Tim Quinn
JD, Executive Director / Intergovernmental Public Liaison
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Tim Quinn is the Executive Director of Intergovernmental Public Liaison, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB). He works closely with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to coordinate efforts to secure the border. He was CBP’s Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2017. Before joining CBP, Quinn was the Senior Associate Dean (the chief academic officer) of the Joseph A. Sellinger, S.J. School of Business and Management at Loyola University Maryland. He has served as the Chief of Staff of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and policy development. Quinn has held several senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, including Acting Director and Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He was the Acting Director, Deputy Director for Management and Chief of Staff of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. He began his career in government working for the U.S. Senate. Quinn holds a bachelor's degree from Le Moyne College, a law degree from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, and a master's degree in leadership from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He is a member of the Maryland State Bar.
JD, Executive Director / Intergovernmental Public Liaison
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Tim Quinn is the Executive Director of Intergovernmental Public Liaison, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB). He works closely with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to coordinate efforts to secure the border. He was CBP’s Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2017. Before joining CBP, Quinn was the Senior Associate Dean (the chief academic officer) of the Joseph A. Sellinger, S.J. School of Business and Management at Loyola University Maryland. He has served as the Chief of Staff of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, where he oversaw day-to-day operations and policy development. Quinn has held several senior positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, including Acting Director and Associate Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He was the Acting Director, Deputy Director for Management and Chief of Staff of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. He began his career in government working for the U.S. Senate. Quinn holds a bachelor's degree from Le Moyne College, a law degree from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, and a master's degree in leadership from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He is a member of the Maryland State Bar.
Jessica Reichert
MS, Manager, Center for Justice Research and Evaluation
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
Jessica Reichert is the Manager of the Center for Justice Research and Evaluation at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Recently, she conducted a study of police referrals to treatment programs for opioid use disorders, and she is working on a process and outcome evaluation on the second police-treatment program in the country. Reichert has published over 50 articles and reports including in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. She has recently published articles on Medication Assisted Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations and An Overview of the Opioid Crisis in Illinois, as well as was an author of the state's opioid plan. Reichert sits on Illinois' State Opioid Crisis Response Council, Cook County Opioid Task Force and the National PTAC (Police, Treatment, and Community) Collaborative. She has presented at national and state forums on the criminal justice response to the opioid crisis. In addition, Reichert is an adjunct instructor at Loyola University Chicago. She earned her master’s degree in criminal justice from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“Naloxone Plus”: Exploring Effective Response Methods After Opioid Overdose Reversal
MS, Manager, Center for Justice Research and Evaluation
Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
Jessica Reichert is the Manager of the Center for Justice Research and Evaluation at the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Recently, she conducted a study of police referrals to treatment programs for opioid use disorders, and she is working on a process and outcome evaluation on the second police-treatment program in the country. Reichert has published over 50 articles and reports including in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. She has recently published articles on Medication Assisted Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations and An Overview of the Opioid Crisis in Illinois, as well as was an author of the state's opioid plan. Reichert sits on Illinois' State Opioid Crisis Response Council, Cook County Opioid Task Force and the National PTAC (Police, Treatment, and Community) Collaborative. She has presented at national and state forums on the criminal justice response to the opioid crisis. In addition, Reichert is an adjunct instructor at Loyola University Chicago. She earned her master’s degree in criminal justice from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“Naloxone Plus”: Exploring Effective Response Methods After Opioid Overdose Reversal
Cynthia Reilly
MS, BSPharm, Project Director, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative
The Pew Charitable Trusts
As Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts' substance use prevention and treatment initiative, Cynthia Reilly works on federal and state initiatives to reduce the inappropriate use of Rx opioids while ensuring patients have access to effective pain management. She also focuses on expanding access to effective treatment for substance use disorders and serves as a member of the SUD Treatment Task Force. Prior to joining Pew, Reilly worked on issues related to the safety and quality of medication use for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists in Bethesda, Maryland. In this role, she coordinated the society’s work in support of rescheduling hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II to improve the safe and appropriate use of those therapies. In addition, she led development of policy that called on clinicians to increase efforts to combat Rx drug abuse while also ensuring patient access to needed pain therapies. Reilly received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Temple University, and her master’s degree in global health and medical policy from George Mason University.
