VitAL Annual Conference
2026-08-20 08:00 - 2026-08-21 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Bryant Conference Center, 240 Paul Bryant Drive, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35487
Join Us for the 2026 VitAL Annual ConferenceAlabamians are leading the way in building a better future for behavioral health. The VitAL Annual Conference brings together professionals, advocates, and changemakers from across the state to share ideas, inspire action, and strengthen our collective impact. This year’s event will feature dynamic keynote speakers, practical workshops, and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about improving mental health, substance use, and trauma-related outcomes. Don’t miss this chance to gain new tools, fresh insights, and renewed energy for your work.

Suicide Prevention During Community Reentry After Incarceration
2026-08-26 11:00 - 12:30
Individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community face unique challenges that can increase their risk for suicide, particularly when barriers to care and support exist. This webinar will explore the factors that contribute to suicide risk during incarceration and community reentry, while examining the impact of access to behavioral health care, housing, employment, substance use treatment, and other essential services. Participants will learn evidence-informed strategies that correctional systems, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community partners can implement to improve continuity of care, strengthen collaboration, and reduce suicide risk during the reentry process. By participating in this training, participants will be able to: Describe the factors that increase suicide risk for individuals during incarceration and throughout the reentry process.Examine common barriers to successful reentry, including access to behavioral health care, housing, employment, substance use treatment, and other community supports, and discuss how these barriers can affect suicide risk.Identify practical, evidence-informed strategies that correctional systems, healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, and community partners can use to improve continuity of care and reduce suicide risk after release.

Hidden Hazards Webinar Series: The New Reality of Substance Use: Patterns, Predictions, and Case Studies
2026-08-26 14:00 - 15:30
The presentation will provide eye-opening information about the ongoing and ever-changing concerns of substance use in the U.S, and their clinical relevance. With Dr. Mathias’s role at the dual diagnosis unit of the psychiatric hospital, he is keenly in tune with the imminent needs for addiction treatment. This session will utilize several case studies to examine use patterns as well as social and behavioral trends that impact patient presentation and clinical needs. Understanding the dynamics of substance misuse in our society will help to develop much needed strategies for prevention and treatment geared towards those specific substances.

Learning objectives:

Identify emerging trends and shifts in substance use patterns across different populations, including changes in prevalence, substances of concern, and modes of consumption.

Examine the social, technological, and environmental factors driving these new patterns, such as cultural influences and policy changes.

Discuss the evidenced-based strategies for early intervention and treatment that address anticipated substance use challenges.

Community Connections - Jefferson State Community College (Clanton)
2026-09-01 12:00 - 14:00

Community Connections - Haleyville
2026-09-09 12:00 - 14:00
Free event – all are welcome!

Justice and Substance Use Alabama Summit (Birmingham)
2026-09-10 08:00 - 17:00

Justice and Substance Use Alabama Summit (Huntsville)
2026-09-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Dr NW, Huntsville, AL, 35806, United States

Justice and Substance Use Alabama Summit (Mobile)
2026-09-17 08:00 - 17:00

Justice and Substance Use Alabama Summit (Prattville)
2026-09-18 08:00 - 17:00

Community Connections - Headland, Alabama
2026-09-29 12:00 - 14:00
All community members are welcome!

Hidden Hazards Webinar Series: Understanding Today's Evolving Addictions: Toxicology 102
2026-11-18 14:00 - 15:30
Gas station drugs are a category of substances that are sold legally at gas stations or convenience stores throughout the United States and are typically marketed as legal alternatives to illicit drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or MDMA. However, these substances can be highly dangerous, as their chemical composition and potency can vary greatly. Furthermore, testing for gas station drugs can be challenging due to their varying chemical compositions and the fact that they are often not well understood by users or even some medical professionals. This presentation will discuss the various types of substances available and various testing methods to help identify misuse.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the presence and dangers of ‘gas station’ drugs – the growth and availability of multiple toxic substances without the need for Rx or ID to purchase.

Identify the ability to detect and test for some of these substances.

Describe the characteristics, intended effects, and potential adverse outcomes of common gas station drugs to enhance recognition and assessment of misuse in clinical and community settings.
