This session will explore key trends at the intersection of behavioral health, policy, and public health in Arkansas. Dr. Joseph Thompson, President Emeritus of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, will present recent data analyses and policy insights on three timely issues: the rising rates of acute behavioral health crises among perinatal and postnatal women; the growing influence of social media on youth mental health; and the evolving use of medical marijuana as a therapeutic option. The talk aims to equip healthcare leaders with data-driven knowledge to inform clinical strategies and policy responses.

Join Chris Thompson, founder of Sober Sidekick, for an inspiring presentation to discover how empathy-driven innovation and peer support are revolutionizing addiction recovery and empowering individuals to turn isolation into connection and relapse into resilience. With over 600,000 members globally and groundbreaking recovery outcomes, this session will explore how transformative recovery is not just possible—it’s scalable. Witness the power of comeback stories to reshape lives and communities.