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  • Agenda
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2026 Recovery Advocacy in Action Day at the Legislature

About this event

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR Recovery Advocacy Day at the West Virginia State Capitol on Friday, February 6th from 8:15am-2:30pm.


The Capitol opens at 8am, please allow time to go through security.  Meter parking is very limited and we encourage folks to park at Laidley Field and take the shuttle.

Please note we will not be providing coffee or breakfast this year and Lunch is on your own. 

REGISTRATION FOR THE RECEPTION on 2/5 is now CLOSED-Thank you for your understanding- we hope you can join us next year.

The cut off ensures enough time for our catering service to prepare.

REGISTRATION for RAD 2/6 will close on Friday 1/30 at the end of the day


WVAAPP's Recovery Advocacy Day focuses on identifying areas of interest related to treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts including legislation impacting West Virginians.

The event will include professional development/advocacy training, roundtable conversations with West Virginia legislators & State Agency Officials, and updates on legislation impacting our fields.  

This event is being co-hosted by:

WVCBAPP – the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals

WVBHPA- the West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association

WVARR – the West Virginia Alliance for Recovery Residences

West Virginia Chapter – NASW – National Association of Social Workers


CE's are approved through WVCBAPP for peers, ADC/AADC & prevention for up to 3.50 hours; SW are approved up to 2.5; LPC provide agenda to the board individually for approval.  You must sign the CE form at each session for credit.

Psychology hours are not being requested but can be submitted by the attendee on an individual basis directly to WV Psychology Board for approval.

If you are going to exhibit/sponsor at the event please use the coupon code that was provided to the main point of contact at your organization.

All names of attendees should be listed on the exhibit/sponsorship form and the form should be emailed to Susie Mullens at treasurer@wvaapp.org.

At this time the only free exhibit tables are reserved for institutions of higher education. 

Students pursuing degrees in SW, human services, counseling, CJ, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, and medical school are all encouraged and welcome to attend at no cost.  Use the coupon code Student when registering.  Student ID will need to be shown at registration.

