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• 2025 Registration: Addiction Health Summit: Harmony in Healing: Bridging Medical & Mental Health Experts in Addiction Care (20 CMEs/CEs)

  • Start
    August 15, 2025
  • End
    August 17, 2025

  Register

  
  

  Meeting Info:

  The Addiction Health Summit is an exciting opportunity for addiction health professionals throughout the state and region to share best practices and network with colleagues. We hope that you will join us!

  What’s Included

  Full Conference Registration (Friday-Sunday) includes Continental Breakfasts, Refreshment Breaks, and Lunches. Earn up to 20 CEs/CMEs!

  Continuing Education Credits (CEUS and CME)

  Participants seeking alternative continuing education will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion of the activity.
  Participants should submit their certificate of attendance to their professional organization/institute for reciprocal credits.

  Changes/Cancelation/Refund Policy

  To make any changes to your registration, please reach out to Valentino Norton, administrator@fsam.info. Cancelations on or before June 15th are subject to a $200 cancellation fee. No refunds for cancelation will be given after June 15th. All requests for considerations must be in writing.

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista @ Disney Springs:

  A room block has been secured at the discounted room rate of USD 169.00 Average nightly rate+Taxes & Fees, based on availability, for reservations made before July 10th, 2024.  The Daily Resort Fee has been discounted to $25 per room per night for all rooms in the block.

  The cut-off date for your room block Thursday, July 10th, 2025. After the cut-off date, guest rooms are based on hotel availability.

  Reservation Passkey click here.

  Group SRP Code: FSA

  Check-in: 4:00 pm    Check-out: 11:00 am

  The Hilton is located at 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

  • • Within walking distance of Disney Springs with direct access by pedestrian skybridge
    • Shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

  • Two heated outdoor pools

    Parking at the Hilton: Self-Parking $22/day Valet Parking $30/day

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Conference Exhibitor Sign Up

  • Start
    August 15, 2025
  • End
    August 17, 2025

  Register

  

  
  

  Meeting Info:

  We would love for you to join us for the 2024 Florida Society of Addiction Medicine's Addiction Addiction Health Summit. Each exhibitor offers a variety of benefits, visibility, and more importantly, return on your investment. The Summit is an exciting opportunity for addiction health professionals throughout the state and region to share best practices and network with colleagues. We hope you will join us to greet our attendees in Orlando for another successful conference.

  Cancellation policy please click here.
  

  Would you like to Make a Donation to FSAM for this Program?

  Click here.

  FSAM accepts tax-deductible donations and make the funds available to participants in need of financial assistance.

  Exhibitor Options:

  Platinum  - $7,500  

  Gold - $5,000

  Silver  - $2,500

  Bronze  - $1200

  Entry - $750

  •Starter/Entry Level – $750.00

  • Invitation to submit proposal for session for 2025

  • Regular exhibitor space

  • One (1) 30 inch x 6 foot table

  • Quarter (1/4) page ad in conference app

  • Two (2) chairs

  • Skirted tables, reception, networking breaks, and lunches

  • Complimentary WiFi

  • Acknowledgement in conference program (Brochure) 

  •Bronze Exhibitor– $1,200.00

  • Post-conference attendee list, email addresses only

  • Invitation to submit proposal for session 2025

  • Two (2) conference registrations

  • Passcode to participate in attendee

  • Logo and link on conference website

  engagement activity

  • Regular exhibitor space

  • One (1) 30 inch x 6 foot table

  • Quarter (1/4) page ad in conference app

  • Two (2) chairs

  • Access to full conference sessions, welcome

  • Skirted tables, reception, networking breaks, and lunches

  • Complimentary WiFi

  • Acknowledgement in conference program (Brochure)

  • Complementary snacks and lunches

  •Access to attend 8 AM Friday, October 18th Keynote Speech

  •Silver Exhibitor– $2,500.00

  • Post-conference attendee list (email addresses & phone numbers)

   • Invitation to submit proposal for session for 2025

  • Two (2) conference registrations

  • Passcode to participate in attendee

  • Logo and link on conference website engagement activity

  • Regular exhibitor space

  • One (1) 30 inch x 6 foot table

  • Half (1/2) page ad in conference app

  • Two (2) chairs

  • Access to full conference sessions, welcome

  • Skirted tables, reception, networking breaks, and lunches

  • Free WiFi

  • Acknowledgement in conference program (Boucher) 

