APNA 36th Annual Conference

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association 36th Annual Conference took place October 19-23, 2022 in Long Beach California. Over 1,800 psychiatric nurses and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners attended. The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) research team presented research at the conference both in both podium and poster form.

On Friday, October 21, 2022 from 10-11:30am PT, BH WELL shared three post presentations:

Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Comic Book Rating Scale to assess Tobacco-use Health Communication Dissemination for People with Mental Illnesses. Authors: Abufarsakh, B.,  Seng, S., Otachi, J., Ickes, M., & Okoli, C.T.C. Poster number #123.

Examining Factors Associated with Psychological Distress among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Authors: Abufarsakh, B., Okoli, C.T.C., & Seng, S. Poster number #124.

Supporting Tobacco Treatment Delivery By Mental Healthcare Providers Through Simulated Substance Use Treatment Scenario Training. Authors: Abufarsakh, B.,  Seng, S., Otachi, J., & Okoli, C.T.C. Poster number #125.

In addition to BH WELL's posters, the University of Kentucky College of Nursing Psychiatric Nurse Faculty presented a poster:

Adapting PMHNP Student Clinical Experiences During a Pandemic A Complex Case Analysis. Authors: Makowski, A., Parrish, E., & Gray, H. Poster number #28. 

These posters were displayed in the APNA Posters Hall on Thursday, October 20 from 10am – 6:30pm PT and Friday, October 21 from 10am – 3pm PT.

On Friday, October 21, 2022 at 2:30pm PT, Dr. Okoli presented our work with Assertive Community Treatment teams!

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Services Providers’ Engagement and Delivery of Tobacco Treatment to People with Serious Mental Illnesses. Authors: Abufarsakh, B.,  Seng, S., Williams, L., & Okoli, C.T.C.

Finally, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the end of the Town Hall (3-4pm PT) meeting, Dr. Chizimuzo “Zim” Okoli was introduced as the APNA President. Dr. Okoli and the BH WELL team enjoyed meeting many of you during the conference and after the Town Hall.

Per the APNA conference website, their organization "champions psychiatric-mental health nursing and mental health care through the development of positions on key issues, the dissemination of current knowledge and developments in PMH nursing, and collaboration with stakeholders to promote advances in recovery-focused assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of persons with mental health disorders."

For more information on the 36th Annual APNA Conference Visit their website

The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) research team exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges.