From Stigma to Support: A Caregiver’s Role in Mental Health Care & Substance Use Recovery
Caring for a loved one living with mental health or substance use challenges can feel overwhelming — especially when it’s hard to talk about what’s really going on.
Join the Families, Substance Use & Mental Health Network (FAM) for a heartfelt, practical conversation on how caregivers can support loved ones in recovery, have more open conversations, and find hope in shared experiences.
Hear from advocates and leaders across recovery, caregiving, advocacy and other special populations to explore the power of advocacy in improving mental health and addiction treatment.
Key Takeaways
Keynote & Panelists
Lauren Sisler | ESPN reporter & recovery advocate | Keynote
Lauren Sisler is a two-time Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster, author, and keynote speaker who has been captivating audiences with her insightful coverage on ESPN and SEC Network since 2016. At Rutgers University, Lauren overcame profound loss as a college freshman when both her parents died within hours of each other from a prescription drug overdose. She transformed her grief and shame into resilience, now using her platform to advocate for addiction awareness and mental health.
Mary Bono | Cofounder and CEO, Mothers for Awareness and Prevention of Drug Abuse
Mary Bono is an American politician, businesswoman, and lobbyist who represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 to 2013, serving on four major House committees and authoring bipartisan legislation signed by three presidents. Today, Mary is widely recognized as a national leader on multiple issues, including addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery. She currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse (MAPDA).
Julie Lux | Vice President of Communications, Rural Minds
Julie Lux brings more than 30 years of communications experience in healthcare, animal health, and agriculture to her work with Rural Minds. Her interest in agriculture and farming came about “by marriage.” Julie’s husband, Ron, shared his appreciation of rural America through stories of his many happy times working on his grandfather’s farm in Illinois. Additionally, through her work for ag and animal health companies, including FMC and Elanco, Julie has seen firsthand the important contributions made by U.S. farmers and ranchers to feed our country – and the world. For nearly five years Julie produced an online educational program, The Minute for FMC. Producing these segments took her from the cornfields of Indiana and Illinois to the wheat fields of Wyoming and grape orchards and strawberry fields of northern California.
Marvell Adams Jr. | CEO, Caregiver Action Network
Marvell is a highly skilled advocate, educator, and leader. He has a lifelong commitment to serving caregivers, marginalized communities, and older adults. Marvell has shown dedication to serving caregivers since high school. He became fascinated with Alzheimer’s disease while completing a biology report. He pursued his education at the College of Charleston, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Marvell later obtained a Master of Healthcare Administration specializing in Aging Services from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.
This virtual event is presented by the Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network (FAM).
About Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network (FAM):
CAN’s Families, Addiction & Mental Health Network is committed to helping and supporting caregivers, families, and patients navigate specialized supports and resources. FAM recognizes the diversity and specialized support caregivers need to navigate substance use disorders and mental health care. FAM has the resources and supports to help caregivers address their loved one’s health needs while supporting their own health as well.
About Caregiver Action Network (CAN):
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for the more than 63 million family caregivers across the nation. From parents of children with complex health needs to spouses, friends, and adult children caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or Alzheimer’s, CAN supports the full spectrum of caregiving families. Through free education, peer support, and resources, CAN empowers caregivers nationwide to provide care with strength, resilience, and hope.