  • Complementary snacks and lunches

  •Access to attend 8 AM Friday, October 18th Keynote Speech

  •Gold Exhibitor – $5,000.00

  • Post-conference attendee list (email addresses and phone numbers)

  • Acknowledgement in program

  • Four (4) conference registrations 

  • Logo and link on conference website

  engagement activity

  • Premium exhibitor space

  • One (1) 30 inch x 6 foot table

  • Full-page ad in conference program

  • Two (2) chairs

  • Access to full conference sessions, welcome, skirted table

  reception, networking breaks, and lunches

  • Complimentary WiFi

  •Acknowledgement in conference program (Brochure)

  •Access to attend 8 AM Friday, October 18th Keynote Speech

  Platinum Exhibitor – $7,500.00

  • Post-conference attendee list (membership list)

  • Acknowledgement in program

  • Four (4) conference registrations

  • One-time use of membership list

  • Logo and link on conference website engagement activity

  • Premium exhibitor space

  • One (1) 30 inch x 6 foot table

  • Full-page ad in conference program

  • Two (2) chairs

  • Access to full conference sessions, welcome

  • Skirted table

  reception, networking breaks, and lunches

  • Free WiFi

  • Access to attend 8 AM Friday, October 18th Keynote Speech

  Cancellation policy please click here.

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.3187.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  ---

  Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista @ Disney Springs:

  A room block has been secured at the discounted room rate of $169 per night, based on availability, for reservations made before Thursday, July 10th, 2025.  The Daily Resort Fee has been discounted to $25 per room per night for all rooms in the block.

  Reservation Link: Available Soon

  Check-in: 4:00 pm    Check-out: 11:00 am

  The Hilton is located at 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

  • • Within walking distance of Disney Springs with direct access by pedestrian skybridge
    • Shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks

  • Two heated outdoor pools

    Parking at the Hilton: Self-Parking $22/day Valet Parking $30/day

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.3187.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Keynote: Bridging Expertise: Uniting Mental Health Clinicians and Physicians in Addiction Treatment

  • When
    August 15, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

   
  

  Join us for a compelling one hour keynote presentation that explores the critical need for collaboration between mental health clinicians and physicians in the field of addiction treatment. This session will highlight the unique expertise each profession brings to the table and discuss strategies for creating integrated care models that enhance patient outcomes.

  Dr. Courtney Phillips, MD

  
  

  Dr. Courtney Phillips is a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist serving as Vice President of Behavioral Health for the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. She previously held the role of Florida’s first Statewide Director of Opioid Recovery, where she led the launch of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program. With expertise in dual diagnosis, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and integrated behavioral health, Dr. Phillips also serves as Medical Director for Access Recovery Solutions and Wayside House. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practices and collaborative care models that address the full continuum of addiction and mental health treatment.

  Conference Contact: Valentino Norton (FSAM Administrator)

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Part 1 - Discover the Potent Trio: Kratom, Ketamine, & Kava

  • When
    August 15, 2025
  •  
    9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

   

  Training Description:

  Join us for an in-depth training session exploring the complex landscape of Kratom, Kava, and Ketamine—three substances that have gained significant attention for their unique effects and increasing accessibility in the state of Florida. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of these substances, their therapeutic potentials, risks, and the legal and regulatory environment governing their sale and use.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Understand the origins, properties, and uses of Kratom, Kava, and Ketamine.

  Objective 2: Navigate the legal landscape and regulatory issues surrounding these substances in Florida.

  Objective 3: Identify shops and online platforms providing access to these substances.

  Objective 4: Assess the health risks and benefits associated with their use.

  Objective 5: Apply best practices for client education and harm reduction.

  Presenter: 

  
  

  John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

  John Puls began working with individuals suffering from substance use disorder and acute mental illness in 2013 in a support staff role. During this time, John completed his bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University while working as a case manager. John was accepted to the advanced standing master’s in a social work program at Florida Atlantic University and is currently a licensed clinical social worker. While working as a primary therapist in a residential substance use disorder facility, John became a master's level certified addiction professional (MCAP) through the Florida Certification Board. Additionally, John is passionate about educating social work students and serves as an adjunct professor at the School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. John owns a private psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and case management practice in Boca Raton, FL.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Part 1 - Emerging Neurotechnologies and the Future of Addiction Treatment

  • When
    August 15, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

   

