Webinar Series: Thriving in Substance Use Disorder Service Delivery in the Post-COVID Era
This webinar series provides the behavioral health workforce with training on COVID-19 mitigation, management, and communication, as well as an understanding of its intersection with substance use disorder (SUD). People experiencing SUD are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection; their care teams require evidence-based, up-to-date information about effective treatment and management strategies. To address this, our webinar series features leaders in infectious disease, addiction medicine, and behavioral health presenting on best practices for navigating COVID-19 care within a SUD context.
Register for the March session!
Learning Objectives
- Describe current research related to COVID-19 and its implications in the field of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment.
2. Discuss strategies to communicate effectively, encourage healthcare provider resiliency, and strengthen the workforce for any future pandemic.
3. Explain the current COVID-19 landscape and the importance of remaining vigilant when interacting with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorder.
4. Implement best practices related to COVID-19 mitigation in the behavioral health workforce.

December 2024 – May 2025 Sessions
Join us for the 2025 webinar series as we delve into best practices and resilience during COVID-19 amid the substance use disorder treatment workforce. Gain valuable insights from industry experts on navigating challenges and supporting the recovery of patients.
March 2025 | Unveiling the Links: Emerging Research on Long COVID and Substance Use
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 12 p.m. CT
Speaker: Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD
Professor and Chair
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
UT Health San AntonioThis presentation explores the growing body of evidence surrounding the interplay between Long COVID and substance use disorders. We will delve into shared risk factors, including socioeconomic and health disparities, and how overlapping symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mental health challenges can complicate recovery. The talk will highlight the importance of holistic, patient-centered approaches to care, offering practical recommendations for addressing the dual challenges of Long COVID and substance use in diverse populations.
Register nowApril 2025 | Coping with Pandemic-Related Grief: Strategies for Healing and Resilience
More info coming soon.
May 2025 | Renewable Energy: Strategies for Recharging After COVID Fatigue
More info coming soon.
Past Sessions
Session 1: Adapting to Change: Updates on COVID-19, RSV, and Flu
Speaker: Jason E. Bowling, MD, FIDSA
Professor of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, UT Health San Antonio
Director of Hospital Epidemiology, University Health SystemsRecording available soon
Session 2: Ensuring Continuity of Behavioral Health Services During Patient COVID-19 Incidents: Triage, Telehealth, and Take-Homes!
Speaker: John Weems, MD, PASAM
Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
UT Austin Dell Medical SchoolRecording available soon
Recording available soon
Session 3: Mobile Integrated Health: Emergency Response to Substance Use and COVID-19
Speakers:
Lieutenant Samuel Guzman
Program Director, Mobile Integrated Health Unit
San Antonio Fire DepartmentJohn De La Garza, MIH Officer
Project Manager, Overdose Prevention Project
San Antonio Fire DepartmentRecording available soon
Past Sessions
This webinar series is supported by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission through federal funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant award number HHS001042300006.