Wake AHEC Upcoming Continuing Education / Continuing Professional Development / Medical Education Program and Course Listing
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09/20/2024	Friday
9:00 AM	Don’t You Forget About Me: Navigating the Trenches and Maintaining Our Purpose
	This program focuses on identifying the effects of vicarious trauma and how this impacts one’s work. Participants will identify how their behaviors and communication methods contribute to or hinder the work environment. Presenters will review strategies to improve resiliency, stress management and teach ways to cope with traumatic experiences in the workplace setting. In learning how one’s own traumatic experiences impact their work, healthcare providers can be more trauma-informed and be better able to respond to workplace stress and patient care. Additionally, providers will learn various resiliency skills to reduce burnout. Audience - This program is designed for healthcare professionals across all disciplines.
09/26/2024	Thursday
11:00 AM	1915i ISP Planning and Development Training
	The purpose of this presentation is to provide you with a high-level overview of the Individualized Support Plan (ISP) development process. Including pre-planning; meeting protocol; format for Long Range Goal and the essential elements of the Individualized Support Plan (ISP). Audience - AMH+ Primary Care Practices, Care Management Agencies (CMA), Addiction Professionals, Physicians, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Public Health Professionals, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Care Coordinators, Nurses, I/DD Providers, Social Workers, Case Managers and all interested behavioral health and healthcare professionals
10/01/2024	Tuesday
9:00 AM	72nd Annual Tuberculosis/Respiratory Disease Institute
	This educational activity is designed to discuss the current diagnostic, management and research concepts of tuberculosis and respiratory disease. Audience - Physicians, nurses and other public health professionals working towards the elimination of tuberculosis in the United States.
10/05/2024	Saturday
8:00 AM	CGEC New Perspectives in Pain Management: Kicking the 30-year Opioid Habit
	This opioid stewardship conference shares new perspectives in the medical management of pain including changing the culture around pain assessment, conducting conversations with patients on expectations and management of pain, choosing pain management appropriate to the condition being treated and age of the patient, leveraging interprofessional approaches to pain prevention and management, and managing pain using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic modalities. Agenda 7:30 am Check-In, Continental Breakfast, and Exhibitors 8:00 am Keynote: Patient and Prescriber… Real Life Impact of Opioids by Nick Barra and Douglas Holden, MD 9:00 am Harnessing the Power of ERAS…Reshaping Opioid Utilization in Healthcare by Gina McConnell, BSN, RN, CCRN 9:45 am Break and Exhibitors 10:00 am Changing the Language of Pain by David R. Lindsay, MD 10:45 am When the Issue Isn’t in the Tissue…Therapeutic Neuroscience Education & Physical Therapy by Jennifer Harrington, PT, DPT, WCS, CLT 11:10 am Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Reframe the Pain by Loryn Jones, MSW, LCSW 11:30 am Lunch and Exhibitors 12:15 pm Interventional Acute Pain Medicine: Strategies and Current Practice by Alicia Warlick, MD, FASA 1:00 pm Opioid Crisis: State and Federal Data & Policy Update by Savannah Simpson, MSPH 1:45 pm Q&A by Alicia Warlick, MD, FASA 2:00 pm Closing Remarks and Adjourn Audience - Physicians, Physician Assistants, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Health Educators, Substance Use Specialists, Social Workers, Rehabilitation Therapists including Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Occupational Therapists Assistants.
10/09/2024	Wednesday
9:00 AM	CGEC Working with Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness: Opportunities and Challenges
	This program will review the experience of aging for people living with serious mental illness, their health and social needs, evidence-based strategies for meeting those needs, and associated opportunities and challenges. Skill level: Intermediate Audience - The target audience for this program includes psychiatrists, clinical social workers, psychologists, nurses, counselors, primary care providers, peer support specialists and other mental health workers.
10/10/2024	Thursday
9:00 AM	Rock Steady: Cultivating Mindfulness as a Resource to Foster Resilience and Thriving
	This experiential workshop offers a unique integration of conceptual learning about mindfulness with an emphasis on experiential practice in the facilitative environment of nature. The training will focus on how mental health professionals can use mindfulness to foster resilience in the face of adversity and challenges as well as facilitating wellness and thriving. Mindfulness offers specific techniques for enhancing self-awareness, attentional control, and nonjudgmental stance, while also cultivating qualities of acceptance, cognitive defusion, nonreactivity, and compassion. We will discuss these concepts and how they support emotion regulation and scaffold wisdom. We will discuss how mindfulness allows us to identify habitual patterns, evaluate whether these patterns are adaptive or maladaptive, and recognize choice points in their daily lives for decisions that can be informed by self-awareness, values, and wisdom. We will also explore how mindfulness can be protective against burnout and secondary traumatic stress. We will incorporate experiential practice throughout the day, providing an integration of training and retreat components. We will integrate both sitting practice and movement-based practices (e.g., walking meditation). Mindfulness practices will be followed by guided inquiry to facilitate consolidation and generalization. No prior knowledge of mindfulness is required. Note: For participants who attended last year, this year we will integrate different practices and greater experiential emphasis. Audience - This workshop will benefit mental health practitioners, educators, human service professionals, and others interested in the topic.
