Events

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 will host their annual Practice and Research Initiatives Showcase at Eastern State Hospital (PRISE) on March 12th, 2026 from 9AM-3:30PM EST. This year’s showcase will focus on Discovering Unique Approaches to Integrated Care. Attendees will have 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

Jan 28, 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 the event website.

2025 Recovery Summit

Nov 10–11, 2025

BH WELL will host a table at the inaugural 2025 Recovery Summit in Richmond, KY. The Recovery Summit is a two-day gathering of clinicians, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders working to improve recovery outcomes and build healthier communities. Sessions will span five core tracks:

Sigma Biennial Convention

Nov 8–12, 2025

The 2025 Sigma Biennial Convention will take place November 8-12, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The BH WELL team will present the following:

APNA 39th Annual Conference

Oct 15–18, 2025

The APNA 39th Annual Conference took place October 15-18, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year's theme was "Empowered to Innovate and Collaborate: PMH Nurses Shaping Care Excellence". BH WELL team members, Pooja Bhattarai, Dr. Bassema AbuFarsakh, and Dr. Zim Okoli received 3rd place in the research category for their poster, "Shaping Care Excellence by Examining the Relationship Between Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Mental Illness."

cartoon of woman in blue with pills around her

Battling Substance Use Disorder in our Communities Conference

Sep 9, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Berea College hosted this educational event aimed at educating nurses, nurse educators, nursing and allied health students, and healthcare providers. BH WELL team members, Sarret Seng and Dr. Zim Okoli gave a presentation at the event. The presentation provided an overview of tobacco and cannabis use disorders. In addition to defining clinical features and diagnostic criteria, the presenters explored the prevalence and patterns of use within Kentucky, highlighting the disproportionate burden among individuals living with mental and behavioral health challenges.

Voices of Hope Peer Conference

Sep 9, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Voices of Hope Peer Conference is for individuals working in the recovery field, including Peer Support Specialists, Peer Navigators, and Recovery Coaches. The conference focused 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. BH WELL hosted a table for conference attendees to visit.

Recovery Rally at the Capitol

Sep 5, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

In honor of Recovery Month, members of Kentucky's recovery community, state leaders, and health officials hosted a Recovery Rally event at the State Capitol in Frankfort on Friday, September 5, 2025. The event featured inspirational stories of hope and resilience along with free access to naloxone, information about recovery support programs, second chance employment, health care access and other resources from community partners. The event was coordinated by the Kentucky Overdose Response Effort (KORE) and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.