Improving the Quality of Substance Use Disorder Treatment through Payer-Driven Change
MS, BSPharm, Project Director, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Initiative
The Pew Charitable Trusts
As Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts' substance use prevention and treatment initiative, Cynthia Reilly works on federal and state initiatives to reduce the inappropriate use of Rx opioids while ensuring patients have access to effective pain management. She also focuses on expanding access to effective treatment for substance use disorders and serves as a member of the SUD Treatment Task Force. Prior to joining Pew, Reilly worked on issues related to the safety and quality of medication use for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists in Bethesda, Maryland. In this role, she coordinated the society’s work in support of rescheduling hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II to improve the safe and appropriate use of those therapies. In addition, she led development of policy that called on clinicians to increase efforts to combat Rx drug abuse while also ensuring patient access to needed pain therapies. Reilly received her bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Temple University, and her master’s degree in global health and medical policy from George Mason University.
Improving the Quality of Substance Use Disorder Treatment through Payer-Driven Change
Nick Richardson
Public Health Analyst
RTI International
Nick Richardson is a Research Public Health Analyst in the Policing Research Program of the Center for Justice, Safety & Resiliency at RTI International. He has several years of research experience in the areas of substance abuse and addiction, homicide and policing. His recent research explores the role of law enforcement in addressing the opioid epidemic and the innovative strategies they have implemented, including harm reduction approaches. Richardson has several years of experience working with substance-using populations as both a researcher and counselor.
Law Enforcement and Harm Reduction: Merging Public Safety and Public Health Roles
Public Health Analyst
RTI International
Nick Richardson is a Research Public Health Analyst in the Policing Research Program of the Center for Justice, Safety & Resiliency at RTI International. He has several years of research experience in the areas of substance abuse and addiction, homicide and policing. His recent research explores the role of law enforcement in addressing the opioid epidemic and the innovative strategies they have implemented, including harm reduction approaches. Richardson has several years of experience working with substance-using populations as both a researcher and counselor.
Law Enforcement and Harm Reduction: Merging Public Safety and Public Health Roles
Linda Richter
PhD, Director of Policy Research and Analysis
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
Dr. Linda Richter is the Director of Policy Research and Analysis at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. She oversees the policy-oriented research projects at the center. Her work focuses on understanding the nature and scope of substance use and other addictive behaviors among youth and adults and the public’s substance-related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors; informing the public, policymakers, health professionals and educators about addiction science and best practices in addiction prevention and care; and identifying and promoting effective measures for improving substance use and addiction prevention and treatment. Richter received her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Maryland.
Ending the Opioid Crisis: Solutions for State Policymakers
PhD, Director of Policy Research and Analysis
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
Dr. Linda Richter is the Director of Policy Research and Analysis at The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. She oversees the policy-oriented research projects at the center. Her work focuses on understanding the nature and scope of substance use and other addictive behaviors among youth and adults and the public’s substance-related attitudes, beliefs and behaviors; informing the public, policymakers, health professionals and educators about addiction science and best practices in addiction prevention and care; and identifying and promoting effective measures for improving substance use and addiction prevention and treatment. Richter received her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Maryland.
Ending the Opioid Crisis: Solutions for State Policymakers
Andrew Roberts
PharmD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
University of Kansas Medical Center
Andrew Roberts, PharmD, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is a pharmacist and pharmaceutical health services researcher focused on examining the design and outcomes of policies intended to reduce unsafe opioid use and expand opioid use disorder treatment. He received his doctorate in pharmaceutical outcomes and policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015 and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2011.
The Lock-In Loophole: Intended and Unintended Effects of Patient Review and Restriction Programs
Buprenorphine Use and Cost Trends
PharmD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
University of Kansas Medical Center
Andrew Roberts, PharmD, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is a pharmacist and pharmaceutical health services researcher focused on examining the design and outcomes of policies intended to reduce unsafe opioid use and expand opioid use disorder treatment. He received his doctorate in pharmaceutical outcomes and policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015 and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Drake University in 2011.
The Lock-In Loophole: Intended and Unintended Effects of Patient Review and Restriction Programs
Buprenorphine Use and Cost Trends
Tim Robinson
JD, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Addiction Recovery Care
Tim Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Addiction Recovery Care, LLC, a company that strives to provide world-class, holistic care to people suffering with substance abuse disorder. The company integrates medical, clinical/behavioral, spiritual and vocational rehabilitation services to provide an innovate continuum of care. Addiction Recovery Care's mission is personal to Robinson, who states, "It was never my dream to grow up and become an alcoholic, so getting sober and starting an addiction recovery organization was never in my life plan." He founded the organization after an eight-year battle with alcoholism. He celebrated 11 years sober in December 2017. With Robinson at the helm, Addiction Recovery Care is pioneering addiction treatment and has expanded its footprint throughout central and eastern Kentucky with nine residential and four outpatient treatment centers. Robinson resides in Louisa, Kentucky, with his wife, Lelia, and two young sons, Russ and Kent.