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  • Lori Lynch
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • David Kelly
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • The Honorable John B. McCuskey
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • Josh Barker, AAS
    Mr. Barker is the Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Outreach, as well as Special Advisor to the Attorney General. I’m a proud native of Chapmanville, West Virginia, holds West Virginia Board of Governors A.A.S. degree from Southern WV CTC and an alumnus of Marshall University. For the past eight years, I’ve had the honor of working alongside our current Attorney General, formerly the State Auditor of West Virginia. I’m married to my wonderful wife, Jill Barker, and together we have two beautiful daughters, Katy and Lilly. We reside in Boone County, West Virginia, a place we’re proud to call home.
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • Jamie Oates
    Jamie Oates serves as a Reentry Liaison with the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition. A Fairmont State University graduate and former Teacher of the Year, he taught in Clay and Braxton counties for over 12 years. He joined WVSDT in 2014 as an Adult Education Instructor where he served for 10 years prior to taking over his new role as a Reentry Liaison. Jamie coached football for 25 years and has broadcast sports for 17. He enjoys hunting and fishing and lives in Braxton County with his wife Becky and their two adult children.
    Sessions
    • PRESENTATION : Panel Presentation and Discussion on Reentry and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Continuity (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • The Honorable Scot Heckert, Delegate, WV House of Delegates, District 13
    Scot Heckert is an American politician serving as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from the 13th district. Delegate Heckert was the Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, which focused on Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health issues for the House of Delegates during the 2025 legislative session. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/house/lawmaker.cfm?member=Delegate%20Heckert#
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • Stephen Loyd, MD
    Dr. Stephen Loyd is an Internal Medicine/Addiction Medicine physician who graduated medical school and residency from the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Loyd was the Assistant Commissioner (Opioid Czar) for Substance Abuse Services in the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in Governor Bill Haslam’s administration. He has served as an expert witness in more than twenty federal and state cases against physicians who were improperly prescribing controlled substances. Dr. Loyd was named an Advocate for Action by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), an office of the President of the United States. He has delivered over five hundred educational lectures on addiction and treatment of opioid use disorder and proper prescribing of controlled substances. Dr. Loyd was an original member (still active) of the Treatment of Chronic Pain Guidelines Committee which defined pain treatment for providers in the state of Tennessee. He has worked as an Addiction Medicine Physician in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, specializing in the treatment of opioid dependent pregnant women. Dr. Loyd has served on multiple drug courts in Tennessee and remains an active participant in drug court in the 4th Judicial District under Judge Duane Slone. He has worked with multiple community level anti-drug coalitions from Johnson County to Shelby County and has worked with all levels of state law enforcement, mainly the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Dr. Loyd was the inspiration behind Michael Keaton’s character in Hulu’s Emmy Award winning series Dopesick. He currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Cedar Recovery in Tennessee and is the current Chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council appointed by current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. Dr. Loyd has been in recovery from opioid and benzodiazepine addiction since July 8, 2004. https://www.drstephenloyd.com/
    Sessions
    • PRESENTATION : Panel Presentation and Discussion on Reentry and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Continuity (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • Amanda McCarty, MS, MBA, MHA
    Amanda McCarty, MS, MBA, MHA, is the Senior Director of Health Sciences at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. She is also an Adjunct Professor in Health Care Administration at West Virginia University Institute of Technology. From 2012-2016, she served as the Director of Performance Management & Systems Development at the West Virginia’s Bureau for Public Health. At the Bureau, Amanda was a member of the health department’s leadership team and was responsible for accreditation, performance management, strategic planning, workforce development and quality improvement efforts. Prior to joining the Bureau, Amanda worked for Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield/Highmark, Inc. in health promotion and disease prevention. Ms. McCarty holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Exercise Science as well as a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Marshall University, and a Master of Business Administration from West Virginia University.
    Sessions
    • PANEL : Panel Presentation and Discussion on the Addiction and Prevention Workforce and Licensure Goals (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • The Honorable Brian Helton, Senator, WV Senate, 9th District
    Senator Brian Helton, the 9th District in West Virginia, was Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Substance Abuse and Mental Health during the 2025 Legislative Session He also serves on the Judiciary, Economic Development, Government Organization, Transportatio,n and Energy Committees. https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Senate1/lawmaker.cfm?member=Senator%20Helton Senator Helton is a long-time entrepreneur. He has started and managed many successful businesses in West Virginia jobs in the process over the past 25 years. He coached basketball for many years from youth basketball to high school. He has served multiple times on school boards. He and Emilee, his wife of 33 years, raised their family on their farm near Mount Hope, WV. His son is a graduate of WVU and his daughter is a public school teacher in Raleigh County."
    Sessions
    • Reception : Reception at the Culture Center
  • Deb Harris
    Deb Harris manages WV Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope WV, supporting workforce reentry and recovery. She leads 30 staff providing career training, education, and employment resources. Recognized with the 2020 YWCA Women of Achievement Award and appointed to the WV Workforce Development Board in 2023, Deb holds advanced degrees in education and behavioral health. She lives in Charleston with her family and enjoys outdoor activities.
    Sessions
    • PRESENTATION : Panel Presentation and Discussion on Reentry and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Continuity (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • Jeremy Truman MA. AADC
    Jeremy Truman, MA, AADC is the Adult Administrator on the Care Advocacy Team for Aetna Better Health of WV, and is also a Clinical Supervisor for Motivo Health, where he provides clinical supervision to individuals and groups seeking ADC and AADC certification. He has worked in the field of Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder Treatment for nearly 20 years, as a therapist, clinical supervisor, program director and program developer. He has extensive experience in providing treatment to youth and adults, using a person centered and trauma informed approach. Jeremy has a MA in Counseling from Liberty University, with a specialization in Addiction and Recovery. Jeremy holds a certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) with the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVCBAPP) and is also the Immediate Past President of the WVCBAPP, which oversees the certification and standards for all substance use disorder professionals and peers in the state of West Virginia.
    Sessions
    • PANEL : Panel Presentation and Discussion on the Addiction and Prevention Workforce and Licensure Goals (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • Richard Dempsey, M. Ed.
    Rick Dempsey, M. Ed. Assistant Director Office of Drug Control Policy West Virginia Department of Human Services
    Sessions
    • PRESENTATION : Panel Presentation and Discussion on Reentry and Substance Use Disorder Treatment Continuity (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • Jon Dower, MS, LPC, NCC, CRC, ICAADC, AADC, CCS, SAP
    With more than a dozen years of experience working with individuals affected by opioid and substance use disorder, Jon Dower brings both professional and lived experience to his role as Executive Director of WVSL Solutions, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting West Virginians facing mental health challenges, including addiction. He also serves as an adjunct professor at West Virginia University in the School of Counseling and Wellbeing, where he specializes in addiction services. As the president of the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, Jon has played an active role in shaping policy, previously serving on the Governor’s Council of Substance Misuse and Prevention and as Vice President of the Alliance of Recovery Residences. His expertise is supported by a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from WVU and numerous certifications, including the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.
    Sessions
    • PANEL : Panel Presentation and Discussion on the Addiction and Prevention Workforce and Licensure Goals (Location: WV Culture Center)
  • Joe Deegan, MSW, LICSW, AADC-S
    Joe is currently employed by Thomas Health in South Charleston, West Virginia as Business Development Liaison for Behavioral Health Services. Mr. Deegan received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work from West Virginia University. Joe is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and is credentialed as an Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor/Supervisor (AADC-S) in West Virginia as well as Masters Addiction Counselor (MAC). He has worked extensively in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment for over 40 years. Joe serves on the Boards of the WV Chapter of NASW, WVAADC - the Association of Addictions Professionals and the WV Medical Cannabis Advisory Board. Joe is also President-elect for the West Virginia Behavioral Health Providers Association.
    Sessions
    • Visit : Legislative Visits with Senators and Delegates At the Capitol Building
  • Charles Mullins, MBA-HCM, PRSS-SUD
    Charles Mullins brings nine years of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, having served in multiple capacities, including Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS), Targeted Case Manager, Intake Specialist, and Director of Operations at a Licensed Behavioral Health Center (LBHC). He holds an MBA in Healthcare Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Marshall University. Committed to advancing equitable access to care, Charles is passionate about expanding mental health support to unserved and underserved populations. His family includes his wife, Brittany, and their three children. They are active members of Norway Avenue Church of Christ, where he teaches a Bible study for men in recovery.
    Sessions
    • PANEL : Panel Presentation and Discussion on the Addiction and Prevention Workforce and Licensure Goals (Location: WV Culture Center)

