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BH WELL participated in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association's (APNA) 35th Annual Conference held virtually October 13-16, 2021. Approximately 1,200 people were in attendance. The conference included 133 education sessions and 142 poster presentations.

APNA Conferences 

 

BH WELL presented the following:

Virtual Podium Presentations

1. Enhancing behavioral health promotion through tailored comic books: When Nicotine Attacks-Fight the Crave.

Authors: Dr. Zim Okoli, Heather Robertson, Dr. Janet Otachi, Bassema Abu Farsakh, Kylie Pemberton, Dr. Lovoria Williams

Thursday, October 14, 1:35 - 2:00 PM EST 



powerpoint

Presentation

2. The Work Learning Program (WLP): Supporting career development in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Authors: Heather Robertson, Sarret Seng, Dr. Janet Otachi, Dr. Zim Okoli

Friday, October 15, 1:10 - 1:35 PM EST



powerpoint

Presentation

3. Parental barriers to seeking mental healthcare for Saudi children at risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

Authors: Amani Kappi, Dr. Zim Okoli, M. Rayens, A. Linares

Friday, October 15, 1:10 - 1:35 PM EST



powerpoint

Presentation

4. Assertive Community Treatment Services and Substance Use Outcomes: A Systematic Review. 

Authors: Bassema Abu Farsakh, Amani Kappi, Kylie Pemberton, Dr. Zim Okoli

Friday, October 15, 4:05 PM - 4:30 PM EST



powerpoint

Presentation

Virtual Posters

1. Factors influencing Arabs' attitudes toward mental health care and their intentions to seek mental health services: A systematic review.

Authors: Ohoud Alosais, Bassema Abu Farsakh, Dr. Zim Okoli



academic poster

Poster

2. Supporting tobacco treatment delivery by mental healthcare providers through simulated substance use treatment scenario training.

Authors: Dr. Zim Okoli, Janet Otachi, A. Carmichael



academic poster

Poster

 

3. What is the relationship between the experience of trauma and substance use among healthcare workers?

Authors: Dr. Zim Okoli, Sarret Seng

Awarded 1st place poster!



academic poster

Poster

The BH WELL research team exhibited virtually at the American Psychiatric Nurses Association 35th Conference. In addition to sharing BH WELL’s strategic plan and mission with attendees, the research team also showcased select behavioral health resources on the BH WELL website. Our exhibit site focused on the importance of using evidence-based practices when providing mental and behavioral health services. It also highlighted the crucial need for tobacco dependence treatment among people living with mental and behavioral health challenges given that stopping tobacco use aids recovery. After viewing our virtual visit space, the APNA conference committee promoted the BH WELL exhibit as an example for other exhibitors in designing their sites. 

During the conference, attendees were interested in several BH WELL products. Attendees particularly requested information on three products: the comic book, When Nicotine Attacks: Fight the Crave, the nicotine replacement equivalencies infographic, and our educational video blogs. Two conference participants stated that evidence-based resources and information on vaping would be helpful for adolescents and adults who use vapes. So, we shared a Public Service Announcement (PSA) from a teen and his mother discussing the adverse health effects of JUUL use. In addition, we connected the participants with a colleague in the UK College of Education and her comic book on teens and JUUL use.