The TN Drug User Health Research Symposium at Meharry is an annual 2-day conference focusing on research and evidence-based practices that expand access to care and improve outcomes for Tennesseans struggling with substance use and addiction. It is only conference of its kind in Tennessee.
Symposium Itinerary
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time
Session
Presenter(s)
8:30-9:00 am
Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Networking
9:00-9:30 am
Welcome Remarks, Symposium Overview, and Establishment of Goals
Robert Cooper
9:30-9:35 am
Speaker Transition
9:35-10:25 am
Policy Update
Robert Childs
10:25-10:30 am
Speaker Transition
10:30-11:20 am
Holistic Rural Health
A. Toni Young
11:20-11:25 am
Speaker Transition
11:25 am-12:15 pm
HIV Testing, PrEP, and PWUD
Robert Cooper
12:15-1:15 pm
Lunch Break
1:15-2:05 pm
Concurrent Track Sessions
Track A: Harm Reduction, Culture, and Regional Priorities - Orisha Bowers Track B: Co-occurring Mental Health and SUD - Kandace Arlaud
2:05-2:10 pm
Speaker Transition
2:10-3:00 pm
Concurrent Track Sessions
Track A: ROLLER Model / Harm Reduction Implementation - Mark Jenkins Track B: Recovery and Harm Reduction - Sam MacMaster and Thomas Gooch
3:00-3:05 pm
Speaker Transition
3:05-3:35 pm
Wound Care Training 20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
Greg Stafford
3:35-3:40 pm
Speaker Transition
3:40-4:10 pm
Drug Checking 20-minute presentation + 10-minute Q&A
