Owensboro will welcome the Kentucky Opioid Symposium October 5–6, bringing together state and regional leaders, prevention professionals, community partners and organizations working to address the impact of substance use on children, families and communities across Kentucky.
The symposium is coming to Owensboro through a collaborative effort between RiverValley Behavioral Health, Visit Owensboro and the Kentucky Opioid Advisory Commission, housed in the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, according to a news release.
The partnership provides an opportunity to bring important statewide conversations, training and resources directly to Western Kentucky while strengthening connections among organizations working on the frontlines of prevention and community response.
The two-day symposium is open to the public, with registration available for $50 for the full two-day conference.
Community members are encouraged to attend alongside city, county and state officials; representatives from the legal and justice systems; schools and educators; healthcare providers; law enforcement; public health professionals; and members of the prevention, treatment and recovery communities.
“We can change the trajectory of our Commonwealth when advocates, professionals, and leaders all work together toward a shared goal: saving lives,” said Christopher Evans, Director of Kentucky’s Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. “We look forward to this Symposium and the chance to support those who are improving the lives of so many of our fellow Kentuckians.”
Dr. Wanda Figueroa, President and CEO of RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH), said bringing the Kentucky Opioid Symposium to Owensboro will connect regional partners with state leaders while strengthening efforts to address substance use across the Commonwealth.
“The opioid epidemic has affected every community, and our response must be just as connected,” Figueroa said. “We hope attendees leave with new relationships, practical ideas and renewed energy to strengthen prevention efforts and build partnerships that continue long after October 6.”
Figueroa also credited Visit Owensboro Destination Account Executive, Teresa Jones, for helping bring the statewide event to the region.
“We are grateful for the partnership of Visit Owensboro and for Teresa’s work connecting us with state leaders to make this symposium possible in our community,” she said.
Brooke Arnold, Director of the RVBH Regional Prevention Center, said the symposium will help connect those working directly in Kentucky communities with information, training and resources available at the regional and state levels.
“This symposium gives us an opportunity to bring together the people who are doing this work every day and create stronger connections between local, regional and state resources,” Arnold said. “Our focus is on making sure communities have access to information, training and partnerships that can help protect children and support families.”
The Kentucky Opioid Symposium will provide opportunities for professionals, community leaders, prevention specialists and other stakeholders to learn about strategies, resources and partnerships designed to address substance use and its effects throughout Kentucky.
Arnold will work with regional partners to coordinate participation and ensure information gained from the symposium supports ongoing prevention and community response efforts throughout the region.
The symposium is designed to create a shared forum for people who encounter the opioid crisis from different perspectives, from individuals and families directly affected by substance use to professionals working in prevention, treatment and recovery, as well as leaders in healthcare, education, public safety, government, public health and the justice system.
Bringing those perspectives into the same conversation can help communities better understand available resources, identify needs and gaps, learn from approaches being used in other parts of the Commonwealth, and strengthen coordinated responses to the opioid crisis.
The event also demonstrates the value of collaboration between healthcare and behavioral health organizations, community partners, local government and the meetings and tourism industry.
“Bringing a statewide symposium like this to Owensboro is a great example of what can happen when local organizations come together with a shared purpose,” said Teresa Jones, Destination Sales Account Executive with
Visit Owensboro. “We are proud to support RiverValley Behavioral Health and the State of Kentucky in bringing this important event to our community.”
The October 5–6 symposium will provide a forum for statewide and regional collaboration while highlighting Owensboro as a location where important conversations can take place and partnerships can grow.
The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Symposium is open to the public.
Registration is $50 for the full two-day conference. To register or learn more, visit link Opioid Symposium 2026 Registration or visit https://kyoaac.ky.gov
Comments