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

  1. 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 Antonio

    This 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 now

  • April 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 Systems

    Recording 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 School

    Recording 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 Department

    John De La Garza, MIH Officer  
    Project Manager, Overdose Prevention Project 
    San Antonio Fire Department  

    Recording 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.