The Baby Boomers have emerged as the elders. Retirement, chronic illnesses, and even death are diminishing the boomers. Moreover, many boomers have lost loved ones prematurely. How are they dealing with grief and loss?

Ageism intersects with various mental health illnesses that were silenced, unseen (undiagnosed), and medicated. How do we understand the generation of Baby Boomers and their mental health? How do we treat them?

This one-hour virtual session will explore patterns of opioid and stimulant use through lessons learned from Baltimore City, grounding discussion in locally observed trends, community context, and service realities. Participants examine how social, structural, and behavioral factors shape substance use, overdose risk, and engagement with care. Emphasis is placed on translating local data into practical strategies to support opioid-related disease prevention and a coordinated response across health and social service settings.

Our panel will provide an overview of the immigration system and how to navigate it. We will discuss the ethical and clinical challenges that arise in working with people impacted by immigration. We will offer individual and organizational tips for self-care to mitigate vicarious trauma and to promote vicarious resilience. We will provide links to immigration resources, and will discuss ideas and opportunities for advocacy.

This session will explore the challenges that lead to burnout and fatigue among school social workers, especially in the post-pandemic environment. We’ll discuss common signs and symptoms, strategies to prevent burnout in school settings, and ways school social workers can serve as resources for teachers. Participants will also gain practical guidance on starting conversations with administrators to support staff well-being and promote a healthier school climate.