At the Mental Health Expo, Dr. David Ryan, an obstetrician-gynecologist with ECU Health and a clinical assistant professor of Addiction Medicine at Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, emphasized the importance of reducing stigma around addiction and viewing it as a disease. During his presentation, he highlighted the need to understand and dismantle the stigmas associated with life-saving medications used in addiction treatment.
Glenn Simpson, the service line administrator for behavioral health at ECU Health, also participated in the event and emphasized the value of bringing together various exhibitors in one place to provide the community with access to a wide array of resources in eastern North Carolina. He mentioned essential providers such as Trillium Health Resources and the 988 Helpline team to assist individuals in need of behavioral health support. Additionally, Simpson discussed the upcoming state-of-the-art, 144-bed behavioral health hospital in Greenville set to open in 2025 as an exciting development for the region.
Lillie Malpass, the executive director of Pitt County Coalition on Substance Use, also participated in the event alongside her organization and highlighted the significance of connecting with community members and other organizations. She emphasized the importance of exchanging information and breaking out of organizational silos to foster collaboration among prevention, recovery, and treatment organizations. Malpass underscored the value of coming together to explore ways to effectively work together in addressing substance use issues.
Overall, the event provided a platform for healthcare professionals, community organizations, and individuals to engage in meaningful discussions, share resources
