Conferences

2026 Substance Misuse Summit

The 2026 Substance Misuse Summits were held in Mobile and Huntsville on August 18 and 20, 2026. Over 400 healthcare professionals attended to hear from amazing speakers.

Kevin DeStafano from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration gave an interesting and informative presentation on current street drug trends, statistics, and enforcement efforts.

Laura Stack, of Johnny's Ambassadors, talked about her son's descent into high-potency marijuana addiction, resulting in his subsequent suicide. Utilizing scientific research, along with her family's heartbreaking story, Stack highlighted the danger that marijuana usage poses to adolescent mental health.

Garret Aikens, PharmD, Chief of Pharmacy at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, led a discussion on pain management, followed by one on the clinical applications of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).

Tom Farley, brother of the late comedian Chris Farley, gave a presentation about his brother's addiction and the effects it had on his family. Farley also discussed his own journey in recovery, as well as his work to help others battling substance use disorders.

Jep and Jessica Robertson, of Duck Dynasty fame, wrapped up the day's featured speakers. The Robertsons gave an honest and heartfelt look at prior struggles in his life, and overcoming them through faith and family.

"The testimonies from Jep Robertson, Laura Stack, and Tom Farley result from different experiences, but their message was remarkably consistent: hope, resilience, and community action have the power to save lives," said Haley Philippe, PharmD, Harrison College of Pharmacy Clinical Professor and Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach (COACH) founding member. "The COACH Summit reminded us that strong communities are not built by avoiding difficult conversations. They are built when people come together with the courage to face challenges, support one another, and create solutions," Phillippe added.

The 2026 Substance Misuse Summits were supported through a partnership with the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy's COACH team with the Pharmacy Division of the Bureau of Prevention, Promotion & Support of the Alabama Department of Public Health, which holds Bureau of Justice Assistance Harold Rogers PDMP Funding.

2025 Substance Misuse Summit

The 2025 Substance Misuse Summit featured an incredible slate of speakers, headlined by keynote speaker Dr. Ben Carson, who served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. Joining Dr. Carson were State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, and many other notable speakers. The Alabama Department of Public Health joined the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy's Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach, and the University of South Alabama Office of CME to host the event.

Pictured at the event, left to right, are Nancy Bishop, Vicki Walker, Brittany Stewart, Dr. Ben Carson, Lacey Peacock, Courtnay Cleveland, and Rachel Kiefer. See the Harrison College of Pharmacy's Facebook post for more photos from the Summit.