Retreat & Conference Agenda (Tentative)

(Updated: May 25, 2018)

Grief

Speaker: Aimee Dunkle, the Solace Foundation and Board of Directors, Broken No More/GRASP

Aimee will present on the topic of Disenfranchised Grief (grief that is not acknowledged by society as being worthy of acceptance or compassion). Aimee lost her son, Ben, to an overdose. He is forever 20.

After Aimee’s presentation we will explore topics related to the grief experienced after losing the one you love to a substance use disorder. These sessions are designed to be educational but to also allow for participation from the attendees. Each person’s experience is valued and there is much we can learn from each other. This is a safe space where you are among others who have shared this same kind of loss. It will be a time to learn, listen to others and, if you wish, to freely express your own thoughts and feelings. To express the grief that you experience and how your life has changed during your time of loss.

Opioids, Addiction, and the Brain

Speaker: Sam Snodgrass, PhD, Board of Directors, Broken No More/GRASP

Sam will discuss the neuroscience and pharmacology of opioid addiction and why the ones we love could not stop using.

Harm Reduction

Speakers:
Eliza Wheeler, Harm Reduction Coalition, Overdose Prevention Expert |
Greg Scott, PhD, Professor and Director of the Social Science Research Center at DePaul University and Director of Research, Chicago Recovery Alliance

Both Eliza and Greg have been involved with Harm Reduction for many years and will discuss the philosophy and pragmatic aspects of Harm Reduction

Grief to Advocacy

Speakers:
Glenn Backes, activist, writer, and an expert in how to turn activism into law |
Tony Newman, Director of media relations for the Drug Policy Alliance.

Glenn will explain the process of how to lobby for change in drug policy at the state and local level.

Tony will provide information on how to get your message across during an interview and how to work with the media.

Grief/Tragedy to Advocacy Panel

Moderator: Dr. Tamara Olt, Jolt Foundation and Board of Directors, Broken No More/GRASP

Panelists:

Darleen Berg: Board of Directors, Broken No More/GRASP

Julia Negron: Suncoast Harm Reduction Project and Advisory Board Member, Broken No More/GRASP

Kim Brown: Quad Cities Harm Reduction and Advisory Board Member, Broken No More/GRASP

The panelists will discuss their personal journeys from grief to advocacy. They will provide information on how to become an advocate and how even small steps can lead to positive change.