10/17/2024	Thursday
6:00 PM	Pregnancy and Oral Health
	This interactive course addresses the importance of oral health before, during, and after pregnancy. Dental providers will explore the prevalence of oral disease during pregnancy and its effects on both mothers and children. The course will review current and recommended dental treatment guidelines for pregnant women. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, DDS, DA, RDH
10/18/2024	Friday
9:00 AM	Clinical Lab Day 2024: Coming Together Serving as One
	Join us for the 16th Annual Clinical Lab Day which will highlight the many collaborations that are key for disease monitoring and response in North Carolina and beyond. This event is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis, care, and management of patients. The target audience is physicians, clinical laboratory scientists, nurses, disease intervention personnel, educators, students, and anyone responsible for or interested in the testing and care of patients. Registration deadline is October 4, 2024. There will not be onsite registration. For questions regarding registration, contact Sharri Oxendine at soxendine@wakeahec.org or 919-350-0461. For questions regarding program content, contact NCSLPH Laboratory Improvement at 919-733-7186. This event is sponsored by the NC State Laboratory of Public Health. Audience - Physicians, clinical laboratory scientists, nurses, disease intervention personnel, educators, students, and anyone responsible for or interested in the testing and care of patients
10/22/2024	Tuesday
9:00 AM	Differential Diagnosis and Comorbidity in ASD
	This workshop will discuss differential diagnosis and comorbidity in individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the range of individuals diagnosed with autism has expanded, so has the complexity of differentiating autism from other developmental and mental health disorders that also have impairments in communication and social skills and other behavior. In addition, studies have indicated that 70% of autistic individuals also have co-occurring developmental or mental health difficulties. This presentation will highlight the overlap as well as the distinct features of autism versus other diagnoses, and share current research on which are the most frequent co-occurring developmental and mental health diagnoses. Audience - Licensed Professional Counselors, Public Health Professionals, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, School-based personnel, Care Coordinators, Case Managers, Allied Health Staff, Social workers, Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, adults, Individuals working with the IDD population, All interested mental health professionals
10/23/2024	Wednesday
10:00 AM	Applications of Jungian Archetypes to Assessment & Treatment
	Archetypes were a major focus of Carl Jung’s contributions to the field of psychology, and provide a descriptive analysis of the different ‘parts’ of the self within each person. Jungian archetypes provide a deeper understanding of the innate fears, desires, and goals that drive human nature. This three hour interactive Zoom training will introduce participants to the 12 Jungian archetypes and explore different applications of this model in therapy. Participants will learn how to apply archetypes in individual and family or couples therapy to help clients deepen their self-awareness and initiate positive changes in their behavior, life, and relationships. The HMI archetypal assessment tool will be presented in this training, with tips on how to use this tool to help identify and resolve inner conflicts, improve relationships, and reach important goals inside and outside of treatment. Audience - Behavioral health counselors and those interested in the topic
10/24/2024	Thursday
8:30 AM	The GATE Model: An Interactive Tool for Addictions Risk Assessment
	Working with individuals and families suffering from addictive illness has become increasingly challenging, as professionals operate within a patchwork quilt of public, private, and community resources that often lack coordination. In response to the national opioid crisis, the task of finding a common language between clinicians, agencies, clients, and support systems is increasingly important for treatment outcomes. The GATE Model is a user-friendly, interactive, graphic tool that enhances the options available to the professional, for the assessment of clients in diverse settings, for risk of addiction. Developed for the Master of Social Work curriculum of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, School of Social Work, the GATE Model simplifies the process of identifying needs and allocating resources, within the continuum of care. The visual impact of the GATE Model increases the accessibility of the clinician’s observations, strengthening the motivation of clients and families to accept recommended interventions. Patterns of addictive illness are familiar to professionals in treatment settings, who have witnessed different versions of the same dynamic, again and again, and the GATE Model captures the clinician’s unique view. Participants will consider the Syndrome Model (Shaffer, et al, 2004), as they examine the GATE Model’s focus on Genetics, Access, Trauma, and Environment, in the dynamics of observed risk factors for addiction. Practical applications of the GATE Model will be explored, with emphasis on assessment and treatment planning. Audience - This program is for all Health and Human Services Professionals, Educators, Guidance Counselors, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Case Managers, those in the Criminal Justice System, Armed Forces, Program Developers, Grant Writers, and any other interested persons.