  Training Description:

  From the perspective of an LMHC who spent 20 years building a bridge between mental health care and technology, this session will give an overview of recent advancements in the field of neurotechnology and how they are relevant to challenges encountered by therapists and addiction counselors. Neuromodulation has always been a central pillar of change and recovery, and, as equipment to observe and study the brain becomes increasingly affordable, the neuroscience of addiction is more accessible than ever. Basic biometrics offering therapeutic value can now be downloaded and driven by apps on a phone. An informed counselor can encourage clients to explore resources that support their recovery in supplemental ways which can be individualized to meet their daily needs. The landscape of treatment approaches is evolving, and collaboration between mental health professionals and developers of neurotechnology is vital. Input from experienced and knowledgeable clinicians must be included in the coming changes across the global health industry, so that emerging interventions have a higher chance of success and clinicians themselves are empowered to integrate a wider range of tools into their own treatment plans.

  
  

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Identify basic concepts of neuromodulation

  Objective 2: Compare different neurotechnologies and their applications

  Objective 3: Contextualize the use and potential role of emerging technology into addiction treatment

  Objective 4: Evaluate whether neuromodulation is appropriate for a client's treatment plan

  Presenter: 

  
  

  Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BSN, qEEG-D

  BrainStar Innovations
  

  Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and published author who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. A licensed mental health clinician, she constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Penijean’s ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Her passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Part 2 - Discover the Potent Trio: Kratom, Ketamine, & Kava

  • When
    August 15, 2025
  •  
    3:45 PM - 5:45 PM

   

  Training Description:

  Join us for an in-depth training session exploring the complex landscape of Kratom, Kava, and Ketamine—three substances that have gained significant attention for their unique effects and increasing accessibility in the state of Florida. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of these substances, their therapeutic potentials, risks, and the legal and regulatory environment governing their sale and use.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Understand the origins, properties, and uses of Kratom, Kava, and Ketamine.

  Objective 2: Navigate the legal landscape and regulatory issues surrounding these substances in Florida.

  Objective 3: Identify shops and online platforms providing access to these substances.

  Objective 4: Assess the health risks and benefits associated with their use.

  Objective 5: Apply best practices for client education and harm reduction.

  Presenter: 

  
  

  John Puls, LCSW, MCAP

  John Puls began working with individuals suffering from substance use disorder and acute mental illness in 2013 in a support staff role. During this time, John completed his bachelor’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University while working as a case manager. John was accepted to the advanced standing master’s in a social work program at Florida Atlantic University and is currently a licensed clinical social worker. While working as a primary therapist in a residential substance use disorder facility, John became a master's level certified addiction professional (MCAP) through the Florida Certification Board. Additionally, John is passionate about educating social work students and serves as an adjunct professor at the School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University. John owns a private psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and case management practice in Boca Raton, FL.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Fentanyl and Other Synthetics Complicating the Opioid Crisis

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

   

  Training Description:

  This lecture will focus on fentanyl and other dangerous synthetics that are entering the drug supply and primarily responsible for the morbidity and mortality trends we are seeing today.   The drugs fentanyl, Nitazenes like Isotonitazene (or "Iso"), Xylazine, and Kratom will be the focus of this lecture.   Medication Assisted Therapies will be discussed as the gold standard in reducing morbidity and mortality for those active in opioid use disorder.  Harm reduction and other supportive endeavors at reducing the impact of these dangerous drugs will be highlighted.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Discuss why Fentanyl is the so called “Third Wave” of the Opioid Crisis and why is it a problem drug and has exponentially increased overdose deaths in recent years.

  Objective 2: Identify recent trends and types of synthetics entering the street drug supply and have familiarity with them and approaches to treatment to minimize overdose deaths.

  Objective 3: Analyze Kratom as an opioid-type drug and identify factors leading to increased availability and use throughout the United States.

  Objective 4: Describe why Medication Assisted Therapy for opioid use disorder is still best practice for preventing exposure to synthetics and other recent trends in problem drugs.