A True Continuum of Care: Incorporating Workforce Development and Education into Addiction Treatment
JD, Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Addiction Recovery Care
Tim Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Addiction Recovery Care, LLC, a company that strives to provide world-class, holistic care to people suffering with substance abuse disorder. The company integrates medical, clinical/behavioral, spiritual and vocational rehabilitation services to provide an innovate continuum of care. Addiction Recovery Care's mission is personal to Robinson, who states, "It was never my dream to grow up and become an alcoholic, so getting sober and starting an addiction recovery organization was never in my life plan." He founded the organization after an eight-year battle with alcoholism. He celebrated 11 years sober in December 2017. With Robinson at the helm, Addiction Recovery Care is pioneering addiction treatment and has expanded its footprint throughout central and eastern Kentucky with nine residential and four outpatient treatment centers. Robinson resides in Louisa, Kentucky, with his wife, Lelia, and two young sons, Russ and Kent.
A True Continuum of Care: Incorporating Workforce Development and Education into Addiction Treatment
Honorable Harold Rogers
U.S. Representative
(R-KY, 5th District)
Serving Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981, Hal Rogers is currently in his 19th term representing the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, and is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. Focused on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drug use and preserving the natural treasures of Appalachia, Rogers has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the interests of the region where he was raised.
Born in rural Kentucky and representing one of the poorest Congressional Districts in the nation, Rogers' vision for a stronger region spurred some of the greatest success stories in southern and eastern Kentucky. Organizations such as PRIDE, Operation UNITE, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED), The Center for Rural Development and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) have brought local communities together by revitalizing the environment, providing hope in the fight against drugs, building small businesses, and creating jobs by increasing tourism in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
Nationally, as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016, he reduced the size and scope of the government by reining in federal spending, conducting rigorous but thoughtful oversight of federal agencies, and restoring fiscal discipline and transparency to our budget process. Rogers led the Congress to reduce discretionary spending by a historic amount, cutting $126 billion in discretionary spending since 2010. Rogers also restored regular order and a culture on the Committee for serious budget oversight and transparency in process, including 2122 amendments considered to appropriations bills on the floor and 650 oversight hearings conducted during his tenure as Chairman.
With more than 30-years of experience on the Appropriations Committee, he has served on eight different subcommittees, including leadership roles as Chairman or Ranking Member of three. Rogers was tapped in 2003 to lead the newly established Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Through this important role, Rogers fought to ensure our first responders received the funds necessary to protect against terrorist threats; demanded tough answers from FEMA in the wake of federal responses to wildfires, hurricanes and flash floods; and insisted on enforcement of our country's immigration laws and stronger border security.
Whether Rogers is on Capitol Hill ensuring the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars, fighting to secure the homeland, scrutinizing federal government agencies, or home in southern and eastern Kentucky working to make a difference in the lives of the individuals he represents, Rogers remains committed to being a strong voice in Congress for fiscal responsibility, economic development, a strong national defense, and a prosperous future for America.
Welcome and Opening Plenary Session
Plenary Session: Congressional Leaders Update
U.S. Representative
(R-KY, 5th District)
Serving Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981, Hal Rogers is currently in his 19th term representing the people of southern and eastern Kentucky, and is the longest serving Kentucky Republican ever elected to federal office. Focused on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drug use and preserving the natural treasures of Appalachia, Rogers has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the interests of the region where he was raised.
Born in rural Kentucky and representing one of the poorest Congressional Districts in the nation, Rogers' vision for a stronger region spurred some of the greatest success stories in southern and eastern Kentucky. Organizations such as PRIDE, Operation UNITE, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development (SKED), The Center for Rural Development and Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) have brought local communities together by revitalizing the environment, providing hope in the fight against drugs, building small businesses, and creating jobs by increasing tourism in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
Nationally, as Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2016, he reduced the size and scope of the government by reining in federal spending, conducting rigorous but thoughtful oversight of federal agencies, and restoring fiscal discipline and transparency to our budget process. Rogers led the Congress to reduce discretionary spending by a historic amount, cutting $126 billion in discretionary spending since 2010. Rogers also restored regular order and a culture on the Committee for serious budget oversight and transparency in process, including 2122 amendments considered to appropriations bills on the floor and 650 oversight hearings conducted during his tenure as Chairman.