11/01/2024	Friday
9:00 AM	CGEC: Health History Assessment of the Geriatric Patient
	Proper assessment of the health history of a medically compromised geriatric patient is crucial to treatment. Emphasis is placed on the use of a comprehensive “medical-dental health questionnaire” and the follow-up questions required for significant findings. Methods for performing a Review of Symptoms (ROS), writing proper medical-dental referral letters, and updating a medical history are also discussed. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, other interested dental personnel and healthcare professionals who work with geriatric populations
11/02/2024	Saturday
9:30 AM	Holistic Healthcare Conference: A Focus on Integrative Approaches to Addressing Patient Care
	It is estimated that forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress and that around 75% of doctor office visits can be attributed to stress-related ailments and complaints. Healthcare providers have a responsibility to take into consideration all the factors that may be contributing to various conditions and identify best practices for addressing their patient’s concerns. Taking a holistic approach to healthcare involves simultaneously addressing the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components of health. Without addressing the whole person, providers are missing critical components of wellness and reducing their effectiveness in both prevention and treatment of many health conditions. This conference aims to bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds and practices to increase awareness and understanding of holistic health practices as they relate to stress management and patient care. Audience - This program would be appropriate for all healthcare professionals and those interested in holistic health.
11/06/2024	Wednesday
8:30 AM	34th Annual Art of Breastfeeding Conference: Beginnings, Babies, and Bodies – Supporting Feeding at all Stages
	The purpose of this conference is to provide practical, evidence-based approaches to improve the practice of healthcare professionals supporting lactating families. This one-day conference focuses on the essential role of prenatal education on breastfeeding* success, provides updates to the Ready, Set, Baby program, and shares strategies for managing food sensitivities and breastfeeding. Topics include learning practical guidance to support the introduction of solids while breastfeeding, learning the connection of infant posture and position to feeding and understanding the effects of endocrinopathies on lactation. Learners will leave with a broader understanding of the many evidence-based factors influencing breastfeeding success across all stages of feeding. *For brevity, the term “breastfeeding” will be used in written materials and by speakers, however, that is understood to include all possible ways of providing human milk to infants. Audience - Lactation consultants, nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, pediatric occupational therapists, pediatric physical therapists, speech pathologists, nutritionists, dieticians, health educators, doulas, public health practitioners, peer counselors, breastfeeding support volunteers and healthcare profession students.
9:00 AM	Working with Families: Intervention Skills & Techniques 2-Day
	We cannot not work with families. The influence of family on who we are, what we do, and who we become is ubiquitous and inevitable. But how do we work with families effectively? What is a useful framework for family work, and what do we actually do in a family session? Join us for a fun, fast-paced, experiential workshop where you will learn tangible, well-tested concepts and methods for working with families. This workshop utilizes interactive discussion and experiential activities to introduce family systems theory and practice family intervention skills and techniques. Participants will receive an overview of the over-arching philosophy and approach behind the systemic, strategic, and structural methods for treating families developed by Dr. John T. Edwards. Join us for an inspiring, hands-on experience that will build your confidence in the art and science of working with families. Audience - This workshop benefits counselors in the field of human services who are committed to working with families to help clients achieve their dreams, aka, treatment goals.
1:00 PM	Faculty Development 2024: Survival Strategies for Mediating Classroom Conflict in Academic Settings
	Survival strategies for mediating classroom conflict in academic settings are needed due to the current and prevalent issue of academic violence and bullying of faculty. Nurse educators need to understand the dynamics of academic violence and bullying directed toward them. They need practical strategies for handling such conflict to minimize the negative impact on themselves and their families that can rise to different levels of emotional, behavioral disorders (e.g.., depression, anxiety, PTSD). This workshop provides a framework as well as realistic hope and practical approaches (e.g., survival handbooks for victims and bystanders). Throughout the workshop, case studies, role plays, and appendices will assist the participant in applying the model with a focus on Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques. Audience - Nurse educators across all levels of nursing education.