  Presenter: 

  
  

  Jason Baker Fields MD

  Baycare Behavioral Health

  Dr. Fields, is board certified with the American Board of Preventative Medicine in Addiction Medicine.   He has been working in addiction treatment for the past 14 years and currently is employed with BayCare Behavioral Health where he does outpatient and inpatient practice.   Dr Fields was brought on board by BayCare in 2019 to bring best practice medication assisted treatment to their behavioral health services.   Dr. Fields practices largely outpatient in New Port Richey, Florida and is a consultant for inpatients and has hospital privileges at North Bay Hospital.   He is a DCF Peer Mentor and helps educated Floridian practitioners looking to bring best practice MAT to their clinics.  He is a past president with the Florida Society of Addiction Medicine and current serves as their treasurer.  He enjoys presentations on topics in addiction medicine at the local, state and national levels.      Dr Fields is also on the board of directors for the Professional Resource Network.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Part 2 - Emerging Neurotechnologies and the Future of Addiction Treatment

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    9:15 AM - 10:45 AM

   

  Training Description:

  From the perspective of an LMHC who spent 20 years building a bridge between mental health care and technology, this session will give an overview of recent advancements in the field of neurotechnology and how they are relevant to challenges encountered by therapists and addiction counselors. Neuromodulation has always been a central pillar of change and recovery, and, as equipment to observe and study the brain becomes increasingly affordable, the neuroscience of addiction is more accessible than ever. Basic biometrics offering therapeutic value can now be downloaded and driven by apps on a phone. An informed counselor can encourage clients to explore resources that support their recovery in supplemental ways which can be individualized to meet their daily needs. The landscape of treatment approaches is evolving, and collaboration between mental health professionals and developers of neurotechnology is vital. Input from experienced and knowledgeable clinicians must be included in the coming changes across the global health industry, so that emerging interventions have a higher chance of success and clinicians themselves are empowered to integrate a wider range of tools into their own treatment plans.

  
  

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Identify basic concepts of neuromodulation

  Objective 2: Compare different neurotechnologies and their applications

  Objective 3: Contextualize the use and potential role of emerging technology into addiction treatment

  Objective 4: Evaluate whether neuromodulation is appropriate for a client's treatment plan

  Presenter: 

  
  

  Penijean Gracefire, LMHC, BSN, qEEG-D

  BrainStar Innovations
  

  Penijean Gracefire is a neural frequency analyst and published author who rides motorcycles, drinks tea, and designs therapeutic applications for emerging neurotechnology. A licensed mental health clinician, she constructs closed loop EEG-based feedback paradigms which alter neural dynamics in real time, helping people to recover from injury and trauma by improving cortical network flexibility and adaptive cascades. Penijean’s ground-breaking work has led to industry-wide changes in neuromodulation and is the basis for current standards in international certification. Her passions include spectral analysis, creative delivery mechanisms for caffeine, and taking things apart to see how they work.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• A New Frontier: Implications for Patient Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Tools

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

   

  Training Description:

  Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians scrambled to embrace a technology that only 5 to 10% of them had previously dabbled in—telehealth. Just as many of us felt like we’d achieved at least a moderate level of competency in telehealth, artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as another mysterious, exciting, and—perhaps—concerning technology to have to contend with, creating a slew of relevant questions: Can AI help me write with my clinical documentation? What is the quality of advice my patients are getting from AI-based tools? How do I handle the fact that my students are using AI to write their papers for them? Is it true that some patients are recording their appointments (without the provider’s consent) and then selling those recordings to tech developers who are working on developing AI-powered healthcare bots? This presentation was designed to offer an overview of how AI can (and already has) impacted the addictions field, as well as strategies for ethical and impactful use of AI in addictions treatment.

  
  

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective  1: Define and describe artificial intelligence (AI) and some of the ways AI has been used as an adjunct to addictions treatment.

  Objective 2: Identify and describe emerging issues (including benefits and drawbacks) related to the use of AI in addictions treatment.

  Objective 3: Implement a list of guidelines and strategies for ethical and effective use of AI in addiction treatment.

  
  

  Presenter: 

  
  

  Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, MAC, MCAP, CRC

  Norton Consulting Services, LLC
  

  Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy, Southern Regional Director, Ethics Committee Liaison, and International Counseling Task Force Chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. Dr. Norton has experience infusing artificial intelligence (AI) in both his clinical practice and his instruction as a professor of behavioral healthcare, served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential, and has been published in several journals and professional magazines. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Recovery Capital Through the Continuity of Care

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

  

  Training Description:

  This comprehensive training session is designed for mental health clinicians, addiction medicine physicians, and other healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and application of wellness principles. Attendees will delve into the 8 dimensions of wellness, engage in experiential exercises, and explore opportunities for improving wellness across institutional, provider, and patient levels. Additionally, the training will focus on bridging the gap between mental health and addiction medicine, fostering a more integrated approach to patient care.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1 - Understand the 8 Dimensions of Wellness: Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the 8 dimensions of wellness, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental wellness. This foundational knowledge will provide a holistic framework for assessing and enhancing overall well-being.

