Events

Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team in Mental and Behavioral Health Settings

May 13, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

BH WELL, along with our partner, Eastern State Hospital, is hosting a lunch and learn workshop entitled: Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy as part of a Multidisciplinary Team in Mental and Behavioral Health Settings. The presenter will be Claudia Rose OTD R/L with nurse and social work consult provided by Amanda Lykins, PhD, RN and Lella Still, DSW, LCSW.

Voices of Hope Peer Conference The Intersection of Recovery and Family

Apr 28, 2026, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The 2026 Voices of Hope Peer Conference explores the overlap between opioid use disorder, co-occurring mental health conditions, and family dynamics. Admission for the conference is free and open to 125 people working in the recovery field, including Peer Support Specialists, Peer Navigators, and Recovery Coaches. The conference focuses on education and research-based content for peers providing services to individuals affected by opioid use disorder or any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health issue.

2026 KY Tobacco Control Conference Reclaiming the Future of Tobacco Control and Charting a New Path Forward

Apr 16, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The 2026 KY Tobacco Control Conference is hosted by the UK College of Nursing Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy (KCSP) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program.

Gold numbers 50 and text: American Society of Preventive Oncology

American Society of Preventative Oncology 50th Meeting

Apr 12–14, 2026

The 2026 ASPO meeting will take place April 12-14, 2026 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, Colorado. This year's theme is “50 Years of Impact: Empowering Communities Through Cancer Prevention Research.” BH WELL's Dr. Bassema AbuFarsakh will present the following poster: Abufarsakh B, Wang T, Williams LB, Dignan M, Okoli CTC. (Poster). Missed Opportunities for Lung Cancer Screening and Tobacco Treatment in Patients with Mental Illness. [Abstract]. ASPO 50th meeting, Denver, Colorado. April 12-14, 2026.

photos of people wearing patches on their arms

Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting: Nicotine Withdrawal Management vs. Tobacco Cessation Pharmacotherapy Lunch & Learn Series

Mar 31, 2026, 12:00 – 1:00 PM

BH WELL Executive Director, Dr. Chizimuzo "Zim" Okoli, will lead this one hour lunch and learn titled, "Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting: Nicotine Withdrawal Management vs. Tobacco Cessation." The event will be hosted at Eastern State Hospital and is the first in a 4-part continuing education pharmacotherapy series. The series is hosted by BH WELL and Eastern State Hospital. 1.0 CEU is available for the following disciplines: medicine, social work, nursing, and pharmacy.

UK Center for Clinical and Translation Science Annual Spring Conference AI: Bridging Clinical Care, Innovation, Research and Technology

Mar 31, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

The UK Center for Clinical and Translation Science will host their Annual Spring Conference on 3/31/26 at Lexington's Central Bank Center. The 2026 conference theme is “AI: Bridging Clinical Care, Innovation, Research and Technology.” BH WELL's Pooja Bhattarai will present the following poster: Bhattarai, P., Abufarsakh, B., Okoli, C.T.C. (poster). Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Mental Illness: Examining Associations and Impact. 21st Annual CCTS Spring Conference, March 31, 2026, Central Bank Center, Lexington, Kentucky.

2026 Practice and Research Initiatives Showcase at Eastern State Hospital (PRISE) Discovering Unique Approaches to Integrated Care

Mar 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

The ESH Research Council hosted their annual Practice and Research Initiatives Showcase at Eastern State Hospital (PRISE) on March 12th, 2026 from 9AM-3:30PM EST. Attendees participated in person and remotely via ZOOM. This year’s showcase focused on Discovering Unique Approaches to Integrated Care. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the innovative research and practice initiatives that strengthen patient outcomes and staff support at ESH.

BH WELL Tobacco Treatment Workshop Tobacco, Cannabis, and Behavioral Health: Navigating Policy, Practice, and Emerging Products

Feb 25, 2026, 1:00 – 3:30 PM

This free virtual workshop will explore the rapidly changing landscape of tobacco and cannabis use, emphasizing how evolving policies, online sales, and emerging products impact people living with mental and behavioral health challenges. Presenters will discuss trends in co-use, regulatory challenges, and implications for prevention and treatment within behavioral health settings. The target audience for this workshop is tobacco treatment specialists, behavioral health providers, health educators, and other health professionals. 2.0 CEs, approved by KBN and KBSW

Coffee & Cocoa Pop Up for ESH Staff

Dec 3, 2025, 6:30 – 9:00 AM

The BH WELL team served coffee, hot cocoa, and hot tea to Eastern State Hospital employees on Wednesday, 12/3. The Newtown Pike Starbucks donated coffee for the staff. BH WELL team members decorated coffee sleeves with encouraging messages and artwork to thank ESH colleagues for all they do to support patients. Over 150 people were served! Available at the table were lanyards, lip balm, pens, tissues, and granola bars as well as information on the Work Learning Program.

Kentucky Nurses Association Annual Conference

Nov 13–14, 2025

Dr. Zim Okoli spoke at the KNA Annual Conference on November 14th, 2025. This year's conference theme was "Nurse Leaders: Breaking Barriers, Promoting Change, Impacting Lives". More information is available on their website.