Singing River and Reach Impact Institute Present Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit
Singing River Health System and Reach Impact Institute are proud to present the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit: From Rescue to Recovery, a vital gathering focused on advancing community health and well-being across the Gulf Coast region.
The Reach Impact Institute, in partnership with Singing River Health System, Fund Recovery, Mississippi Public Health Institute, New Vision, and the National Institute for Behavioral Health, leads this initiative to expand access to care and reduce overdose deaths through practical, community-focused solutions.
Heather Rowley Porter
Administrator, Singing River Gulfport Hospital“Singing River Health System is proud to stand alongside our community partners in addressing the overdose crisis together. By listening, collaborating, and expanding access to proven prevention and treatment resources, we are working to create safer, healthier communities across the Gulf Coast.”
Event Details
What: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit
When: Friday, March 20, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Registration is encouraged
Where: Singing River Healthcare Academy | 3401 Bienville Blvd, 1st Floor, Ocean Springs, MS
Panel Sessions
- I: Understanding Addiction – A Treatable Disease of the Brain
- II: Prevention, Diversion and Treatment
- Mid-Program Keynote: A Story of Hope and Healing
- III: The Faces of Addiction and Recovery – Building Ecosystems of Care, Compassion, and Resilience
Featured Speakers
- Daniel Edney, MD, FACP, FASAM – State Health Officer, Mississippi State Department of Health; President-Elect, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- Stephen M. Taylor, MD, MPH, DFAPA, DFASAM – President, American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM); Chief Medical Officer, Pathway Healthcare
- Utsav Nandi, MD, MSCI, MSPHS, FACEP, FAAEM – Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Population Health Science; Associate Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine; Associate Medical Director, Clinical Research Support Program, University of Mississippi Medical Center
This summit offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and take action to address the Gulf Coast’s ongoing addiction and overdose crisis. Attendees will hear from experts, connect with local stakeholders, and explore innovative, evidence-based strategies—including harm reduction vending machines and expanded access to life-saving medications like Naloxone — that save lives and support recovery.
“We are making progress in the fight against overdoses in our state, but one death is still too many,” said Jan Dawson, Director of Substance Use Education, Prevention and Control, Mississippi Public Health Institute. “We know that Naloxone saves lives, and our mission is to place it in as many hands as possible. We want every Mississippian to be prepared by keeping Naloxone right next to their first aid box, just like any other life-saving tool.”
The Gulf Coast is recognized as a “high incident” area for overdoses, making initiatives like these critical. By participating, individuals and organizations can gain actionable insights and directly impact community health, fostering hope, help, and healing across the region.
“Reach Impact Institute is deeply grateful and excited for the upcoming MS Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit,” said George Massengill, President of Reach Impact Institute. “Reach remains steadfast in its mission—Rescue to Recovery—focused on saving lives, slowing the tragic rise of overdose deaths, and improving addiction care across America.”
Register for the MS Gulf Coast Community Impact Summit
The event is free, but prior registration is required to attend. Reserve your tickets by registering at the Reach Impact Institute website.
Click Here for Free Event Registration