  Objective 2 - Model the 8 Dimensions of Wellness with Experiential Exercises: Through hands-on, experiential exercises, participants will learn how to practically apply the 8 dimensions of wellness in their professional and personal lives. These exercises will offer and promote wellness and fostering resilience.

  Objective 3 - Gain Insight into Key Changes to Improve Institutional, Provider, and Patient Wellness: Attendees will explore essential changes that can be implemented to enhance wellness at various levels within the healthcare system. This includes strategies for improving institutional policies, provider self-care, and patient support to improve recovery capital.

  Objective 4 - Explore Opportunities for Bridging the Gap Between Mental Health Clinicians and Addiction Medicine Physicians: This training will highlight the opportunities and strategies for fostering referrals and collaboration between mental health clinicians and addiction medicine physicians. By bridging this gap, participants will learn how to create a more integrated and comprehensive approach to patient care, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction issues.

  Presenters: 

  

  Dr. Wendy Coughlin, LMHC, MCAP, MCAC, GAL,

  PC, & Family Mediator

  Lauri is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master’s Certified Addictions Professional with over two decades of experience. My expertise lies in providing specialized individual therapy for adults and adolescents, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. I hold licenses in Florida and New York.

  My professional passion involves helping clients dealing with substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and significant life events. I also work extensively with families going through divorce, fulfilling roles such as Parenting Coordinator, Guardian Ad Litem, Certified Divorce Specialist, and Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator. Additionally, I offer the required Florida parenting course.

  

  Dr. Coughlin is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice for over 35 years. She is qualified as an Masters Certified Addiction Professional, Family Mediator, Parenting Coordinator (6th, 12th & 13th Circuits) and Guardian ad Litem. Dr. Coughlin specializes in providing assessments and Parenting Plan recommendations for separating families who are, or have been, suffering due to a substance use disorder. She is a provider for the Professional Resource Network, the Intervention Project for Nurses, and the Suncoast Safety Council. Dr. Coughlin serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Society of Addiction Medicine and the Suncoast Mental Health Counselors Association.  Website: drwendycoughlin.com.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Methadone Matters: Clinical and Regulatory Perspectives to Bridge Care in Florida

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    3:15 PM - 4:45 PM

    
  

  Training Description:

  This session explores methadone through a dual lens—medical toxicology and state-level policy—to equip providers with practical tools for safer, more integrated care. Lewis Nelson, MD will examine methadone’s pharmacology, toxicological risks, and its role in acute care, including overdose response and withdrawal management. Maria Mejia, MD will focus on Florida-specific [hard to not include federal?] regulatory and management issues, offering insights into licensing, oversight, and challenges faced by providers navigating methadone treatment systems. This session is especially relevant for clinicians, administrators, and public health professionals seeking to bridge medical and mental health care in addiction treatment settings. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge to improve patient safety, treatment access, and cross-sector collaboration.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Describe methadone’s pharmacological and toxicological profile and implications for acute care and overdose management

  Objective 2: Discuss clinical considerations for methadone in opioid use disorder treatment

  Objective 3: Identify practical strategies to navigate clinical, regulatory, and systems-level challenges in methadone care.

  Presenters: 

   

  Lewis Nelson, MD

  Maria C. Mejia MD

  Charles E. Schmidt College

  of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

  Lewis Nelson MD, Dean, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University

  Dr. Lewis S. Nelson is a nationally recognized expert in medical toxicology, emergency medicine, and addiction medicine. He currently serves as the Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. Prior to this role, Dr. Nelson was the Professor and Chair of Emergency Medicine and Chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He has also held leadership positions at the University Hospital of Newark and the New Jersey Poison Information & Education System. Board-certified in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and addiction medicine, Dr. Nelson has over three decades of experience in clinical care, research, and medical education. His work focuses on the medical and social consequences of substance use, including opioid overdose and withdrawal, alcohol withdrawal, and alternative pain relief strategies. He has contributed significantly to health policy, clinical practice, and education, and is the senior editor of Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies, a leading textbook in the field. Dr. Nelson has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and has received numerous accolades, including the Career Achievement Award from the American College of Medical Toxicology.
  

