Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference Highlights Community Partnerships

The annual event brings together experts to address substance use, mental health and homelessness issues.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference is set for March 12-13 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The event will feature keynote presentations, panels, workshops and networking opportunities focused on addressing substance use, mental health and homelessness in the region through community partnerships.

Why it matters

The conference aims to break down stigmas, build connections between agencies and personnel, and develop strategies to support recovery, resilience and wellness in affected communities across Southern Illinois.

The details

The two-day conference will cover a wide range of topics, including 'Whole Family' Recovery, Addictions and Veteran Care, Bridging Gaps in Community Health, Cannabis Policy and Prevention, Certified Peer Workforce Development, and more. An eclectic panel of experts, professionals and community leaders will share their knowledge and experiences.

  • The Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference will be held on March 12-13, 2026.
  • The early bird registration deadline is February 27, 2026.

The players

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

The host institution for the Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference.

Events and Outreach

The department at SIU Carbondale that is handling conference registration and logistics.

Illinois State Police

Several members of the Illinois State Police, including Master Sergeant Brant Blackburn, Lt. Brandon Grzechowiak, Special Agent Wes Harbison, and Major Jonathan Edwards, will be presenting at the conference.

TASC Center for Justice's Center for Health and Justice

Koren VanderWeele, the senior program manager, will be a presenter at the conference.

Centerstone

Several staff members from Centerstone, including Stacy Seitz, Jessica Harrocks, and Melanie Russell, will be presenting at the conference.

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What’s next

The conference organizers encourage additional vendors to sign up to participate in the event.

The takeaway

The Southern Illinois Drug Awareness Conference demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing complex issues like substance use, mental health, and homelessness. By bringing together a diverse group of experts, service providers, and community members, the conference aims to develop innovative solutions and break down barriers to support recovery and wellness across the region.