CAHS Executive Director Jan Laughinghouse, PhD, LCSW-BACS, LAC, CCS, was a featured speaker at the “Hope to Heal” Behavioral Health Symposium, hosted by Set Free Indeed Ministry on July 22 at Southern University’s Leon R. Carver II Cultural and Heritage Center.
The event brought together advocates, providers, peers, and community leaders to highlight efforts to combat substance use disorders and the ongoing fentanyl crisis impacting the Baton Rouge region.
Special guest, Arthur Kleinschmidt, PhD, MBA, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), gave the opening remarks.
Dr. Laughinghouse spoke about why advocates and providers continue to have hope to heal — even in the face of systemic barriers, workforce shortages, and the daily challenges of serving our most vulnerable citizens. Her message underscored CAHS’ commitment to compassion in action and collaboration to save lives and build pathways to recovery. Click here to see the entirety of Dr. Laughinghouse’s remarks.
CAHS Peer Support Specialist Dustin Englehart, MBA, was among other advocates honored with a mayoral citation for outstanding outreach and dedication to supporting individuals battling substance use disorders.
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards and representatives of his office joined Louisiana Department of Health Assistant Secretary of Behavioral Health Karen Stubbs, members of the District Attorney’s Office, elected officials, and numerous advocates and providers at the symposium.
“CAHS proudly stands with Peers on Point, the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), the Set Free Indeed ‘freedom fighters,’ and many community partners as we demonstrate that healing is possible when we work together,” said Dr. Laughinghouse.
“The impact of our efforts is being noticed as we implement the PH3 model, which includes the critical aspects of public 1) safety, 2) health, and 3) hope. Together, we are building hope, delivering healing, and saving lives — one person, one family, one community at a time,” she said.