  Maria Carmenza Mejia, MD, MPH, FACPM, FASAM Professor, Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University
  

  Dr. Maria Mejia is a nationally recognized physician and leader in addiction medicine and public health, with extensive experience advancing substance use treatment and behavioral health services across clinical and community settings. Her work has focused on expanding access to evidence-based care for opioid, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders, as well as medically managed withdrawal services, through direct clinical practice, referral pathways, and program development. She has led initiatives to integrate addiction and behavioral health services for women and families, and developed culturally responsive interventions to support patient engagement in treatment. Dr. Mejia has extensive experience referring and supporting individuals in methadone treatment programs as part of broader care coordination efforts. She has also contributed to national projects aimed at integrating substance use prevention, screening, and treatment strategies into primary care and community-based settings, with support from agencies including the NIH, SAMHSA, CDC, and others. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and received multiple recognitions for her contributions to the field.

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Integrated Approaches: Substance Use Treatment and Hepatitis C Care

  • When
    August 16, 2025
  •  
    4:45 PM - 5:45 PM

   

  Training Description:

  Substance use disorders and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often co-occur, particularly among individuals who inject drugs. This session explores the intersection of addiction treatment and HCV management, emphasizing integrated care models that improve health outcomes. Attendees will learn about the latest screening guidelines, treatment advancements, and strategies for overcoming barriers to care in high-risk populations. The presentation will also highlight public health approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at reducing transmission and improving adherence to both SUD and HCV treatment plans.

  Learning Objectives:

  1. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
     
  2. Describe the relationship between substance use—particularly injection drug use—and the transmission of hepatitis C.
     
  3. Identify current screening and diagnostic practices for hepatitis C in individuals with substance use disorders.
     
  4. Explain the benefits and challenges of integrating HCV treatment within substance use disorder treatment settings.

  Presenter: 

  

  Bob Wallace, MD

  Dr. Robert “Bob” Wallace, MD, AAHIVS, is a board-certified family medicine physician and the founder of Love The Golden Rule, a nonprofit clinic in St. Petersburg, Florida, dedicated to inclusive and compassionate healthcare. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine and residency-trained at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, Dr. Wallace has been a pioneer in LGBTQIA health and HIV care. As one of Florida’s first openly gay physicians, he has long been a champion for dignity, equity, and access in medicine. His clinic has treated over 2,000 patients with hepatitis C, successfully curing more than 900 individuals in recent years. Widely respected in the Tampa Bay community, Dr. Wallace is recognized for his leadership in integrated approaches to substance use treatment, hepatitis C care, and sexual health.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Primary Care Substance Use Disorder Treatment Through the Lens of OBOT-B Model

  • When
    August 17, 2025
  •  
    8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

   
  

  Training Description:

  This session will explore the development, implementation, and outcomes of the Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program launched by Healthcare Network, a federally qualified health center in Collier County, Florida. The PCAT program integrates behavioral health and primary care to treat substance use disorders (SUD) using the Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT-B) Collaborative Care Model and Project ECHO framework. Implemented in both rural (Immokalee) and urban (Naples) settings, PCAT addresses barriers such as stigma, cost, and limited access to care.
  

  Participants will gain insight into strategies for developing SUD programs in primary care settings that promote health equity and address the complex needs of underserved populations. The session also highlights common comorbidities—medical and psychiatric—and presents data demonstrating clinically significant improvements in substance use, depression, and anxiety among program participants. Additionally, the program has led to increased confidence and collaboration among primary care providers treating SUDs for the first time.

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Participant should gain knowledge development and understanding to implement a substance use disorder program in the primary care setting in rural and urban underserved communities.

  Objective 2: This session will promote equity by demonstrating how substance use disorder treatment programs can be developed in primary care settings to meet the needs of Underserve populations.

  Objective 3: This session will highlight the most common comorbidities observed in these patients, including various medical and mental health conditions.

  Objective 4: This session will present educational strategies employed to address, overcome, or remove barriers to implementation of SUD in the primary care setting.

  
  

  Presenters: 

  

  
  

  Phara Lafortune-Morame, LCSW

                                 Marlene Gonzalez, MD

  Healthcare Network

  Phara Lafortune-Morame is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida.

