The Director of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program at the University of Colorado, Dr. Chad Morris, will speak with Alaska tobacco and behavioral health experts today, January 8, as part of a summit at the Alaska Mental Health Trust Offices.
According to the Centers of Disease Control, individuals with mental illnesses and substance addictions account for nearly half of the 443,000 tobacco-related deaths per year in the United States, making tobacco use the number one preventable cause of death among those with behavioral mental health issues.
Dr. Morris' presentation will focus on the various effects tobacco use has on individuals with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. A discussion about state tobacco use and treatment in Alaskan behavioral health settings will follow.
"Tobacco use among people with behavioral health issues is an area that needs more attention, we know that patients want to quit and that tobacco treatment is effective among behavioral health clients," said Alexandria Hicks, Program Manager for the State of Alaska Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. "We are excited to provide this learning opportunity for mental and behavioral health providers in Alaska."
The summit is sponsored by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the State of Alaska Tobacco Prevention and Control Program.
Contact Jessica Ridgway
