The Connection of Trauma and Substance Abuse for Black Women

• Presented by Erica Hollins 
• It is challenging to get concrete substance abuse information on women due to childcare responsibilities that go beyond the scope of seeking treatment (Choi et al., 2023). Substance abuse for Black Women is a topic that is not frequently studied due to their intersecting identities bringing more barriers to seeking treatment or acknowledging that the disorder exists (Choi et al., 2023). However, when considering the rates of substance use among black women, most of the literature found links use to trauma. The trauma can include risky behaviors, poverty, intimate partner violence, and physical health issues. Substance abuse treatment participation is low among Black women, with most program retention rates being from court-mandated treatment (Redmond et al., 2020). In this presentation, I will explore some of the unique risk factors that contribute to substance use among black women and understanding how to continue the observation moving forward.

Socio-Cultural Barriers to Mental Health Wellness of Syrian Refugee War Trauma Victims

• Presented by Michael Edomobi 
• The Syrian conflict has led to a substantial population of refugees who have been subjected to profound psychological distress. In order to fulfill the objective of this research, the author will commence by providing a concise overview of war trauma experienced by refugees. Furthermore, this paper will examine the prevalence rates and risk variables associated with post-traumatic stress disorder among Syrian refugees. In the subsequent section, the author will examine the socio-cultural obstacles that impact the mental health well-being of individuals who have experienced war trauma as Syrian refugee victims. It argues for the implementation of an integrated approach that considers ethical considerations, diversity, technology, and interprofessional relationships in order to improve mental health support and overall well-being for this specific population.

Identifying and Treating Postpartum Depression

• Presented by Stacia Turner and Kristen Brooks, MSW (LCSW-C), Founder of Building Beyond Therapy Inc.
• When attended in full, this program offers 1.0 NBCC Clock Hour.
• Description: Postpartum Depression is a Mental Health condition that often goes unidentified and untreated leaving negative ripple effects on mothers and birthing people, as well as their families and communities. In this presentation, specialists in the field of perinatal mental health discuss clinical tools for identifying and treating postpartum depression, while also highlighting current gaps in collaborative and comprehensive postpartum mental healthcare. The presenters will share screening tools and assessment strategies for accurately identifying postpartum depression. The presenters will also discuss strategies for perinatal mood disorder prevention, raising awareness about perinatal mental health among the mental healthcare field, and breaking social stigmas about perinatal mood disorders. Tools and resources for postpartum client psychoeducation will also be shared. Presenters will end with an opportunity for audience questions.
• Learning Objectives: After attending this presentation, participants will be able to: 1) Understand the common formal screening tools and informal assessment strategies for identifying postpartum depression among clients, 2) Identify ways to differentiate between normal levels of mood shifts and depression in the postpartum period, and 3) Incorporate effective interventions for treating postpartum depression.

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword After Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Presented by Andrew Davie
• As a writer, I have found the process to be a wonderful outlet. In 2018, I had a ruptured brain aneurysm, and writing about my experience has helped me to adjust. The following year, I began volunteering with Brain Injury Services and joined the PAL (Providing A Link for Survivors) program, so I could use my unique insight to assist others. For the last two years, I have helped Alesia, another client of BIS, write a blog entitled “Solving the Puzzle of Me” about her experiences recovering from two traumatic brain injuries, which has helped to foster autonomy, and identity, and better adjust to her situation. A secondary goal of the blog is to provide a guide for others experiencing the same disillusionment during their recoveries. Physical recovery from traumatic or acquired injuries can include a myriad of occupational and physical therapy techniques that have a clear metric to gauge progress. However, emotional recovery can be overwhelming without quantitative data to support evidence of growth. Comfort and acceptance of the situation as well as a certain amount of control is a desired outcome that can be difficult to attain. Blogging has been a great way to process traumatic events, continue to develop resilience and perspective, and more.

Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Transracial Adoption on the Identity of African American Children

• Presented by Marques Anderson, Natallillie Gooding, and Khalima Kargbo
• The adoption of African American children into interracial households requires consideration of a number of factors. A key aspect of this program is the discussion of the factors that influence one’s overall culture and racial identity, sense of self, worldview, and sense of community. African American children within these households are faced with the challenge of navigating their own cultural background as well as adjusting to yet another that is not their own. Adapting to a background that is different from their own identity may be a complex task. Additionally, as African American children are trying to understand their racial identity, situations such as low self-esteem and identity confusion can arise. Also, considering worldview and community is critical for how people from these households interact with others from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds. It is also significant for how they find their place in spaces that evoke a sense of belonging in them.