About Session
This training is part of the 20th Anniversary Celebration at Higgins Lake. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lodging will be provided. More information can be found about Higgins Lake here.
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr, Vivek Murthi, published a report on an investigation of loneliness and isolation in the United States. Trends toward loneliness and isolation were increasing prior to the pandemic but increased more rapidly during and after. People have lost community and family connections, and some have found it difficult to reengage in relationships.
This workshop will present information on the current state of loneliness and isolation and its consequences, but the focus more on the solutions that exist in peer support services. Together we’ll develop strategies to address the high priority needs that we identify. We will also talk about prevention and harm reduction strategies to minimize the effects of loneliness and isolation.
At the same time, this workshop will include ways to transform loneliness to solitude.
Objectives:
- Learn about contributing factors in the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the US.
- Understand the risks of loneliness and isolation.
- Develop innovative strategies that address the issue using peer support.
- Learn about harm reduction strategies that peer organizations can do to reduce loneliness and isolation.
About the Trainer:
Cheryl Gagne, Sc.D. is the Clinical Director of Housing at Victory Programs. She specializes in psychiatric rehabilitation, dual disorders, program development, and training for students, professionals, and peers. In 2018, she wrote Michigan’s Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CPRC) curriculum with funding from SAMHSA. Cheryl holds a Sc.D. in Rehabilitation Science and an M.S. in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University, and a B.A. in Biology/Chemistry from St. Joseph’s College. She is a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
Eligible for 3.25 MDHHS Continuing Education credits.