With more than 30-years of experience on the Appropriations Committee, he has served on eight different subcommittees, including leadership roles as Chairman or Ranking Member of three. Rogers was tapped in 2003 to lead the newly established Subcommittee on Homeland Security. Through this important role, Rogers fought to ensure our first responders received the funds necessary to protect against terrorist threats; demanded tough answers from FEMA in the wake of federal responses to wildfires, hurricanes and flash floods; and insisted on enforcement of our country's immigration laws and stronger border security.
Whether Rogers is on Capitol Hill ensuring the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars, fighting to secure the homeland, scrutinizing federal government agencies, or home in southern and eastern Kentucky working to make a difference in the lives of the individuals he represents, Rogers remains committed to being a strong voice in Congress for fiscal responsibility, economic development, a strong national defense, and a prosperous future for America.
Welcome and Opening Plenary Session
Plenary Session: Congressional Leaders Update
Lipi Roy MD, MPH
Medical Director
Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
Dr. Roy is a physician board certified in addiction medicine and clinical assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine. She is currently the Medical Director of New York City’s Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center, operated by New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. As the former Chief of Addiction Medicine for NYC jails including Rikers Island, Dr. Roy oversaw substance use treatment and recovery services for the city’s incarcerated men and women. Previously, she was a primary care doctor to Boston's vulnerable homeless population, among whom the leading cause of death was drug overdose; served as an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital; and faculty at Harvard Medical School. She completed her MD and MPH degrees at Tulane University, followed by internal medicine training at Duke University. A longtime advocate for public service, she served the underserved in Nicaragua and India; New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina; and provided medical relief to earthquake victims in Haiti and Boston Marathon runners.
Best Treatment Practices in Correctional Settings: From Pre-Diversion to Parole
Medical Director
Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center, New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
Dr. Roy is a physician board certified in addiction medicine and clinical assistant professor at NYU School of Medicine. She is currently the Medical Director of New York City’s Kingsboro Addiction Treatment Center, operated by New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. As the former Chief of Addiction Medicine for NYC jails including Rikers Island, Dr. Roy oversaw substance use treatment and recovery services for the city’s incarcerated men and women. Previously, she was a primary care doctor to Boston's vulnerable homeless population, among whom the leading cause of death was drug overdose; served as an attending physician at Massachusetts General Hospital; and faculty at Harvard Medical School. She completed her MD and MPH degrees at Tulane University, followed by internal medicine training at Duke University. A longtime advocate for public service, she served the underserved in Nicaragua and India; New Orleans residents affected by Hurricane Katrina; and provided medical relief to earthquake victims in Haiti and Boston Marathon runners.
Best Treatment Practices in Correctional Settings: From Pre-Diversion to Parole
Shannon Royce
JD, Director, Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Shannon Royce brings a wealth of experience to her role as Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the HHS Partnership Center). The HHS Partnership Center was formed in 2001, under the George W. Bush administration, to ensure that faith partners and nonprofits faced no barriers and were engaged as full partners in serving the poor and helping the vulnerable. Royce's professional background includes both government and private sector experience. In government, she worked for over seven years on Capitol Hill, including serving as Counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley (now Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee). In the private sector, Royce worked in several faith-based nonprofit organizations. Early on, she led the D.C. office of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, a group focused on issues such as sex trafficking, global hunger and protecting religious liberty. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at the Family Research Council (FRC), managing day-to-day operations for a team of 80 in fulfilling the FRC mission of promoting “a culture in which all human life is valued, families flourish and religious liberty thrives.” She received her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law.
Hope In Action: Partnering with Faith-Based Communities to Address the Opioid Epidemic
JD, Director, Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Shannon Royce brings a wealth of experience to her role as Director of the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the HHS Partnership Center). The HHS Partnership Center was formed in 2001, under the George W. Bush administration, to ensure that faith partners and nonprofits faced no barriers and were engaged as full partners in serving the poor and helping the vulnerable. Royce's professional background includes both government and private sector experience. In government, she worked for over seven years on Capitol Hill, including serving as Counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley (now Chairman of Senate Judiciary Committee). In the private sector, Royce worked in several faith-based nonprofit organizations. Early on, she led the D.C. office of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, a group focused on issues such as sex trafficking, global hunger and protecting religious liberty. Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at the Family Research Council (FRC), managing day-to-day operations for a team of 80 in fulfilling the FRC mission of promoting “a culture in which all human life is valued, families flourish and religious liberty thrives.” She received her Juris Doctor from the George Washington University School of Law.