11/08/2024	Friday
8:00 AM	How to Identify and Manage the Drug Seeking Patient
	This interactive program is designed to educate the dental professional on how to have a systematic approach in identifying and managing the drug-seeking patient. Dental health care providers struggle between providing the highest quality dental care to patients and the patient who is a substance abuser. This webinar will provide best practices in how to identify, treat and protect them. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, DDS, DA, RDH
11/13/2024	Wednesday
9:00 AM	Ethics in a Changing Behavioral Health Environment
	This workshop will compare and contrast the ethical codes of multiple behavioral health disciplines (counseling, psychology, and social work) and public health. Using case review and discussion, we will review common ethical challenges and strategies to address them, with attention to changes in healthcare brought about by the COVID19 pandemic. Audience - Clinicians, case managers, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, educators, advocates, health, and human service practitioners
11/14/2024	Thursday
9:00 AM	Complex Cases in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment
	This presentation provides an overview of factors making the diagnosis and treatment of ASD more complex, including differential diagnosis, considerations for treatment, and best practices. Audience - Licensed Professional Counselors, Public Health Professionals, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, School-based personnel, Care Coordinators, Case Managers, Allied Health Staff, Social workers, Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, adults, Individuals working with the IDD population, All interested mental health professionals
11/20/2024	Wednesday
9:00 AM	CGEC Rethinking Guardianship: Exploring Less Restrictive Alternatives
	Older adults and people with disabilities may fall under full guardianship without consideration of their ability to make decisions with support. During this webinar, participants will be introduced to the concepts of choice and self-determination; the state’s adult guardianship system; the ongoing work of Rethinking Guardianship NC; and how decision-making rights can be retained or regained through supported decision-making strategies. Audience - Health and human service professionals who work with older adults and adults with disabilities.
12/03/2024	Tuesday
6:00 PM	OSHA and North Carolina Infection Control Methods
	This course will present North Carolina infection control methods and OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens regulations and infection control in dentistry. Details on operatory asepsis methods and materials will be highlighted. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental laboratory technicians, DDS, DA, RDH
12/10/2024	Tuesday
9:00 AM	Results-Based Accountability™: How to Produce Measurable Improvement for Customers and Communities * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	“Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA) is a disciplined way of thinking and taking action to improve entrenched and complex social problems. Communities use RBA to improve the lives of children, families, and the community as a whole. RBA is also used by agencies to improve the performance of their programs.” Mark Friedman The recently revised NC AHEC RBA course has two parts. Both parts are being offered in Spring 2024 in an interactive, one-day live virtual session. Part One focuses on the building blocks of RBA, essential RBA concepts, including population and performance accountability, and turn the curve decision-making. Part Two focuses on reviewing basic RBA concepts, applying RBA in your work, and utilizing a web based tool to share data and stories. This course includes the books Trying Hard is Not Good Enough and Turning Curves by Mark Friedman. Participants must register at least two weeks prior to the course to ensure delivery. Audience - People who lead and support initiatives to improve the lives of people in North Carolina, including community-based organizations, healthcare systems, health departments, community activists, and others.
01/24/2025	Friday
9:00 AM	Seeing the Forest and the Trees: John T. Edwards’ Legacy of Family Intervention and Treatment * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	“I lead because I follow” was the deceptively powerful distillation of theory and practice that drew generations of clinicians to learn from the “Southern Gentleman” of family therapy, John T. Edwards, PhD. Moving the addictions treatment field toward a fuller integration of family systems during his prolific career, John was especially beloved for his ability to render complex dynamics accessible to a wide range of human service professionals. This training will employ practical skill-building, discussion, small group exercise, and archival video footage, to advance the body of work of this innovative pioneer in the art of engaging families. Participants are encouraged to use this training as an opportunity for ongoing immersion in family systems theory, advancing the utilization of family systems in human service, and supporting the mission of the John T. Edwards Foundation (www.johntedwardsfoundation.org). Audience - Social workers, psychologists, family therapists, school counselors, educators, criminal justice professionals, and other human service professionals who could benefit from this program.
01/31/2025	Friday
9:00 AM	Social Media in the Healthcare Provider Office: Is It Time to Develop a Social Media Policy Program?
	This live webinar will discuss social media's impact on dentistry including the positive and negative effects of social media. The webinar will include ways to develop and incorporate a social media policy for the practice. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, and other interested dental personnel.
02/07/2025	Friday
9:00 AM	Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa: Patients in the Closets
	Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that are seen primarily in young females of Western style developed countries. One-and-a-half to five percent of females between 11-25 years of age is affected. Experts believe that these figures are greatly underestimated. A distorted perception of themselves and an exaggerated concern with weight is a common factor in both disorders. The dental profession has a unique opportunity to make an early diagnosis of the disorders. Information for recognition, intervention, and management of the oral sequel will be presented. Participants will be encouraged to share their clinical experience with these disorders. **In order to be actively engaged with the speaker, you are encouraged to keep your cameras on throughout the program.** Audience - Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, and other interested dental personnel.
