Pathways to Prevention Event at Vermont State University – Lyndon: Discover holistic community practices to understand the intersection of substance misuse and trauma
June 5, 2024 – In conjunction with Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH), Lamoille Family Center, Umbrella, Inc., and the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health, the Northeast Vermont Prevention Consortium – Prevention Lead Region 3 invite the community to attend the “Pathways to Prevention” event. The full-day event will take place Monday, June 17, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Moore Community Room at Vermont State University – Lyndon.
This FREE, full-day event will include breakfast and lunch, and is open to community members and other professionals who are interested in discovering ways holistic, community-centered practices can be used to help connect us to those with substance misuse and trauma. Presentations will illuminate how trauma intersects with all aspects of our lives, and will support integrating evidenced-based practices into your daily work.
Key Note Speaker, Gabriela Zapata-Alma, will discuss the importance of connections in trauma work
Key Note speaker, Gabriela Zapata-Alma, LCSW, CADC (they/them) – Associate Director of the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, and faculty at University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, brings over 15 years of experience supporting people impacted by structural and interpersonal violence through: innovative and evidence-based clinical approaches; housing; resource advocacy; peer-led, harm reduction; and HIV-integrated care programs. As a person with lived experience of violence and trauma, they center survivor-driven solutions, non-pathologizing approaches, and intergenerational healing. Gabriela has been recognized with numerous awards for their work in marginalized communities.
“When we can understand that the opposite of addiction is connection, we soon recognize that violence and trauma – from the interpersonal to the structural – are what drive the pervasive disconnection we see today,” said Zapata-Alma.
The event will also host a question and answer section after the speaker to provide additional input, to connect authentically with community members, and to identify various pathways to promote wellness.
“We are excited to host this event to explore holistic practices addressing the links between substance misuse and trauma. By understanding these connections, we can build stronger support networks and break the cycles of addiction and violence,” shared NVRH Substance Misuse Prevention Director Carolyn Towne.
Pre-registration is required for this free event to ensure dietary needs and preferences are provided. If attending this event creates a financial hardship, you will have the opportunity to request a stipend on the event registration page. For more information and to register for the “Pathways to Prevention” event, visit bit.ly/pathways2prevention.