The National Rural Alcohol & Drug Abuse Network, Inc.
Celebrating 40 years of promoting excellence throughout Rural America
Dates for the 2027 National Rural Institute are
June 6-10, 2027
Annual Conference “The Rural”
National Rural Institute on Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictions – Training for Addiction Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Professionals
Hybrid: In-Person and Virtual Options
UW-Stout Memorial Student Center, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI
Presented by:
The National Rural Alcohol & Drug Abuse Network, Inc.
NRADAN, INC.
NAADAC Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be emailed to attendees after the event.
NRADAN Members: $10, Non-members: $25
When Every Conversation Matters:
Suicide Risk Assessment in Rural Practice
Friday, October 2nd, from 1:00-2:00 CT
Suicide risk assessment is one of the most challenging areas of behavioral health practice.
This training offers a practical overview of how clinicians can approach suicide risk assessment with greater confidence, clarity, and care. Participants will review key risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and the importance of asking directly about suicide. The session will also address clinician self-awareness, trauma-informed communication, non-stigmatizing language, and the role of ambivalence in conversations about suicide.
The workshop will introduce structured assessment and planning approaches, including collaborative safety planning. Emphasis will be placed on using these tools to support-not replace-clinical judgment.
Additional topics include documentation, follow-up, HIPAA and ethical considerations, lethal-means counseling, and level-of-care decisions. Participants will leave with practical strategies for developing thoughtful safety plans, documenting their clinical rationale, and connecting clients to appropriate supports and resources.
David Dawdy, MA, LLP
David Dawdy brings over 30 years of experience in behavioral health, with expertise in substance use disorders (SUD), mental health treatment, and systems improvement.
As former Mental Health Director for the Michigan Department of Corrections, he led innovative, system-wide programs addressing mental health, SUD, and sexual offense treatment for justice-involved individuals. He managed a$52 million budget and oversaw more than 400 clinical and support staff.
Now a behavioral health and justice consultant, David partners with organizations to strengthen service delivery, implement evidence-based practices, and improve outcomes for individuals with co-occurring disorders. A dynamic speaker and trainer, he is committed to reducing stigma and expanding access to care through education, advocacy, and practical, system-focused solutions.
Presented by:
The National Rural Alcohol & Drug Abuse Network, Inc.
NRADAN, INC.
NAADAC Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be emailed to attendees after the event.
NRADAN Members: $10, Non-members: $25
Let’s Talk About It:
Sex, Intimacy, and Spirituality in Recovery
Wednesday, December 9th from 11:00-12:00 CT (12:00 Noon ET)
Sex, intimacy, and spirituality can be important parts of recovery, but they aren’t always easy to talk
about.
This interactive workshop helps addiction professionals examine how their own comfort, values, and assumptions can shape conversations with clients. Participants will gain strategies for initiating respectful, nonjudgmental discussions that support a holistic approach to recovery.
Phil McCabe CSW, CAS, DRCC
A Certified Social Worker, Certified Addiction Specialist, Disaster Response Crisis Counselor, and Board-Certified Sexologist. A member of the International Association of Trauma Specialists, he provides education on resilience, stigma, trauma, violence prevention, recovery,and LGBTQ health through Rutgers University, Center for Public Health Workforce Development.
He also serves as president of NALGAP, the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction
Professionals (nalgap.org).
Contact:
gaycounselor.com
Approved CEUs
NAADAC approved educational provider
Approved for 45+ CEUs
2026 Institue Donors and Sponsors:
Feedback from Mike Jamison
“I have attended numerous workshops in the past 45 years. The Rural Institute is probably the best 3.5-day workshop I have ever attended. The atmosphere is a more casual, friendly type. I found the participants, lecturers, and staff friendly and welcoming. I recommend the Rural Institute to anyone
looking for a different learning experience!”
Mike Jamison, retired Minnesota LADC