02/13/2025	Thursday
9:00 AM	Utilizing Integrative Hypnosis in Practice: A Guide to Treating Anxiety Disorder and Trauma
	Hypnosis is a powerful clinical tool utilized across diverse settings to catalyze healing and facilitate transformative change via imagery, suggestion, and subconscious exploration. What sets hypnosis apart is its capacity to engage consciousness at profound levels, fostering profound shifts in awareness and behavior. Widely applied in mental health, hypnosis generates positive outcomes including but not limited to bolstering self-esteem and helping initiate adaptive behaviors, anxiety reduction, trauma symptom alleviation, improving sleep quality, and optimizing performance (American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, n.d.). One of its notable strengths lies in its efficacy in treating anxiety disorders and trauma when integrated with complementary modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques. This integrative approach offers a compelling process of addressing discomfort and dysregulation and delving into entrenched thoughts, emotions, and past experiences. By tapping into the subconscious mind, the hypnotic process, combined with CBT and mindfulness fortifies positive beliefs, challenges unproductive patterns, and amplifies therapeutic objectives. Over the long term, this integrated hypnosis fosters resilience, nurtures healthier relationships, and fosters self-trust and trust in others (Daitch, 2007). This workshop aims to guide participants through the steps of the hypnotic process, encompassing crucial aspects such as ensuring safety when working with clients, conducting trance work and testing, and offering psychoeducation about the process and ethical practices. Additionally, it will explore a selection of cognitive and mindfulness techniques, as well as strategies for integrating these approaches to effectively support individuals dealing with anxiety and trauma symptoms. Ultimately, the workshop seeks to provide a comprehensive overview and equip attendees with practical tools for practice. Audience - This program is intended for anyone interested in the use of clinical hypnosis. The target audience is social work professionals and students and other practicing mental health professionals.
02/18/2025	Tuesday
9:00 AM	The Courage to be Disliked: Integrity in Leadership * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	Anyone who strives to rally followers toward a common goal is, in reality, a leader: public servants, community organizers, coaches, supervisors, advocates, CEOs, care coordinators, educators, politicians. Whatever the setting, the common goal and the nature of the followers, leadership is a demanding role, in which ethical dilemmas prevail and difficult decisions must be made. In addition to these challenges, leaders often labor in environments characterized by biases, hierarchy, and competition. Even when it seems attractive and desirable, leadership is often a lonely and draining responsibility. Inspired by the book of the same name, this presentation translates the “courage to be disliked” into skills and steps for people in leadership positions. Drawing on concepts from Adlerian theory, boundary setting, systems theory, and civil discourse, we will examine the challenges leaders face as well as the avenues for change. Through case examples, demonstration, and discussion we will explore the possibilities in 1) separating our tasks from those of others, 2) embracing the freedom of being disliked, 3) living in the here-and-now, 4) resisting imposter syndrome, and 5) creating horizontal relationships in a vertical world. Audience - Health and social service professionals, supervisory staff, leaders from all settings.
02/28/2025	Friday
8:00 AM	CGEC Swallowing Through the Ages: Navigating Swallowing Changes Across Adulthood
	Healthcare professionals caring for adults across the lifespan must understand the age-related changes in swallowing function. Even healthy adults experience swallowing changes; yet when dysphagia occurs, negative health consequences may ensue. In this webinar, the presenter will: •Provide an overview of normal swallowing function and common age-related swallowing changes. •Outline how various medical diagnoses and medications may contribute to dysphagia. •Describe the negative health consequences of dysphagia as well as the impact on quality of life. •Provide an overview of the benefits and consequences of various dysphagia interventions in the aging population. Case studies will be provided to enhance learning. Audience - Speech-Language Pathologists, Speech- Language Assistants, Nurses, and other interested healthcare professionals who work with the aging population
03/04/2025	Tuesday
10:00 AM	Positive Behavioral Supports for Individuals with Autism and IDD * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	This training will focus on implementing behavioral supports for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Participants will learn how to utilize the strengths of individuals with ASD and/or IDD to increase their understanding of and communication with these individuals. Strategies for teaching and support of individuals with ASD/IDD will be explored. Audience - This course is designed for IDD direct support professionals, lead staff, qualified professionals, psychologists, and MCO staff, i.e., care coordinators.
