Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1.  Evaluate the evidence supporting harm reduction in veteran populations with PTSD and SUDs.
2. Identify barriers to implementing harm reduction strategies in VA and community settings.
3.  Identify ways in which social workers can strive to implement and expand harm-reduction services to military veteran populations.

 

Presenter Bio:

Haley Candace Hutchinson is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Kentucky and a Certified Social Worker in the state of Kentucky. Haley’s concentration is in military behavioral health. Currently, she practices as a college mental health counselor at Morehead State University. Haley’s specialty is working with individuals who have histories of complex trauma.

Haley graduated from Morehead State University in 2017 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then went on to attend George Mason University, where she graduated with her master’s degree in clinical social work practice in 2019. During her time at George Mason, Haley received the competitive “outstanding graduate student, specialization year” award for academic excellence. Haley then completed extensive training to provide EMDR therapy in 2024 and is currently in the final stages of the supervision process; she will soon be testing for independent licensure to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Haley’s capstone research within the DSW program is focused on treating veterans with military-acquired trauma and resulting substance use disorders via harm-reduction methods. Haley enjoys working with and researching topics concerning substance use disorders, complex medical needs, active military service members and veterans, as well as individuals with trauma-related mental health disorders. Her personal experience as a US Army veteran inspired her to focus her research on gaps in veteran care. She plans to use her interests and experience to open her own private practice in the future, to better meet the needs of her local community members.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.