UAA Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies co-sponsors the Pathways to Recovery Conference
by Eduardo Piqueiras |
In May 2026, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) proudly co-sponsored the Pathways to Recovery Conference hosted by the State of Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention (OSMAP). The conference is a pivotal statewide event focused on addressing the unique challenges of substance use and behavioral health in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ by bringing together professionals, community leaders, advocates, and researchers to strengthen prevention, treatment, recovery, and connection to care across the state.
Master of Public Health graduate students and alumni, along with Health Sciences undergraduate students, had the opportunity to attend. Assistant Dean of the Division of Population Health Sciences Travis Hedwig delivered a presentation on the Promoting Community Conversations about Research for Effective Solutions (PC-CARES) model. Originally developed as a community-based approach to suicide prevention, the model is now being adapted to address substance misuse in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ in collaboration with OSMAP and research partners from the University of Michigan. Dr. Jay Butler, Dean of the UAA College of Health also delivered a special presentation on public health approaches to addiction and opioid crisis response.
Conference sessions focused on prevention, treatment and recovery, and connection to care, including overdose prevention, coordinated crisis response, naloxone distribution, Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), peer support programs, integrated care models, tribal partnerships, and culturally driven approaches to behavioral health. The event emphasized practical, evidence-based strategies designed to strengthen Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s network of care and improve health outcomes statewide.
The session and conference were well attended, and CAAS remains proud to serve as a trusted community partner working to reduce the public health harms associated with alcohol and substance use across Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Looking ahead, CAAS, alongside the Division of Population Health Sciences within the UAA College of Health, will continue investing in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ’s statewide prevention community through academic programs, workforce development, research and evaluation services, training, and technical assistance aimed at strengthening local capacity and sustaining evidence-based, culturally responsive practices.