03/06/2025	Thursday
9:00 AM	Supporting Older Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	This presentation will focus on how healthcare professionals and caregivers of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) can support them through the aging process, specifically when there are indicators of dementia present. Participants will learn about the aging process, including similarities and differences between neurotypical and neurodiverse populations. Special attention will be paid to differential diagnosis and diagnostic overshadowing of individuals with I/DD and dementia. Participants will learn about the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG), which has developed various practice guidelines, national training curriculum, a robust compilation of articles and resources, and a dedicated screening and early detection instrument that is helpful for both I/DD and aging fields. By reviewing the latest research findings and engaging in interactive activities, attendees will identify action steps to support older adults with I/DD and dementia. Audience - Self-advocates, caregivers of adults with I/DD, direct support staff, social workers, care managers, psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, mental health professionals, nurses, health and human services practitioners, physicians, residents, CNAs, any other healthcare professional working with older adults
03/28/2025	Friday
9:00 AM	Introduction to Somatic Psychotherapy * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	For far too long, prioritizing cognition has been an implicit bias in our world and in psychotherapy. The risk of further disembodiment increases when we rely on maladaptive attempts to manage the overwhelming social and environmental stressors of today’s world. To take a more holistic approach with our clients, one that welcomes curiosity about the inherent wisdom of the body, this workshop will explore how incorporating aspects of polyvagal theory, along with somatic awareness and resourcing can guide our clients towards greater embodiment and experiences of safety and choice. Audience - Licensed clinical mental health counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses, psychotherapists, mental health practitioners, counselors, social workers, and all interested mental health professionals.
03/29/2025	Saturday
8:00 AM	Tar Heel Boot Camp * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	The Tar Heel Boot Camp is an intense two-day education event that is targeted to providers in adult critical care settings. It incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to didactic and experiential learning and will offer over ten critical care topics and several intensives to include introduction to point of care ultrasound. Audience - Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners,
04/03/2025	Thursday
11:00 AM	Improving Social Communication Skills in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	Professionals are often challenged by how to engage a child with limited social communication skills. This program will review typical social communication development versus that of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Goal development and treatment strategies will be discussed. Videos and case studies will be used throughout the workshop. Audience - This event has been planned for providers who work with children Birth – 5 who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder including psychologists, therapists, social workers, and professionals who are involved with treatment or case management for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. Speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and all interested others are encouraged to register.
05/05/2025	Monday
10:00 AM	Introduction to the Pathological Demand Avoidance Profile in Autism/ADHD * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	This training will provide behavioral health practitioners and clinicians with advanced level information about a lesser known but highly important autistic/ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent identity called PDA – known as Pathological Demand Avoidance in the United Kingdom but often referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy by those in the neurodivergent community. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) is a term used to describe a profile within the autism spectrum characterized by an extreme avoidance of everyday demands and requests. It's not officially recognized as a separate diagnosis in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) or the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), but it's often discussed within the context of autism spectrum disorder. It's important to note that PDA is a controversial concept and not universally accepted by all professionals in the field. Some argue that the behaviors associated with PDA can be explained by existing diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, while others believe that PDA represents a distinct profile within the spectrum that requires different approaches to support and intervention. This profile is rarely if ever addressed in academic or clinical training programs or settings geared toward behavioral health practitioners. Thus, many practitioners are unaware that they are likely encountering clients struggling to live in the world with PDA, frequently. The presenter will provide a general overview of PDA as well as information about differential diagnoses. Identifying characteristics of PDA and selected neurodiversity- affirming interventions that may benefit those with a PDA profile who have low support needs will be reviewed. Audience - This presentation is intended for behavioral health-oriented counselors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and clinical counselors who already understand autistic and neurodivergent identities within the framework of neurodiversity-affirming practice that is not based in ableism (may not be suited for an ABA or behavioristic-oriented practitioner).

