The Global Center for Mental Healthcare and Ministry at HBU to Host Opioid Treatment Training

The Global Center for Mental Healthcare and Ministry at Houston Baptist University is pleased to host a specialized training entitled, “The Opioid Addiction Crisis: Creating an Effective Church and Community Collaboration and Resolution Strategy” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, at Houston Baptist University.

Anchored by the American Association of Christian Counselors, this specialized training features the participation of the Department of Health and Human Services Center of Faith and Opportunity Initiatives. It is developed for mental health leaders, pastors, coaches, lay helpers, concerned family members and community leaders.

The opioid crisis has left no demographic untouched. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, in nearly 68 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2017, opioids were involved. Training attendees will learn how to identify an opioid addiction, support family members and loved ones, implement and strengthen local programs, and advocate for pain management as necessary.

Dr. Robert B. Sloan, HBU president, said, “Houston Baptist University is pleased to host this specialized training to deal with what President Trump called ‘a public health emergency.’ My prayer is that God will use this in a significant way to help impact our city, state and beyond. The lineup of speakers is fantastic!”

President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Dr. Tim Clinton, said, “The AACC is honored to help lead the way with these specialized trainings for counselors, pastors and more.”


Expert Panelists Include:

Shannon Royce, Director of the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Matt Stanford, CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston, and Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at the Baylor College of Medicine and the Methodist Hospital Institute for Academic Medicine

Dr. Michael Lyles, Psychiatrist Specializing in Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and ADHD

Ben O’Dell, Program Specialist at the Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. John Spoede, Director of the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in the HBU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. David Jenkins, Professor of Counseling and the Director of the M.A. in Addiction Counseling Program in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University

Early-bird event registration is $49 before Feb. 1 ($29 for students), and $89 thereafter. Six continuing education credits are available for $29. An Opioid Specialized Response Training Manual, HHS Opioid Epidemic Practical Toolkit, and Certificate of Completion will be provided to attendees. Lunch is included.