Hope In Action: Partnering with Faith-Based Communities to Address the Opioid Epidemic
Brittney Sabock
Treatment and Outreach Specialist
Office of the State's Attorney, Carroll County, Maryland
Brittney Sabock is currently the Outreach and Treatment Specialist for the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland. Previously, she was a recovery coach at the Carroll County Health Department assisting individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Sabock has been an advocate for treatment and recovery in Carroll County for over three years. She is also active in the Special OPTS Program, which is a high school opioid prevention program. Sabock was presented the Message of Hope Award from State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo in 2016. She did the Discovery Education Operation Prevention Program in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was shared virtually with high schools all across the country. More than 200,000 students were reached by her personal testimony. Sabock is one of the lead coordinators for the Heroin Overdose Response Team, as well as an active member of the Opioid Prevention Collation. She is dedicated to outreach, prevention and educating the community on the disease of addiction and opioid crisis. More importantly, she is a person in long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Stamp Out Heroin: One County's Three-Pronged Approach
Treatment and Outreach Specialist
Office of the State's Attorney, Carroll County, Maryland
Brittney Sabock is currently the Outreach and Treatment Specialist for the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland. Previously, she was a recovery coach at the Carroll County Health Department assisting individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Sabock has been an advocate for treatment and recovery in Carroll County for over three years. She is also active in the Special OPTS Program, which is a high school opioid prevention program. Sabock was presented the Message of Hope Award from State’s Attorney Brian DeLeonardo in 2016. She did the Discovery Education Operation Prevention Program in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which was shared virtually with high schools all across the country. More than 200,000 students were reached by her personal testimony. Sabock is one of the lead coordinators for the Heroin Overdose Response Team, as well as an active member of the Opioid Prevention Collation. She is dedicated to outreach, prevention and educating the community on the disease of addiction and opioid crisis. More importantly, she is a person in long-term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Stamp Out Heroin: One County's Three-Pronged Approach
Silvia Sacalis
PharmD, Vice President, Clinical Services
Healthesystems
Silvia Sacalis, PharmD, provides clinical leadership as Vice President of Clinical Services at Healthesystems. Her experience and clinical expertise span the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), retail pharmacy and managed care environments. Leveraging her technology background, clinical skills and management expertise, she helps develop and operationalize strategic clinical initiatives to help workers’ compensation insurance payers maximize the impact of a PBM program. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles in which she provided oversight of the development of clinical services programs and integration of analytics technology with clinical consultative support. Sacalis received her bachelor's degree in computer science and doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Workers’ Comp: Opioid Use Trends and Effective Population Health Management
PharmD, Vice President, Clinical Services
Healthesystems
Silvia Sacalis, PharmD, provides clinical leadership as Vice President of Clinical Services at Healthesystems. Her experience and clinical expertise span the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), retail pharmacy and managed care environments. Leveraging her technology background, clinical skills and management expertise, she helps develop and operationalize strategic clinical initiatives to help workers’ compensation insurance payers maximize the impact of a PBM program. Throughout her career, she has held various leadership roles in which she provided oversight of the development of clinical services programs and integration of analytics technology with clinical consultative support. Sacalis received her bachelor's degree in computer science and doctorate degree in pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Workers’ Comp: Opioid Use Trends and Effective Population Health Management
Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar
MD, MPH, FAAFP, FASAM, FACPM, Medical Director of Behavioral Health
Chicago Department of Public Health
Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH, serves as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health for the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she contributes to the department’s work in substance use prevention and treatment, mental health and violence prevention. She is a physician certified in family medicine, addiction medicine and preventive medicine (public health). She previously served as Medical Director of Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore, a quasi-public entity that oversees all publicly funded addiction and mental health treatment. In this role, she oversaw the Baltimore City Overdose Prevention Plan. Salisbury-Afshar came back to Chicago in 2014 and served as Medical Director at Heartland Health Outreach (HHO), the healthcare for the homeless provider in Chicago. While at HHO, she helped expand their addiction treatment services and develop a medication assisted treatment program. Salisbury-Afshar has been working with the Chicago Department of Public Health since September of 2016 and continues to volunteer in the medication assisted treatment program at HHO.
