This workshop aims to empower professionals, practitioners, and advocates in the field of addiction psychiatry with the knowledge and tools needed to make a meaningful impact on policies and legislation. During the workshop, speakers will discuss the landscape in Washington, opportunities for engagement by addiction psychiatrists, and how to advocate on behalf of the field at the local, state and national levels. Key strategies for effective advocacy will be discussed, such as building coalitions, engaging with policymakers through evidence-based arguments, and leveraging personal and professional experiences to amplify the voices of those affected by addiction.
Key Highlights:
1. Understanding the Importance of Advocacy: Explore the pivotal role advocacy plays in shaping policies related to addiction psychiatry and how it contributes to positive change.
2. Navigating the Legislative Landscape: Gain insights into the structure and processes of Congress, demystifying the legislative landscape to better comprehend how decisions are made.
3. Effective Strategies for Advocacy: Learn practical and proven strategies for engaging with congressional representatives, effectively conveying your message, and building strong relationships that foster change.
4. Case Studies and Success Stories: Hear real-world examples of successful advocacy efforts. In summary, the workshop will highlight the crucial role of advocacy in advancing the field of addiction psychiatry and improving the lives of those affected by substance use disorders. It will empower attendees to become effective advocates and agents of change within their communities and beyond.
Holly Strain, MD, Chairperson
Holly Strain, MPH, Associate Vice President – For over 15 years, Holly has represented health clients in Washington. Holly is an expert in tracking and researching complex health care appropriations and authorization legislation and advocating on behalf of clients on Capitol Hill. She played a key role in the passage of legislation that requires insurance companies to treat mental illness and substance use disorders no differently than other medical conditions. Holly also advocated for the inclusion of mental health and addiction policy provisions in the Affordable Care Act. More recently, she has been instrumental in the enactment of legislation addressing the opioid misuse and overdose epidemic.
Justine Welsh, MD, Presenter
Justine W. Welsh, MD is a child/adolescent and adult addiction psychiatrist, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. She is the Vice Chair for Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult programs and the founder and Director of the Emory Healthcare Addiction Services. She is also the Medical Director of the Addiction Alliance of Georgia, a collaboration between Emory University and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Dr. Welsh also serves as the Associate Director for the University of California Irvine Train New Trainers Primary Care Addiction Medicine fellowship.
Dr. Welsh is an active advocate for expanding access to care for individuals with substance use disorder, as well as implementing innovative ways to approach recovery. She has been a board member of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and currently Chairs the Public Policy Committee for the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Her research has focused on accessing evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders across the lifespan. She has been the recipient of award and grant funding from agencies including NIDA, NIAAA, and AACAP. Her co-edited book, Treating Adolescent Substance Use: A Clinician’s Guide, was released in 2019.
Daryl Shorter, MD, Presenter
Dr. Daryl Shorter is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and is Board Certified in both General and Addiction Psychiatry. A graduate of Rice University (BA Sociology) and Baylor College of Medicine (MD), Dr. Shorter completed General Psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center and Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at New York University/Langone Medical Center. Dr. Shorter is an Associate Professor in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. He also serves as the Medical Director of Addictions and Recovery Services at the Menninger Clinic as well as the Program Director of the BCM Addiction Psychiatry fellowship. Dr. Shorter is the author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focusing on medication treatment of substance use disorders and addictions training in graduate medical education. In addition to his work at Menninger, Dr. Shorter is the psychiatrist of record at The Montrose Center, Houston’s LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health and Community Center, where he supervises Addiction Psychiatry fellows who provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. He speaks widely on topics related to mental health, the LGBTQ+ community, and addictions treatment.
Jose Vito, MD, Presenter
Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU School of Medicine. AAAP Member-at-Large.