For 16 years, the NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference has served as a powerful gathering of individuals dedicated to fostering recovery, resilience, and advocacy in mental health and substance use. Planned by a statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates—many with lived experience—this annual event continues to be a beacon of hope and progress.

This year, from March 5-7, 2025, over 200 participants came together under the theme “Healing Together: Building Stronger Communities.” The conference provided a platform for insightful discussions, innovative strategies, and shared experiences that continue to shape the future of recovery in North Carolina.

Conference Highlights

One of the standout sessions was “Addressing the Connection of Brain Injury, Public Health, and the Legal System in North Carolina” presented by Desireé Gorbea-Finalet of Disability Rights NC. This thought-provoking discussion shed light on how brain injuries intersect with public health and justice systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support and policy changes.

The pre-conference session also sparked important dialogue with a panel discussion on “Exploring Alternatives to Involuntary Commitment in North Carolina.” Featuring a diverse group of stakeholders, this session explored real-world challenges and potential solutions to ensure a more person-centered approach in crisis response.

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in 16 breakout sessions, covering a wide range of recovery-focused topics, and hear from two inspiring keynote speakers:

• Jeff Walker of Wilkes Recovery Revolution, a peer-run Recovery Community Organization in Wilkes County, NC.
• Vesper Moore, an Indigenous activist and mental health rights leader, who spoke on recovery, advocacy, and the importance of elevating lived experiences in policy and practice.

Is there an easier way to learn and earn CE credits than to listen to a podcast while you are working out, cooking, doing yard work, or running errands? I can't think of one. In fact, I personally love listening and recording podcasts. And we've made it easy and cost effective to learn and earn with our Podcast CE Learning Series. So click to listen, register for credit, and pass the post-test to earn an hour of CE credits for your continuing educational development needs. All it costs is your time and attention; there is no fee!

We recently published two new timely and relevant episodes to our Podcast CE learning series where you can listen, learn, take a short post-test, and earn an hour CE credit for each episode.

16th Annual “One Community in Recovery” Conference Healing Together: Building Stronger Communities

Celebrating World Mental Health Day: The Importance of Reaching Out and Being Kind

Every year, on October 10th, people around the globe come together to raise awareness and take action for mental health. Known as World Mental Health Day, this day serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of nurturing our mental well-being, just as much as we care for our physical health. Here at Northwest Area Health Education Center (Northwest AHEC), we are proud to be part of this crucial conversation, striving to make a difference in the communities we serve.

In recent years, mental health has become a topic that is increasingly brought into the spotlight. Yet, it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. At Northwest AHEC, we believe that fostering open, honest conversations about mental health is key to breaking down these barriers. 

But what makes World Mental Health Day particularly powerful is its ability to bring people together. It’s not just about raising awareness; it's about creating a supportive network where individuals feel comfortable seeking help and offering support to one another. After all, mental health isn’t just a solitary journey—it’s a collective effort.

The Work We Do at Northwest AHEC

At Northwest AHEC, we are committed to offering programs that educate and support mental health initiatives. Our workshops and seminars are designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to address mental health issues effectively. We are firm believers in the idea that education can be a powerful catalyst for change, and our events focus on broadening understanding, fostering empathy, and promoting resilience.

Moreover, we prioritize creating an environment where both professionals and community members can discuss mental health openly. Through collaborative discussions and interactive sessions, we aim to build a community that embraces mental health with compassion and understanding. 

Be Kind—To Yourself and Others

Kindness is a small but mighty tool that can make a world of difference. Whether it's being kind to yourself by acknowledging your feelings, or extending kindness to someone else who might be struggling, these gestures create a ripple effect that can transform lives.

On this World Mental Health Day, let’s make a conscious effort to practice kindness. Check in with yourself and those around you. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer support without judgment. Sometimes, even the smallest act of kindness can light up the darkest of days.

In conclusion, while World Mental Health Day is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health, the conversation should continue every day. At Northwest AHEC, we are dedicated to advancing this dialogue and supporting our community in any way we can. Remember, it’s okay to reach out for help—there is always someone willing to listen. And always, always choose kindness—it’s more powerful than you might think.

This presentation will provide knowledge and background on Veteran risk and protective factors to support risk assessment and safety planning. Attending this training will improve competencies related to supporting Veterans in crisis. Register Today!

Understanding Different Motives of Domestic Violence Offenders and the Connection to Risk and Lethality: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Domestic Violence Intervention

Let’s be clear. The “finish line” in mental health treatment looks different for each and every client that entrusts us with their care. And, we know that when clients reach out for help, they really mean it! So why is it that clients sometimes drop out before they have reached their goals for therapy? We, as counselors, social workers and psychologists working in private practice, know that we have a gift to offer clients. We build rapport, create a gameplan, and then help clients through their journey of change. If you are struggling to retain clients past the first few sessions and are tired of watching them leave just as unfulfilled in the work as you are, then join us for a day long exploration of clinician leadership. You will leave with practice tools to implement immediately as well as a set of new friends and colleagues who are rooting for you in your own “practice of the practice." 

Live webinar Engaging LGBTQ Youth and Families: How Do You Show You are an Ally? 

Sleep is one of the foundational pillars of our overall health and wellness. Not getting enough can leave you sleep deprived and can result in downstream negative health consequences. Sleep hygiene, sleep strategies, sleep aids, and sleep medications can help get us back on the path to rest and recovery through sleeping well.