Addressing Gaps in the Addiction Specialty Workforce
MD, MPH, FAAFP, FASAM, FACPM, Medical Director of Behavioral Health
Chicago Department of Public Health
Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, MD, MPH, serves as the Medical Director of Behavioral Health for the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she contributes to the department’s work in substance use prevention and treatment, mental health and violence prevention. She is a physician certified in family medicine, addiction medicine and preventive medicine (public health). She previously served as Medical Director of Behavioral Health Systems Baltimore, a quasi-public entity that oversees all publicly funded addiction and mental health treatment. In this role, she oversaw the Baltimore City Overdose Prevention Plan. Salisbury-Afshar came back to Chicago in 2014 and served as Medical Director at Heartland Health Outreach (HHO), the healthcare for the homeless provider in Chicago. While at HHO, she helped expand their addiction treatment services and develop a medication assisted treatment program. Salisbury-Afshar has been working with the Chicago Department of Public Health since September of 2016 and continues to volunteer in the medication assisted treatment program at HHO.
Addressing Gaps in the Addiction Specialty Workforce
Friedhelm Sandbrink
MD, VA Acting National Director for Pain Management
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Dr. Friedhelm Sandbrink completed his residency in neurology at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. He is board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology and pain medicine. Since he joined the VA in 2001, he has been leading the Pain Management Program at the Washington VA Medical Center. The program is located within the Neurology Department and provides comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic pain conditions. He became the VA Deputy National Program Director for Pain Management in May 2014. Since October 2016, he has been leading the Pain Program for VHA as the Acting National Director for Pain Management. He is Clinical Associate Professor in Neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He also has academic appointments at Georgetown University and George Washington University.
VA Best Practices: S.T.O.P. P.A.I.N Initiative and Practice Guidelines
Surprising VA Data About Opioid Discontinuation, Overdose and Suicide: Clinical Implications
MD, VA Acting National Director for Pain Management
Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Dr. Friedhelm Sandbrink completed his residency in neurology at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., and fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. He is board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology and pain medicine. Since he joined the VA in 2001, he has been leading the Pain Management Program at the Washington VA Medical Center. The program is located within the Neurology Department and provides comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic pain conditions. He became the VA Deputy National Program Director for Pain Management in May 2014. Since October 2016, he has been leading the Pain Program for VHA as the Acting National Director for Pain Management. He is Clinical Associate Professor in Neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He also has academic appointments at Georgetown University and George Washington University.
VA Best Practices: S.T.O.P. P.A.I.N Initiative and Practice Guidelines
Surprising VA Data About Opioid Discontinuation, Overdose and Suicide: Clinical Implications
Richard W. Sanders
MSCJ, Commissioner
Kentucky State Police, and Member, Operation UNITE Board of Directors
Rick Sanders, who has more than 40 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, was appointed Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police on April 1, 2016. He previously served nine years as Chief of the Jeffersontown (Kentucky) Police Department following his retirement as Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Washington, D.C. While serving as Resident Agent in Charge of the Louisville Resident Office, Sanders assisted in the development of Appalachia HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), and currently serves on its board of directors. He has also served as Chairman of HIDTAs in Indiana and Chicago. Through his work with HIDTA, Sanders established the “Top 21” anti-gang initiative that targeted the worst criminals in drug and violent offenses. In 2014, he was appointed President of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. Sanders received his bachelor’s degree in police administration and a master’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville. He is an accomplished fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilot. He has served as a Board Member for Operation UNITE since September 2016.
MSCJ, Commissioner
Kentucky State Police, and Member, Operation UNITE Board of Directors
Rick Sanders, who has more than 40 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, was appointed Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police on April 1, 2016. He previously served nine years as Chief of the Jeffersontown (Kentucky) Police Department following his retirement as Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Washington, D.C. While serving as Resident Agent in Charge of the Louisville Resident Office, Sanders assisted in the development of Appalachia HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), and currently serves on its board of directors. He has also served as Chairman of HIDTAs in Indiana and Chicago. Through his work with HIDTA, Sanders established the “Top 21” anti-gang initiative that targeted the worst criminals in drug and violent offenses. In 2014, he was appointed President of the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police. Sanders received his bachelor’s degree in police administration and a master’s degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville. He is an accomplished fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilot. He has served as a Board Member for Operation UNITE since September 2016.
