Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Lecture - History of SUD, Treatment & Challenges

Join Arbor Circle for the inaugural Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Lecture, an opportunity created by the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund. This event will feature unique educational opportunities for professionals in the field of substance use, including presentations by Dr. Cara Poland, recognized expert in addiction medicine and faculty member at Michigan State University, and Kent County Health Department Epidemiologist Rachel Jantz. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel will welcome event attendees.

3 hours of Social Work and MCBAP CEs will be available for all in-person participants.

Dr. Poland's presentation will provide an overview and historical perspective on the nature of substance use addiction. Participants can expect insight into the following learning objectives:

• Understanding addiction as a chronic illness
• Description of the history of addiction treatment in the United States
• Tools to support advocacy efforts in enacting change

Rachel Jantz will provide a look at the Kent County Health Department's outlook on current substance use trends. Presentations will be followed by the opportunity for a brief Q+A.

Please indicate if you would like a certificate for Social Work and Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals Continue Education Units (CEs) as part of your registration. 3 hours of Social Work and MCBAP CEs are available for in-person participants only.

Thomas J. Bullock, a pioneer in substance use treatment and recovery, was the inspiration for the Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund. His too-short life is honored by the opportunities Arbor Circle and the Fund will present for addiction professionals and the broader community to learn together. The Thomas J. Bullock Memorial Fund was established through a monetary gift by James and Barbara Haveman.

Dr. Cara Poland, MD, M.Ed, FACP, DFASAM

Dr. Cara Poland is a recognized expert in addiction medicine. She is a faculty member at Michigan State University. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State University and was trained in internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in addiction medicine at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She received her master’s degree in education from Boston University. She has an interest in educating healthcare providers and providers-in-training to improve care for patients with substance use disorders.

In 2018, board-certified Addiction Medicine Doctor Cara Poland identified the need to strengthen our country’s Addiction Medicine workforce. MI CARES was born by utilizing State Opioid Response funds and creating collaboration among Michigan’s medical schools. Led by Dr. Poland, MI CARES trains physician-level addiction specialists in Michigan and across the country. Over 1,000 physicians in all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico are currently on the pathway to becoming board-certified in Addiction Medicine. The program also teaches physicians-in-training, resident physicians, social work students, social work practitioners, APRN’s, and PA practitioners. Her didactic program involves purposeful education with the goal of training prescribers to treat persons with SUDs in a kind, compassionate, destigmatized way. Dr. Poland also has a special interest in treating pregnant people and their families living with a substance use disorder. Her nationally recognized program materials are available for other treatment programs.

A passionate and highly sought-after public speaker and educator, Dr. Poland regularly appears in the media and at community events advocating for those she serves. She has directly influenced policies and procedures around the treatment of people with SUDs. Her persistent advocacy has helped to advance more evidence-based treatment opportunities, as evidenced by her role as the Public Policy Chair for the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The State of Michigan has removed prior authorizations for medications to treat SUDs and updated rules governing SUD treatment programs. Dr. Poland is the chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission, established as the designated state entity to advise the Michigan legislature on the appropriate use of opioid settlement funds in compliance with the requirements of the national opioid settlements.

Dr. Poland dedicates her professional work to the memory of her brother who died a result of an alcohol use disorder.

Rachel Jantz, Epidemiologist, Center for Community Health Strategy, Kent County Health Department

Rachel Jantz is an epidemiologist with 10 years of experience in public health practice. She completed a CDC/CSTE Applied Epidemiology Fellowship at the Oklahoma State Department of Health focused on opioid epidemiology and, after moving back to her home state of Michigan, began working at the Kent County Health Department. Rachel serves as the co-chair of the Kent County Opioid Task Force and is the coordinator for the Kent County Overdose Fatality Review. She is also on the executive board of the Grand Rapids Red Project and No Surrender Running Club.

Host or Publisher Arbor Circle