Beyond Addiction: A Prescription for Progress Symposium

Beyond Addiction: A Prescription for Progress Symposium

The daylong Beyond Addiction symposium brings together stakeholders in the fight against opioids to share information about how the crisis affects our communities. The program features a keynote address by MATTERS founder Joshua Lynch, “lightning talks” on addiction-focused research developments from the University at Albany and panel discussions on Rethinking Prevention, Seeking Help and Living in Recovery.

KEYNOTE: Dr. Joshua Lynch is the founder of MATTERS (Medication for Addiction Treatment and Electronic Referrals). Launched first in Buffalo, MATTERS facilitates a rapid referral to outpatient treatment, linking individuals to various wrap-around services and follow-up support. The program has expanded throughout New York, with partnerships with more than 100 hospitals, 200 referring sites, 250 treatment organizations, and 1,000 pharmacies across the state.

SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS:

• Amanda Capozzi, CAPTAIN Community Human Services,
• Michael W. Dailey MD, Albany Medical College
• Benjamin Deeb, Healing Springs
• Joyce DeWitt-Parker, University at Albany
• Migdalia "Micky" Jimenez, Acacia Network
• Mark Kaplan, Mission For Marcus
• Cortney Lovell, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
• Stephanie Marquesano, The Harris Project Inc.
• Muntasir Masum PhD, University at Albany
• Xavier McDaniel, New Choices Recovery Center
• Elizabeth Schady, New York State Office of Drug User Health
• Tomoko Udo PhD, University at Albany
• Lucila Zamboni PhD, New York State Office of Drug User Health

Panel discussions will be moderated by Times Union Editor Casey Seiler, Times Union Managing Editor Susan Mehalick and Health and Wellness Coach Dr. Benita Zahn, DPS, NBC-HWC of B Your Best LLC.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This event welcomes Prescription for Progress members and anyone whose work or life has been impacted by the opioid crisis. We are especially calling on community leaders from every sector to join us in breaking down silos and building bridges across industries.

Ideal attendees include:

• Health care professionals across the continuum (prehospital, in-hospital, primary care, behavioral health, and recovery services)

• Educators from K-12 schools and higher education

• Large employers in the private, nonprofit, and government sectors

• Law enforcement officers and public safety personnel

• Lawmakers, regulators, and policy advocates

• Individuals living in recovery, certified peer recovery coaches, and advocates working to support healing and resilience

• Faith leaders, church organizers, and spiritual care providers

• Community educators, activists, and grassroots organizers

• Local government officials, tribal leaders, and regional coalitions

• Anyone committed to advancing solutions, sharing knowledge, and driving change

This is not just a seat at the table—it’s a call to action. If you're ready to connect, share, and lead forward, we want you there.

Admission for the daylong event will be $10 with a boxed lunch included for all attendees.

Stakeholders who cannot pay the admission cost can apply for a scholarship by writing to molly.renaud@timesunion.com.