Thursday, April 4, 2002

5th Annual MICA Task Force Conference: "Treatment + Empowerment = Recovery"

The Atlantic County Mental Illness and Chemical Addiction (MICA) Task Force will be holding its fifth annual training conference on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel. The deadline for registration is May 3. Registrations will not be accepted the day of the event.

The theme of this year's conference is "Treatment + Empowerment = Recovery." Dr. Bruce Carruth, Ph.D., LCSW will serve as keynote speaker. Dr. Carruth is the senior editor of Chemical Dependency Publications and is widely recognized for his work in addictions, personality disorders and psychological trauma. Joining him as a guest speaker will be Dr. Charles Meusberger who chairs the Department of Psychiatry at Atlantic City Medical Center and previously served as the medical director of mental health and chemical dependency services for AtlantiCare Behavioral Health. Workshops that address intervention strategies, consumer empowerment, stress reduction, anger management and advances in psychotropic medications will also be offered.

"This conference is yet another example of the Atlantic County MICA Task Force's commitment to providing outstanding community education and state-of-the-art training for professional service providers," stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. "I commend the task force for its efforts on behalf of those who suffer with concurring disorders of mental illness and chemical addiction."

In addition to the speakers and workshops, the 2002 MICA Recognition Awards will be presented to a consumer, a family member and a professional service provider who have made a positive impact on the well being of mentally ill and chemically addicted individuals.

For further information or to receive a conference registration brochure, please contact Sally Williams at (609) 645-7700, extension 4307.

County News