March 26, 2025

Contact Erin Miess at 608-796-3729 or etmiess@viterbo.edu

RESPOND TOGETHER: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO ADDRESSING THE OPIOID CRISIS SUMMIT AT VITERBO UNIVERSITY APRIL 2

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Health and mental health professionals, educators, and college students are invited to attend the RESPOND Together: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Addressing the Opioid Crisis behavioral health summit the morning of Wednesday, April 2 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.

“This free educational event is an opportunity for community members and providers to hear the powerful stories of people impacted by opioid use and other substance use disorders,” said Erin Miess, Viterbo social work faculty member and RESPOND Grant Director. “By learning from people with lived experience, we can understand the needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder and help provide effective treatment and support. At the summit, we will also join with colleagues and peers to discuss ways to reduce stigma, address barriers, and increase access to services in our community for those affected by the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders.”

Mike Desmond, president of The Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area, will be the keynote speaker. In his role as president, Desmond has helped bring crucial crisis intervention training to area police. He is also the former Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, where under his leadership the organization formed community partnerships to greatly expand its offerings, including a mental health program that is now a national model.

This RESPOND Annual Behavioral Health Summit is made possible by a $1.4 million Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) RESPOND program grant awarded to Viterbo University. The grant is designed to expand the number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and counselors trained to provide mental health and substance use disorder clinical services in underserved community-based settings.

For the full schedule and to register, visit https://viterbouniversityethics.regfox.com/respond-summit.

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