Online
	Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 1: Prescribing Controlled Substances in North Carolina
	** Webcast ** *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. The course is targeted to refine the basics of opioid prescribing. Participants will develop a working understanding of the NARxCHECK Score and Overdose Score and understand how these scores are to be used in patient encounters and clinical decision-making. The course provides insights on more effective use and understanding of the NCCSRS system also known as the PDMP Aware system, as a resource in guiding care for those prescribed opiates, sedatives and stimulant medications. The learner will be instructed in the distinction between a treatment agreement and a treatment contract, understanding the benefits and disadvantages of each. Naloxone education and prescribing is reinforced to support risk mitigation and improved practice. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint provider have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 2: Recognizing Signs of Substance Misuse
	** Webcast ** *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This course will equip the participant to identify signs of substance misuse in the context of patient encounters. Communication skills that facilitate non-stigmatizing discussions of substance misuse are shared to empower effective exploration of opioid use disorder, polysubstance use disorder, diversion, addiction. Surveys will be shared to facilitate gathering objective metrics of functional capacity. Course completion will equip attendees to expand their clinical skills and differential diagnoses in support of identification of substance use disorder and facilitating screening and referral. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners or speakers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	Controlled Substance Prescribing Module 3: Best Practices in Chronic Pain Management and Safe Opioid Prescribing
	** Webcast ** *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This educational activity is designed to equip physician, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in the fundamentals of assessing patients with chronic pain to determine the role of opioid and non-opioid treatment strategies. Specific non-opioid alternatives will be reviewed and include a discussion of the mechanism of action to guide selection based on clinical considerations. Opioid initiation, selection, dosage, assessment for safety and efficacy are reviewed as well as approaches to weaning opioids when safety is a concern or are of limited benefit. Knowing when to refer is a component of good care and this will also be discussed. Integration of the biopsychosocial model in consideration of developing an approach to care is integrated into the module. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners or speakers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	Intimate Partner Violence Foundations and Screening (Session 1)
	**Webcast** Intimate partner violence (IPV) has only become more widely accepted as a healthcare issue within the last several years and is a prevalent health challenge. With limited time and resources, integrating IPV into primary care can be challenging for many healthcare providers. A crucial step in IPV management in outpatient care should increase knowledge and awareness and provide effective resources for addressing the health and safety impacts of IPV. Better identification, screening and management of IPV allows healthcare clinicians to provide optimal care and improve health outcomes for the survivor. Join us for three comprehensive webinars that will provide overall IPV education, screening tools, reporting requirements, resources and more. (Expiration date with potential for renewal: June 30, 2023.) None of the planners or speakers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies.
	Intimate Partner Violence - Best Practices in Intimate Partner Response (Session 2)
	**Webcast** Intimate partner violence (IPV) has only become more widely accepted as a healthcare issue within the last several years and is a prevalent health challenge. With limited time and resources, integrating IPV into primary care can be challenging for many healthcare providers. A crucial step in IPV management in outpatient care should increase knowledge and awareness and provide effective resources for addressing the health and safety impacts of IPV. Better identification, screening and management of IPV allows healthcare clinicians to provide optimal care and improve health outcomes for the survivor. Join us for three comprehensive webinars that will provide overall IPV education, screening tools, reporting requirements, resources and more. (Expiration date with potential for renewal: June 30, 2023.) None of the planners or speakers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies.
	Intimate Partner Violence - Creating a Culture of Care for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (Session 3)
	**Webcast** Intimate partner violence (IPV) has only become more widely accepted as a healthcare issue within the last several years and is a prevalent health challenge. With limited time and resources, integrating IPV into primary care can be challenging for many healthcare providers. A crucial step in IPV management in outpatient care should increase knowledge and awareness and provide effective resources for addressing the health and safety impacts of IPV. Better identification, screening and management of IPV allows healthcare clinicians to provide optimal care and improve health outcomes for the survivor. Join us for three comprehensive webinars that will provide overall IPV education, screening tools, reporting requirements, resources and more. (Expiration date with potential for renewal: June 30, 2023.) None of the planners or speakers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies.
	Self-Study: Psychosocial Interventions for Older Adults with Serious Mental Illness
	** Self-Study ** The guide will provide an overview of current approaches and challenges to supporting older adults with severe mental illness in recovery. Current effectiveness of various evidence-based practices and a guide to implementing coordinated care will be reviewed. Providers will learn explore considerations and strategies when working with interdisciplinary teams that can best support older adults with serious mental illness.
	Self-Study: Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence
	** Self-Study ** The articles provided in this program will review types of domestic violence, signs and symptoms, screening and referrals and important considerations for treatment planning when domestic violence and substance use are involved. Crisis and safety planning best practices will also be explored.
	Self-Study: Prevention and Treatment of HIV Among People Living with Substance Use and/or Mental Health Disorders
	** Self-Study ** This guide goes through prevention strategies, updates on the latest research and statistics when it comes to HIV among people with substance use and mental health disorders, and go into evidence-based treatments for this population. Resources for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment will also be discussed.
	Self-Study: Treating Concurrent Substance Use in Adults
	** Self-Study ** This program will review the Evidence Based Resource Guide for Treating Concurrent Substance Use in Adults. This guide will look at the statistics and treads, potential outcomes and specific needs of individuals using more than one substance. Considerations and strategies for adding concurrent substance use (CDU) and concurrent substance use disorders (CSUD) will be explored.