Wesley M. Sargent, Jr.
EdD, EdS, MA, Health Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wesley Sargent, EdD, LPC, is a Health Scientist on the Prescription Drug Overdose Health Systems Team in Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention (DUIP). He first joined DUIP in 2014 as an Evaluation Fellow, working on multiple Rx drug overdose projects, which included the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and the evaluation of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Electronic Health Records Integration and Interoperability Expansion Program. Sargent’s current responsibilities include working with CDC-funded states to enhance PDMPs, implement community or insurer/health system interventions identifying, evaluate policy/legislative initiatives provide scientific and technical assistance. He also assists with Rx drug overdose projects that are designed to address the opioid overdose epidemic at both the health systems and state level. Sargent obtained his Doctor of Education in professional counseling and supervision with an emphasis in program evaluation at the University of West Georgia.
CDC Guideline: Implementing Clinical and Practice-Level Strategies
Advancing Science Into Action: Enhancing PDMPs and EHRs
EdD, EdS, MA, Health Scientist
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Wesley Sargent, EdD, LPC, is a Health Scientist on the Prescription Drug Overdose Health Systems Team in Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention (DUIP). He first joined DUIP in 2014 as an Evaluation Fellow, working on multiple Rx drug overdose projects, which included the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain and the evaluation of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Electronic Health Records Integration and Interoperability Expansion Program. Sargent’s current responsibilities include working with CDC-funded states to enhance PDMPs, implement community or insurer/health system interventions identifying, evaluate policy/legislative initiatives provide scientific and technical assistance. He also assists with Rx drug overdose projects that are designed to address the opioid overdose epidemic at both the health systems and state level. Sargent obtained his Doctor of Education in professional counseling and supervision with an emphasis in program evaluation at the University of West Georgia.
CDC Guideline: Implementing Clinical and Practice-Level Strategies
Advancing Science Into Action: Enhancing PDMPs and EHRs
Carla S. Saunders
DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, Advance Practice Coordinator, Pediatrix Medical Group
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board
Carla Saunders has served as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner since 1990. In 2010 she gathered a multidisciplinary team in response to the alarming rise of babies being admitted to the NICU with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). They developed a standardized and holistic approach to the treatment of infants suffering from withdrawal created by maternal opiate exposure. The work done by her team is receiving local, state, national and international attention. Saunders has received multiple awards for her leadership and advocacy, including: Advanced Practitioner of the Year for the Atlantic Region of Pediatrix Medical Group (2010), one of Great American Country’s Great American Heroes (2012), and the Margaret Steinbach Leadership Award for Pediatrix Medical Group (2013). She has testified before the Tennessee State Senate on behalf of Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee in support of the Safe Harbor Act promoting prenatal care and substance abuse treatment in pregnant women. Saunders is an advisory board member for Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care, Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, TDOH Chronic Pain Guidelines task force and NAS Research Committee. Saunders is a member of the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board.
DNP, APRN, NNP-BC, Advance Practice Coordinator, Pediatrix Medical Group
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Member, National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board
Carla Saunders has served as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner since 1990. In 2010 she gathered a multidisciplinary team in response to the alarming rise of babies being admitted to the NICU with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). They developed a standardized and holistic approach to the treatment of infants suffering from withdrawal created by maternal opiate exposure. The work done by her team is receiving local, state, national and international attention. Saunders has received multiple awards for her leadership and advocacy, including: Advanced Practitioner of the Year for the Atlantic Region of Pediatrix Medical Group (2010), one of Great American Country’s Great American Heroes (2012), and the Margaret Steinbach Leadership Award for Pediatrix Medical Group (2013). She has testified before the Tennessee State Senate on behalf of Children’s Hospital Alliance of Tennessee in support of the Safe Harbor Act promoting prenatal care and substance abuse treatment in pregnant women. Saunders is an advisory board member for Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care, Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children, TDOH Chronic Pain Guidelines task force and NAS Research Committee. Saunders is a member of the National Rx Drug Abuse & Heroin Summit Advisory Board.
