Appalachian Children Coalition hold second annual symposium

The second annual symposium with the Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Appalachian Children Coalition was held Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.

Over 100 participants gathered in-person and via remote technology to hear experts in the field address and discuss challenges related to behavioral health workforce in the region and statewide. Attendees participated in discussions with panelists on building workforce capacity, the status of Ohio’s Behavioral Health Workforce, and lived experiences of navigating a system with workforce challenges.

Expert panelists included Zandia Lawson of Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, Theressa Kane of Perry Behavioral Health Choices, Duane Casares of Directions for Youth & Families, Sam Shafer of Integrated Services for Behavioral Health, Theresa Lampl of Ohio Council, and keynote speaker Dr. Stephanie Starcher of Fort Frye Local School District. Dr. Randy Leite and the staff from the Appalachian Children Coalition led a discussion on activities that the Appalachian Children Coalition is involved in to benefit the children in the region.