Humane approaches to substance use disorders: Promoting empathy and inclusivity

Title : Humane approaches to substance use disorders: Promoting empathy and inclusivity

Abstract:

The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of current trends of Substance Use in Society.  A pictorial drug review with associated health risks will address the gap in clinical practice while examining the prevalence of drugs in the society we live in.  Research presented will demonstrate how new and innovative treatment strategies are being developed to promote recovery.  Discussion will encompass the overarching goal of how a Therapeutic Relationship between a nurse and client can facilitate lifestyle changes towards Health Promotion and wellness.

Biography:

Donna McCarten White is a strong advocate for education in the clinical practice of Substance Use Disorders in all healthcare professions.  She is a Board-certified Clinical Specialist by ANCC, and maintains 4 certifications and 2 licenses.  A specialist in Compassion Stress and Fatigue, recognized with 15 awards in her professional career, including the Manning College at the University of MA Boston for her revision of the Addiction Counselling Education Program.  September of 2025, she was one of 3 leaders in the field of Addiction Treatment to be honoured as the impetus for the creation of the Trailblazer Award by Boston Medical Center. She is certified as an educator and therapist in Compassion Fatigue and is a specialist in Addictive Disorders, Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Traumatization in Healthcare Professionals and a Board-Certified Fellow in Traumatic Stress. Dr. White has been a Clinical Instructor for Boston Area Colleges graduate NP programs as well as baccalaureate level for Community Health Clinical work and is a Visiting Scholar for local Colleges of Nursing and other Professional Programs of study.  She is one of the 17 Founding Members of the American Society of Addiction Nursing (ASAN) and a Fellow in the International Nurses Society of Addictions. She has lectured at many facilities and agencies nationwide and is a recognized leader in the field of Addictions, Impaired Practice and Peer Assistance, as well as Healthcare Professional Stress, and volunteers on the Apache Reservation in Arizona to work with the Indigenous Tribal People providing education of Substance Use Disorders.