The TxDOT grant funds provide a valuable opportunity for the UTMB Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics and UTMB ER Trauma Services to expand their educational efforts. Through collaboration and innovative programming, they aim to equip Galveston County students and surrounding areas, with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed, safe decisions, ultimately contributing to a safer community for all. 

The initiative aims to engage students across Galveston County through a series of interactive events, presentations, and activities. These programs are designed to be both informative and engaging, encouraging students to actively participate in discussions about the dangers of impaired driving.

The San Jacinto Health Fair enables the UTMB Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics to educate local college students about the effects of fentanyl, opioid overdose, warning signs of overdose, and how to distribute Narcan.

The UTMB Health Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics is dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical care in the field of addiction. With the support of TxDOT grant funds, the center will enhance its educational outreach to young people, focusing on the risks and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

This 3rd Annual event is an opportunity for professionals, public officials, and community members to come together and address topics that affect so many lives in our area. This conference will offer valuable insights into why people might feel consumed by mental health and substance use disorders.

Location: Moody Methodist Church, Galveston

Date/Time: Thursday, April 10, 2025; 8:00AM-3:00PM

Learn more about the 2025 Belly of the Whale Conference.

The ultimate goal of this initiative is to significantly reduce the number of impaired driving incidents in Galveston County. By educating young drivers and potential drivers about the dangers and legal repercussions of driving under the influence, the program seeks to foster a culture of responsibility and safety.

April 27, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Walgreens 308 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, TX 77550 (Seawall Blvd. & Holiday Dr.) 

To find a Walgreens store with a safe medication disposal kiosk:

1. Visit Walgreens.com
2. Click on “Find a Store,” enter ZIP code and search
3. Click “More Filters”
4. Expand Health Services
5. Select Medication Disposal

UTMB’s Institute for Translational Sciences and the Sealy Center for Environmental Health & Medicine invite you to participate in a conversation on Shattering Stigma: Addiction and Mental Health.

Location: MOD Coffeehouse, 2126 Post Office Street, Galveston

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 24, 2024; 5:30-6:30PM

This conversation features Kathryn Cunningham, PhD, Director, Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST), University of Texas Medical Branch; David Houghton. PhD, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch; Emma Tumilty, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Bioethics and Health Humanities, University of Texas Medical Branch; Kimberly Beatty, LCSW-S, Executive Director, ADA Women’s Recovery Center; and Michael Gienger, Pastor, Galveston Central Church.

This event is a collaboration between the Spiritual Care Network, ADA Women's Center, and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) with other local nonprofit organizations. The annual event is a open to the community, mental health professionals, and faith leaders. 

Location: Moody Methodist Church, Galveston

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 18, 2024; 8:00AM-3:00PM

Learn more about the 2024 Belly of the Whale Conference.