March 30, 2026
Contact Erin Miess at 608-796-3729 or etmiess@viterbo.edu
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Health and mental health professionals, educators, and college students are invited to attend the RESPOND Together: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Addressing the Opioid Crisis behavioral health summit the morning of Wednesday, April 15 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.
“This free event brings together community members and providers to discuss the significant impact of the opioid epidemic on individuals, families, and communities,” said Erin Miess, Viterbo social work faculty member and RESPOND Grant Director. “Participants will hear a powerful story from someone with lived experience who is now thriving in recovery and will learn practical techniques to support individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Whether you are a professional, a family member, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of your community, this event offers valuable insight and tools you can use right away.”
Abigail Spanjers, executive director of The La Crosse Lighthouse Inc., will serve as the keynote speaker. The La Crosse Lighthouse is local nonprofit organization that operates a peer run respite and warmline for individuals navigating mental health, substance use, and other life-interrupting challenges. Since taking leadership in 2022, Spanjers has restructured the organization to reflect grassroots, peer-centered values, emphasizing equity, shared leadership, and lived-experience expertise.
Certified as a Wisconsin Peer Specialist and in Intentional Peer Support, Spanjers was named the 2024 Shining Star Award recipient by the Mental Health Coalition of the Greater La Crosse Area and as has given presentations at the Wisconsin Peer Recovery Conference and National Association of Peer Supporters Annual Conference. Drawing from her lived experiences with long-term substance use recovery, mental health challenges, incarceration, and survival of domestic violence, Abigail brings deep empathy and authenticity to her work.
This RESPOND Annual Behavioral Health Summit is made possible by a $1.4 million Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) RESPOND program grant awarded to Viterbo University. The grant is designed to expand the number of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and counselors trained to provide mental health and substance use disorder clinical services in underserved community-based settings.
For the full schedule and to register, visit https://viterbouniversityethics.regfox.com/2026-respond-summit.
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