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

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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)

Director of Practice Improvement

National Council for Behavioral Health

Ms. Cadovius is the Director, Strategic Initiatives MHFA, for the National Council for Behavioral Health. She leads strategic initiatives for Mental Health First Aid USA expanding engagement opportunities and increasing awareness and implementation of the MFHA programs. She has led the mental health and substance use related projects as director and subject matter expert, including tasks elated to executing fiscal reports, training and technical assistance, grant and contract proposals, and supervision of staff. She also oversaw government, pharmacological, and State level grants, contracts, and subcontracts to ensure compliance, high quality relationship with funders, strategic oversight, and timely submission of deliverables.

Throughout Nicole’s career, her passion has been to create quality community-based programs and develop strong teams supporting older adults, individuals with substance use and mental health support needs throughout the life span and individuals with developmental disabilities. She is a national speaker on topics such as healthy aging and aging in place. Nicole serves as a member of several national boards, Steering Committee member, National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices, President of the Gerontology Division and Vice President of Region X, for the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Before joining the National Council, Ms. Cadovius, served as a Director of Programs & Services for community non-profit supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, Director of Communications and Strategy for a state agency, and a Regional Director and Executive Director of Skilled Nursing Facilities. Nicole began her career as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

She holds a Master of Business Administration and Master of Business Management both from Albertus Magnus College and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Connecticut.