	DEA* Addiction In Primary Care (Recorded Webinars)
	** Webcast ** *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This course will review the current state of substance use disorder in North Carolina, review the guidelines for screening for substance use disorder and discuss tools for screening and diagnosing opioid use disorder. Discussion on UNC’s clinic's journey to embed OUD treatment in primary care while highlighting QI principles as a tool to effect practice change. Finally, case discussions will be presented to teach the application of harm reduction in primary care opioid use disorder treatment along with providing practical resource tools to provide MOUD in primary care. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* Treating Chronic Pain and Addiction
	** Webcast ** *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This lecture reviews the strategies available for treatment of patients with both chronic pain as well as opioid use disorder and explores best practices in non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment, including the use of opioid analgesics. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* Responding to Pediatric Substance Use
	** Webcast ** *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This session will review national and NC youth substance use trends, provide an overview of pediatric screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment algorithm with specific focus on approaches to brief interventions. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* The End of a Bygone Era: Removal of the X-wavier. Next Steps in Buprenorphine Prescribing
	** Webcast ** *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This presentation will discuss the opioid epidemic and it’s impact in North Carolina, plus focus on how the changes in the illicit drug supply has impacted treatment for opioid use disorder. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* Understanding the Impacts of Stigma: Substance Use Disorder
	** Webcast ** This presentation will discuss the impacts of stigma relating to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* Addiction and Mental Illness
	** Webcast ** The presentation addresses epidemiology and causal relationships involved in co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Recommendations are provided regarding clinical management and communicating effectively with patients experiencing these co-morbidities. *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* The Impact of Stigma and Bias on Substance Use Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment
	** Webcast ** This presentation will educate providers on common stigmas patients experience when seeking treatment for substance abuse. Providers will also learn about how systemic biases lead to disparate treatment outcomes and begin to discuss different ways providers can intervene to promote equitable treatment. *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	DEA* Current State of MOUD Access
	** Webcast ** This presentation will provide information on the recent federal changes to prescribing buprenorphine, access issues at the community pharmacy level and strategies for prescribing. *This session will fulfill one hour of the 8-hour DEA requirement. *This learning activity will fulfill one hour of the controlled substances CME requirement for the NCMB. This webinar is specifically designed for North Carolina licensed physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners currently prescribing controlled substances. If you are licensed in a state other than North Carolina, please contact your Medical Board for assistance. None of the planners, speakers or joint providers have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
	Identifying Dangerous Personality Disorders in Clinical Settings & Understanding the Risks
	** Webcast ** Each mental illness carries unique characteristics and risk factors, and understanding these signs and symptoms is necessary in order to accurately diagnose, triage, and treat clients with these disorders. Personality disorders are among the most severe, chronic, and impairing kinds of mental illness and can be among the most difficult to accurately diagnose and treat. Included on this list are borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and antisocial personality disorder (APSD). Understanding these specific Cluster B personality disorders is important because they’re the most commonly encountered, and also because of the disorder-specific personal and professional risks associated with treating these populations. In this 3 hour recorded training, participants will learn the signs and symptoms of these ‘dangerous personalities’, as well as the specific risks associated with each. Clinical best practices for treating each will be reviewed, as well as practical safeguards clinicians can implement to reduce their personal and professional risk when working with these populations.
	Self-Study: Adapting Evidence-Based Practices for Under-Resourced Populations
	** Self-Study ** It is important for providers to understand how to tailor care, programs and services to best meet the needs of their patient’s cultural, social, gender, and other demographic contexts. Communities and individuals benefit when they receive behavioral health services that are clinically proven effective, equitable, and culturally appropriate. This program reviews SAMSHA’s approved evidence-based practices, identifies models to determine when and how to adapt an evidence-based practice, and provides examples on how adaptation of these models has worked with under-resourced populations.
	Self-Study: Overview of the Impacts of Long COVID on Behavioral Health
	** Self-Study ** This reading will explore the impacts of Long COVID on Behavioral Health. An explanation of how Long COVID impacts behavioral health as well social influences that affect outcomes and treatment will be discussed. Recommendations for treatment are also reviewed.
	Adolescent Health and NC Law - * Coming Soon, Registration not open *
	** Webcast ** The purpose of this webinar is to provide current information about NC Public Health Law as it pertains to issues such as consent and confidentiality for adolescent health care. Topics will include the types of health services for which a minor can consent, the confidentiality of a minor’s health information, mandatory reporting requirements for healthcare professionals to include legal responsibilities for reporting suspected adolescent abuse and more. (June 30th - annual review date)

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