  She earned her master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. Additionally, she holds the Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) credential, which underscores her expertise in treating substance use disorders. Understanding the comorbidities of substance use disorders and trauma, she went on to obtain a certification in trauma. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), showcasing her ability to address complex trauma in various populations. Phara has worked in community mental health and the private sector and has always been interested in providing services to underserved communities. She currently works at Healthcare Network, a nonprofit federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Naples, FL, where she serves as the Associate Clinical Director of Behavioral Health. Phara is also passionate about education and dedicated to preparing the next generation for service. Therefore, Phara serves as a Qualified Supervisor (QS) for registered social work interns and supervises practicum students from local universities such as Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Phara strongly believes that research effectively integrates theory and practice. She is currently a third-year Ph.D. student in Social Work at Sacred Heart University and teaches as an adjunct professor. She understands the inter- and intra-connectedness of the human system, she is concentrating her research on chronic disease management in adult minoritized groups, examining the role of spiritual belief in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)/glycemic control and impact on mental health. Phara is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), the Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA), The American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). 

  Marlene Gonzalez, MD, Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician 

  Dr. Marlene Gonzalez was born and raised in Cuba and relocated to the United States at the age of 13. She began her academic journey in San Francisco, California, earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of San Francisco. Driven by a passion for learning, she moved to Miami, Florida, to complete a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University. Dr. Gonzalez then pursued her medical education at Ross University School of Medicine, where she embarked on her path to becoming a physician.

  After medical school, Dr. Gonzalez relocated to Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, where she completed her Family Medicine Residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in 2018. She practiced as a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician at Lehigh Valley Health Network until January 2022, where she made significant contributions to the health and well-being of her patients. During her time at Lehigh Valley, she also served as faculty for the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine, furthering her involvement in medical education.

  In February 2022, Dr. Gonzalez joined the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, continuing her practice in one of their locations in Immokalee, Florida. Her commitment to healthcare is evident through her ongoing role as faculty at the Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine, where she remains dedicated to shaping the future of medicine.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details
• Medical Cannabis in Florida: Legal, Ethical, and Clinical Considerations

  • Start
    August 17, 2025
  •  
  • End
    August 18, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions

   

  Training Description:

  Medical cannabis was legalized in Florida in 2016. Traditionally, addictions professionals were trained to be attuned to the dangers and drawbacks of potentially addictive substances such as cannabis, yet we also sometimes work with clients suffering from debilitating biomedical conditions who might benefit from medical marijuana. With so much contradictory information about the risks, benefits, and efficacy of medical cannabis, how can busy frontline healthcare providers sift through fact and fiction to develop an evidence-based approach to addressing the use of medical cannabis in a variety of treatment settings? This training was designed to provide counselors with an overview of research on the conditions that medical cannabis can effectively treat, the potential risks of medical cannabis, a summary of medical cannabis laws in Florida, and a decision model encouraging collaboration between addiction medicine specialists and addictions counselors and psychotherapists that can be used to address medical cannabis use in a variety of behavioral healthcare settings.

  
  

  Learning Objectives:

  Objective 1: Identify disorders that may be treated by medical marijuana.

  Objective 2: Summarize laws regulating medical cannabis in Florida.

  Objective 3: Identify potential adverse health effects and drawbacks of medical cannabis use.

  Objective 4: Implement a decision tree applying best practices for how to address medicinal cannabis use by clients in behavioral healthcare settings.

  
  

  Presenter: 

  
  

  Aaron Norton, PhD, LMHC, LMFT, MAC, MCAP, CRC

  Norton Consulting Services, LLC
  

  Dr. Aaron Norton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with certifications in addictions, alcohol and drug counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, trauma treatment, forensic mental health evaluation, forensic behavioral analysis, and forensic psychometry. He serves as Executive Director of the National Board of Forensic Evaluators, Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Dept. of Mental Health Law & Policy, Southern Regional Director, Ethics Committee Liaison, and International Counseling Task Force Chair for the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. Dr. Norton has experience infusing artificial intelligence (AI) in both his clinical practice and his instruction as a professor of behavioral healthcare, served on the expert panel that created the standards and written exam for the Florida Certification Board’s Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) credential, and has been published in several journals and professional magazines. He has 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.

  
  

  Contact: Valentino Norton

  Phone No. 727.318.7070

  Email: Administrator@FSAM.INFO

  Show details