From March 4–6, 2026, more than 200 participants came together to celebrate the conference’s 17th year under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Reimagined through Change.” The event highlighted the strength, innovation, and collective voice of North Carolina’s recovery community.

Conference Highlights

This year’s conference featured a pre‑conference session on Emotional CPR (eCPR)—a public health education program designed to support individuals through emotional crises, strengthen community connections, and promote meaningful organizational change.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage in 16 breakout sessions, offering a wide range of perspectives, tools, and strategies to support recovery‑oriented systems of care across the state.

Keynote Speakers

Attendees were inspired by powerful keynote presentations from:

• Devin Lyall, Co‑Founding Executive Director of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, a peer‑run Recovery Community Organization serving Wilkes County, NC
• Robert Whitaker, acclaimed journalist and author of Mad in America and Anatomy of an Epidemic

Both speakers shared thought‑provoking insights that challenged participants to reimagine recovery through resilience, advocacy, and systems change.

Recovery Champion Award Recipients

The conference also honored outstanding leaders and advocates with the Recovery Champion Awards:

• Ulysses Banks – Eastern Region
• Jemm Eubanks – Central Region
• Brandi Greer – Western Region
• Emily Wall – Youth/Young Adult Voice Award

These individuals were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on recovery communities across North Carolina.

Save the Date

Please mark your calendars for the 18th Annual NC One Community in Recovery Conference, taking place March 10–12, 2027. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Check out these conference photos!