Tonia M. Schaffer
MPH, Public Health Advisor, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Tonia M. Schaffer, MPH, Public Health Advisor/Government Project Officer, is responsible for monitoring and guiding the substance abuse prevention activities of 17 states including the Virgin Islands. Schaffer coordinates the development of program policies, the creation of monitoring tools and evaluation protocols, and the provision of training and technical assistance to grantees. Recently, Schaffer was assigned the responsibility of addressing the opioid crisis across three centers to assist states to implement prevention, treatment and recovery interventions, as well as develop monitoring tools, facilitate technical assistance strategies and document best practices. She is responsible for organizing training sessions for the division staff and state grantees. Schaffer has extensive experience in substance abuse/misuse, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, health policy, health equity and organizational development. Schaffer has assisted a multitude of entities including state and local governmental agencies, minority colleges/universities, criminal justice institutions, community based organizations, Congressional representatives and federal agencies.
SAMHSA Opioid STR: State-Specific, Evidenced-Based Approaches to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Support to Reduce Opioid Related Deaths
MPH, Public Health Advisor, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Tonia M. Schaffer, MPH, Public Health Advisor/Government Project Officer, is responsible for monitoring and guiding the substance abuse prevention activities of 17 states including the Virgin Islands. Schaffer coordinates the development of program policies, the creation of monitoring tools and evaluation protocols, and the provision of training and technical assistance to grantees. Recently, Schaffer was assigned the responsibility of addressing the opioid crisis across three centers to assist states to implement prevention, treatment and recovery interventions, as well as develop monitoring tools, facilitate technical assistance strategies and document best practices. She is responsible for organizing training sessions for the division staff and state grantees. Schaffer has extensive experience in substance abuse/misuse, HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, health policy, health equity and organizational development. Schaffer has assisted a multitude of entities including state and local governmental agencies, minority colleges/universities, criminal justice institutions, community based organizations, Congressional representatives and federal agencies.
SAMHSA Opioid STR: State-Specific, Evidenced-Based Approaches to Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Support to Reduce Opioid Related Deaths
Lawrence Scholl
PhD, MPH, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Lawrence Scholl is an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer working on the Overdose Epidemiology and Surveillance Team in the Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention (DUIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As an EIS Officer, he completed an evaluation of the Prescription Behavior Surveillance System (PBSS), analyzed Rx histories of overdose decedents, and is conducting an analysis of PBSS prescribing data and an investigation of substance use during pregnancy. Prior to arriving at DUIP, Scholl worked with the North Carolina Division of Public Health to analyze deaths from overdoses and data collected in the North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System. He also worked with the North Carolina Division of Mental Health to examine data collected by the state’s prescription drug monitoring program. At the University of North Carolina, his research and evaluation work focused on youth suicide prevention and young driver safety.
Opioid and Fentanyl Overdoses: Rapid Surveillance and Regional Patterns
PhD, MPH, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Lawrence Scholl is an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer working on the Overdose Epidemiology and Surveillance Team in the Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention (DUIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As an EIS Officer, he completed an evaluation of the Prescription Behavior Surveillance System (PBSS), analyzed Rx histories of overdose decedents, and is conducting an analysis of PBSS prescribing data and an investigation of substance use during pregnancy. Prior to arriving at DUIP, Scholl worked with the North Carolina Division of Public Health to analyze deaths from overdoses and data collected in the North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System. He also worked with the North Carolina Division of Mental Health to examine data collected by the state’s prescription drug monitoring program. At the University of North Carolina, his research and evaluation work focused on youth suicide prevention and young driver safety.
Opioid and Fentanyl Overdoses: Rapid Surveillance and Regional Patterns
Maggie Schroeder
MA, LCADC, Adult Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services Branch Manager, Division of Behavioral Health
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Maggie Schroeder is the Branch Manager for the Adult Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services Branch at the Kentucky Division of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. She has master's degrees in clinical psychology and political science and is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. She has over 30 years of experience in providing behavioral health and substance abuse services to individuals and their families including case management and therapeutic interventions services, as well as providing clinical and administrative supervision.
Kentucky’s Comprehensive System of Care Model for Pregnant and Parenting Women with SUD
MA, LCADC, Adult Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services Branch Manager, Division of Behavioral Health
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Maggie Schroeder is the Branch Manager for the Adult Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Services Branch at the Kentucky Division of Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. She has master's degrees in clinical psychology and political science and is a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor. She has over 30 years of experience in providing behavioral health and substance abuse services to individuals and their families including case management and therapeutic interventions services, as well as providing clinical and administrative supervision.
Kentucky’s Comprehensive System of Care Model for Pregnant and Parenting Women with SUD
