Key Takeaways from the Virginia Association of Medication-Assisted Recovery Programs Conference
Crossroads Treatment Centers had the privilege of participating in the Virginia Association of Medication-Assisted Recovery Programs conference, which was held from October 16th to 18th at the Hilton Double Tree in Charlottesville, VA. This year’s event brought together professionals, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to advancing the field of substance use disorder treatment and recovery.
Keynote Presentations and Breakout Sessions
The conference kicked off on October 17th with a powerful keynote presentation by Sarah Laurel and Melanie Beddis from Savage Sisters, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and collaborative learning. The first Breakout Session featured a range of topics designed to address critical issues in the field. The day continued with a lunchtime keynote from Dr. Olsen of SAMHSA, who provided an overview of current trends and policies affecting medication-assisted treatment.
Engaging Discussions
In Breakout Session Two, attendees had the opportunity to delve into additional topics, including the exploration of pregnancy and substance abuse, harm reduction strategies, the intersection of homelessness and substance use, and the significance of cultural diversity in treatment.
The day concluded with engaging panel discussions that covered topics such as peer support, community outreach and medical perspectives on treatment. Crossroad’s Dr. Amber Green, Senior Director of Medical Operations, was a panelist.
Spotlight on Compassion Fatigue
On the final day of the conference, attendees gathered for breakfast before diving into more breakout sessions and a keynote by Courtney Downs. A highlight of the day was Jonathan Revels, Crossroads’ Manager of Clinical Compliance, who spoke on Compassion Fatigue. His session resonated with many in the audience, shedding light on the emotional toll that those in the helping professions face and emphasizing the need for self-care strategies to prevent burnout.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on this year’s conference, we are inspired by the conversations and collaborations. The Virginia Association of Medication-Assisted Recovery Programs conference continues to be an essential gathering for those dedicated to enhancing the landscape of addiction treatment and recovery.
Thank you to all who joined us and made the event a success! We look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together to improve health equity and access to care for all individuals facing substance use disorders. Let’s keep the momentum going as we work together to make a difference in the lives of those we serve!