3. Managing Substance Use Crises in Older Adults: Innovative Models for Screening and Treatment

4.66 (35 votes)

Only available as part of a package

Attending to the needs of middle aged and older adults experiencing SUD is fraught with complications and challenges. For example, morbidity and mortality estimates associated with SUD may often preclude individuals from living into older adulthood. The Hope Pointe Crisis Center has developed to provide common services such as triage, temporary observation, and connection to community-based wrap-around services, including special attention to the needs of middle aged and older adults. This new collaboration stems from an ongoing HRSA-funded graduate clinical psychology education training grant that, since 2022 and in collaboration with the Tuscaloosa County Mental Health Court, Karen Jones, and Dr. Jennifer Cox, focuses on the needs of justice-involved individuals.

Eligible for 1 CE with live participation

Rebecca S. Allen, PhD, ABPP

Professor and Associate Chair of Psychology Director

Alabama Research Institute on Aging The University of Alabama

Dr. Allen’s research and clinical interests are: 1) clinical training issues (e.g., substance and opioid use disorders, empowering underserved communities to facilitate effective treatment delivery through community-based partnerships, health and mental health disparities); 2) interventions to reduce the stress of individuals, family, and professional caregivers within the context of advanced chronic or terminal illness; and 3) the cultural dynamics (race/ethnicity, rural/urban) of healthcare and financial decision making. She has published on translation of end-of-life/Dignity interventions, diversity in advance care planning, adapting surveys for cultural relevance, behavioral interventions in the community and long-term care, and ethical practice in interprofessional teams. Dr. Allen is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Committee on Aging and is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and the APA Division 20 (Adult Development and Aging).

Karen Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Indian Rivers Behavioral Health Center

Karen has been working in community behavioral health services for 27 years, serving in varying roles including therapist for various populations. She has a master’s degree in psychology and has been with Indian Rivers Behavioral Health for over 24 years. From 2014 through 2022 she served as the Clinical Director of Indian Rivers and assumed the role of CEO in June of 2022. As a Tuscaloosa native the mission of improving behavioral healthcare services for the West Alabama area has been a lifelong mission.

Tony Sanchez

Co-Founder

Creative Collaborative Solutions

Tony Sanchez is a dynamic and compassionate leader whose journey in recovery has transformed into a powerful force for change in the realm of addiction recovery and support. His career is marked by a series of notable achievements and roles, each contributing to his reputation as an influential advocate and expert in recovery-oriented practices.

Tony's personal experience with long-term recovery has been a cornerstone in his professional path, fueling his passion and understanding of the challenges and triumphs in this field.

As the Director of Statewide Partnerships at Faces and Voices of Recovery, Tony led the national recovery institute, playing a pivotal role in shaping recovery initiatives across the country. His tenure here highlighted his ability to influence and implement recovery programs at a national level strategically.

His expertise further shone through during his tenure as the Director of the Office of Recovery Transformation at Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Here, he showcased his exceptional skills in implementing recovery-oriented practices and managing a network of addiction recovery support centers. This role underscored his capacity to effect change at a governmental level, influencing policies and practices for the betterment of those in recovery.

With an array of skills including contract management, team building, and public speaking, Tony has established himself as a respected figure in the recovery community. His journey from personal recovery to professional advocacy encapsulates a story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to enhancing recovery opportunities for others. Tony Sanchez stands out as a beacon of hope and a leader in the recovery movement, inspiring many with his work and his story.

Nicole Cadovius, MBA, MSM, CAPS and FAAIDD (Moderator)

Enterprise Transformation & Strategic Initiatives Executive

National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Dr. Nicole Cadovius is a visionary leader in nonprofit, healthcare, and public sector transformation, driven by a deep passion for advancing mission-oriented work. She places people at the center of her approach, focusing on quality of life and empowering communities to thrive. Her dedication is reflected in her commitment to developing equitable systems that foster stability, growth, and opportunity. By blending strategic expertise with genuine personal connection, Dr. Cadovius ensures that every initiative not only achieves organizational goals but also enhances individual and community well-being, underscoring her belief in the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership.

Core Expertise

Enterprise transformation and change leadership
Strategy-to-execution program design and delivery
Cross-sector partnerships and stakeholder alignment
Portfolio and performance management (data-driven outcomes)
Equity-centered systems improvement
Revenue diversification and sustainable program growth

Current Role
At the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Dr. Cadovius leads national initiatives including strategic initiatives for Mental Health First Aid, aligning strategy, partnerships, and implementation to advance scalable, data-driven programming. Her leadership has strengthened stakeholder engagement, diversified revenue, and improved program performance at scale.

Leadership & Impact
Proven track record leading complex, cross-sector transformation efforts, advising executive leadership, and building high-performing teams. Recognized for aligning diverse stakeholders, embedding accountability and equity into strategy, and delivering sustainable, mission-driven results.

She is deeply committed to advancing systems that support growth, stability, well-being, and opportunity, bringing both professional expertise and personal connection to mission-driven work. Dr. Cadovius has more than 30 years of volunteer experience with national and international non-profits and boards.