CE Info

Earn up to 3.5 CE Credit Hours

Each professional is responsible for the individual requirements as stipulated by his/her licensing agency. Please contact your individual licensing board/regulatory agency to review continuing education requirements for licensure renewal. Please note: You must attend "live" (in real-time) to earn CE credits.

After the event, you will receive access to your evaluation and continuing education certificate via a personalized "attendee dashboard" link, hosted on the CE-Go website. This link will be sent to the email account you used to register for the event.

Upon accessing the CE-Go "attendee dashboard", you will be able to:

  • Complete evaluation forms for the event
  • Download your continuing education certificate in a PDF format

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the CE-Go platform, please contact CE-Go at 888-498-5578 or by email at support@ce-go.com Please Note: Emails for this event will come from "support@ce-go.com".

If you have any continuing education related questions, please contact your event organizer.

Please make sure to check your spam/junk folder in case those emails get "stuck". We'd also suggest "Allowlisting" support@ce-go.com. This tells your email client that you know this sender and trust them, which will keep emails from this contact at the top of your inbox and out of the junk folder.

Continuing Education Credit Hours are available from the following organizations

In-Person

West Virginia Certification Board For Addiction and Prevention Professionals
This event is approved by for up to continuing education credits by the West Virginia Certification Board For Addiction and Prevention Professionals #490029
West Virginia Board Of Social Work Examiners
This event is approved for up to 2.5 CEs by the West Virginia Board Of Social Work Examiners #490114
Attendees shall only report the hours actually attended
West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling
LPCs should apply for CEs directly to the West Virginia Board Of Examiners in Counseling, #533

Policies

Refund / Cancellation
Please note that there will be no refunds for cancelled registration.
CELS Grievance Policy
If a grievance arises pertaining to continuing education activities or processes, please contact Tyler Gibson via confidential email to tyler@celearningsystems.com as soon as possible, so that the nature of the concern may be addressed in a timely fashion.
Pay by Check or Purchase Order
If you need to pay by check or purchase order. Please email Susie Mullens at treasurer@wvaapp.org
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2026 Recovery Advocacy in Action Day at the Legislature
You Have Completed This course
$15.00 - $25.00
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  • CE Hours
    3.5
  • Type
    In-Person Event
  • Location
    WV State Capitol Building & Culture Center (1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25302)
  • Date
    February 05 - 06, 2026

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