Events

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, led this one hour lunch and learn titled, "Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the Inpatient Psychiatric Setting: Nicotine Withdrawal Management vs. Tobacco Cessation." The event was hosted at Eastern State Hospital and is the first in a 4-part continuing education pharmacotherapy series. This 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 explored 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 discussed 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. View the recordings below!

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.

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."

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.