Health and mental health professionals, educators, and college students came together in April for the RESPOND Together: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Addressing the Opioid Crisis behavioral health summit at Viterbo University.

“This great educational event was an opportunity for community members and providers to hear the powerful stories of people impacted by opioid use and other substance use disorders,” said Erin Miess, Viterbo social work faculty member and RESPOND grant director.

“By learning from people with lived experience, we can understand the needs of individuals struggling with substance use disorder and help provide effective treatment and support. We also discussed ways to reduce stigma, address barriers, and increase access to services in our community for those affected by the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders.”

This RESPOND Annual Behavioral Health Summit was made possible by a $1.4 million Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) RESPOND program grant awarded to Viterbo University in 2023.

The grant is designed to expand the number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and counselors trained to provide mental health and substance use disorder clinical services in underserved community-based settings.

Viterbo is partnering with Mayo Clinic Health System, Addiction Medical Solutions, Tomah Health, and Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers on RESPOND grant programming.

Miess also serves on a housing advocacy committee through Habitat for Humanity and serves as a mental health clinician for the Wisconsin Comprehensive Community Services program. She has extensive experience in the field, including work with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems.

“Throughout my experience as a social worker, I have witnessed the devastating impact opioid use has on individuals, families, and communities,” Miess said. “It is very rewarding to participate in a project focused on improving outcomes for those impacted by the opioid epidemic.”