Home Official News Releases Drake University co-sponsors event on substance abuse and mental health

Drake University co-sponsors event on substance abuse and mental health

In collaboration with UnityPoint Health – Des Moines Behavioral Powell Chemical Dependency Center Services (CDC), Drake University is hosting a panel discussion, “Young People, Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Recognizing the effects of marijuana and other drugs on tomorrow’s leaders.”

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. in Drake University’s Meredith Hall, Room 106. David Kaptain, program manager for Powell CDC, will serve as the moderator.

The panel will feature the following experts, who will discuss the challenges around addiction and the avenues for individuals working on recovery:

Kevin P. Hill, M.D., M.H.S., is an addiction psychiatrist conducting clinical research aimed at developing treatments for substance use disorders. His work is focused primarily on medications and behavioral interventions that might improve available treatments for those wanting to stop smoking marijuana or cigarettes. Hill is the recipient of a prestigious federal K99/ROO grant award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). His project is to test the efficacy of a synthetic marijuana-like compound, nabilone, as a potential medication treatment for patients with cannabis (marijuana) dependence. Hill earned a master’s degree in health science from Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program at Yale and has published on numerous topics in addiction. Hill also maintains a small private practice.

Dale Woolery joined the Iowa governor’s office in 1994. As the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy’s associate director, he works with public and private sector leaders at the local, state, and federal levels to strengthen drug control efforts. In addition to coordinating drug enforcement and substance abuse prevention and treatment initiatives throughout Iowa, Woolery’s office supports programs with federal drug and crime control grants, and works with elected officials on public policy. Woolery is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Journalism degree.

Ken Cheyne, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and his fellowship in adolescent medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is presently medical director of Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines and adjunct clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa Carver college of Medicine. Cheyne practices adolescent medicine at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines.

Colin H., member of the recovery community and aftercare facilitator.

Attendees will learn about research, interventions, and personal experiences of individuals with substance abuse addiction.

For more information, call 515-263-4004.