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.

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

The Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference is an annual event organized by a dedicated statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates, many of whom bring personal experiences of recovery from mental health and substance use challenges.

We sat down with Jayvein Greene - winner of this year’s Youth/Young Adult Voice Award at the One Community in Recovery Conference - to talk about his experience as a young, black male facing mental illness, trauma, and substance abuse. 

The Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference is a yearly conference planned by a statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates, many of whom have lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use.

Registration Now Open for 14th Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference: Wellness and Empowerment.  Check Out the Agenda & Call for Award Nominations!

The Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference is a yearly conference planned by a statewide committee of behavioral health providers and advocates, many of whom have lived experience with recovery from mental health and/or substance use.

Join us virtually on June 16-17, 2022 for the NCPAT Conference. This year’s conference will feature a highly interactive learning experience from the House of Ruth Maryland Training Institute. Topics will include research on effectiveness of intervention programs, program design, being part of a community coordinated response, and supporting resilience and self-care.

The conference is a place where individuals working and involved in recovery as defined in its broadest terms can share their work and gain support from others involved in the recovery movement. Join us April 27-29, 2022 at The Conference Center at GTCC, Colfax, NC. Register by April 12th for discounted rates!

The conference is a place where individuals working and involved in recovery as defined in its broadest terms can share their work and gain support from others involved in the recovery movement. Join us April 27-29, 2022 at The Conference Center at GTCC, Colfax, NC.