationships, and Substance Use Disorders: An Introduction to Neuroscience-Informed Counseling.” Chad Luke, Ph.D., author of Neuroscience for Counselors and Therapists: Integrating the Sciences of Brain and Mind, will present the webinar. Registration for the event is free and is open to anyone interested in learning more about evidence-based approaches to treating substance misuse.

New & Next: Community

Extension for NAADAC Award Nominations

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, has extended the nomination deadline for its annual awards to Aug. 14. The awards honor addiction professionals, organizations and public figures for their work. Nominees must be current members of NAADAC. Nominations can be made through this form.

New & Next: Media

Substance Use, Mental Health Garner Olympic Headlines

The Tokyo Olympics have wound up shining a media spotlight on mental health and substance use. Olympic rules surrounding marijuana use are thought by many observers to be harsher than those of other major sports leagues and events, and that’s led to a good deal of discussion about the issue. Meanwhile, the withdrawal of star American gymnast Simone Biles from most of her events sparked a global dialogue about mental health. Biles said she withdrew from the events in order to focus on her mental health. TreatmentMagazine.com contributed to this important dialogue with a recent op-ed about Biles.