Greetings to All!

We are now only 5 weeks away from the start of our annual conference! This is a special year for IntNSA as the organization is 50 years old this year! The conference coming up in Orlando will be our 47th conference in our 50 year history. Conferences were not held in 1999, 2021, and 2023, and this, mainly. was due to planning purposes and finding a venue to hold the conferences. Yet it is quite amazing that IntNSA has been around this long! And while there have been changes in IntNSA over these past years, our mission has always been about education of nurses to care for all populations across the lifespan who have substance use disorders/addictions.

I hope everyone will have a good review of our program for the conference in Orlando, which is up on the IntNSA website now.

Once again, our Keynote Speakers are a phenomenal group of leaders. There is still time to book your hotel room at the conference rate, and also attend one of the ‘pre-conference workshops ‘ being offered, in addition to several days of outstanding presentations from experts in the field.

And all of this happening at the "happiest place on earth: Disney World!" Please plan to join us in Orlando starting March 11!

Dana Murphy-Parker, MS, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
President: IntNSA

Keynote Speakers at the IntNSA 2025 Annual Conference

Dr. Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Dr Cipriano is the current President of The International Council of Nurses (ICN), and she has been in that role since 2021. The ICN is the overall umbrella of more than 130 professional nursing organizations around the globe working to influence the role of nurses everywhere. Dr Cipriano is a true friend to Addictions Nurses, and it was Dr Cipriano’s guidance and influence that helped IntNSA to become one of nine Specialist Affiliate Organizations of the ICN back in 2019.

Michelle Acorn, DNP, NP PHC/Adult, MN/ACNP, BScN/PHCNP, FCAN, FAAN, GCNC, FFNMRCSI, FQNI
Dr Acorn is the past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Advanced Practice Nurses Network/ICN. Dr Acorn has worked tirelessly and vigorously in spreading and growing the recognition of the work of Advanced Practice Nurses globally. Currently, Dr Acorn is the CEO of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario, Canada. Dr Acorn is one of four editors of the recent book, “Advanced Practice Nurses Networking to Enhance Global Health. She is a true leader in raising awareness of the role of advanced practice nurses globally.

Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr Malone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National League for Nursing (NLN). The NLN Nursing Commission for Nursing Education (NCNE) accredits the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Diploma RN Programs. The NLN promotes excellence and integrity in nursing education globally through their values-driven accreditation process. As IntNSA works to welcome LPNs to our organization, we are privileged to have Dr Malone speak.

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Dr Vincent Guilamo-Ramos is the Executive Director of The Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, in Baltimore. Dr Guilamo-Ramos work has promoted nurse-led models of integrated clinical and social care and raises awareness of inequities in some of the most pressing health issues of our time, certainly one being that of substance use disorders/addictions.

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Pre Conference Workshops

Peer Health Assistance and Peer Support Programs for Nurses - Supporting our Nursing Workforce

It's time to take action and prioritize the well-being of our colleagues. Nurses experience Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and mental health issues similar to the general population. We must work together to implement effective prevention and early intervention strategies. How can we support individual nurses and, as a result, create a healthier, more resilient nursing workforce? By providing confidential support, education, resources, peer assistance and peer support programs we can help nurses overcome challenges and return to or maintain their well-being.

Empowering nurses that experience issues with SUDs to return to work and nursing practice safely, helps not only the nursing workforce, but the health of our nation. This three-hour beginner level workshop covers aspects of peer assistance and peer support programs for nurses with SUD issues through didactic, experiential, and case-base content. It is designed to be interactive and introduces the participants to key concepts in supporting those within our nursing workforce that face challenges with issues surrounding SUDs.

Overview for Addictions 101

Addiction is a treatable disease that claims about half a million deaths a year worldwide. Recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) approximate that 270 million people (5.5% of global population) had used psychoactive substances and about 35 million people meet criteria for  substance use disorders. 

This 3-hour beginner level workshop covers the foundations of addiction through didactic and case-base content. Structured in 30-minute mini sessions, it is designed to be interactive and introduces the participants to key concepts in treatment and management of addiction. 

News from IntNSA-Europe

Adrian Jugdoyal, FIAAN, FHEA, FRSA, FRSPH

President-Elect : IntNSA

The clinical webinar programme at IntNSA Europe continued its run in January, featuring a diverse lineup of engaging online presentations and expert speakers. IntNSA Ireland discussed Safer injecting facilities during their presentation. Within the first month, the facility has shown an impact; numerous individuals received support, benefiting from evidence-based interventions tailored to their needs, particularly those struggling with IVDU. The presentation highlighted European injection facility projects, specifically the new Dublin initiative. There were over 120 people from around the world who watched this presentation live. Attendees were from Cyprus, Spain, Finland, United Kingdom, Gambia, Ireland, India, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, Tunisia, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, and Vietnam. Two groundbreaking facilities began operation in Dublin and Glasgow in 2025, marking a significant development for Europe.

And soon to come; our Dutch colleagues will release a video soon to discuss their established facility.

IntNSA Europe collaborates with all members across the continent, supporting improved education and treatment of addictions. Representatives from the group present nationally, regionally, and internationally about harm reduction projects and advocate for evidence-based care and personalised interventions for those who require help with their drug use. Check out for more information about projects and webinars from IntNSA Europe, and look for these webinars to be available soon on the IntNSA website.

Matt Walters, MSN, RN-BC, FIAAN
2025 IntNSA Annual Conference Chair

As the conference draws near, I am delighted to welcome you all to sunny Florida for what promises to be an extraordinary event! The conference schedule is now live, showcasing an impressive lineup of renowned speakers from across the nation and around the globe. The IntNSA 2025 planning committee has been working tirelessly to bring this vision to fruition, and we are excited to deliver a conference that embodies our mission of Education, Advocacy, and Inclusivity.

Here are a few important reminders as we count down to the conference:

• Room Reservations: If you plan to attend, please reserve your room as soon as possible, as our room block is filling up quickly.
• Transportation: The Disney Springs area offers convenient transportation options, so a rental car may not be necessary unless you plan to explore beyond Orlando.
• Weather: Florida in March is typically lovely, with daytime highs in the mid-70s and evening lows in the mid-50s.

With Disney Springs and the parks just a short walk or bus ride away, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the area after the day’s sessions. Don’t forget that our special room block allows you to arrive up to three days before the conference or extend your stay by three days at the same discounted rate!

This year, we are particularly proud to celebrate the growth of IntNSA’s membership to include LPNs, LVNs, and internationally equivalent roles. As part of our strategic initiative, we are partnering with organizations to elevate the contributions of Practical Nurses in the addiction treatment space. Practical Nurses are estimated to make up over 70% of care teams in addiction nursing and play an indispensable role in our field. To highlight this, members of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses and other organizations have been invited to attend and present at the conference. Additionally, we are excited to host a panel discussion on the vital role of Practical Nurses within care teams.

Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the conference planning committee for their unwavering dedication and hard work in making this event possible.

On behalf of the committee and IntNSA, I look forward to welcoming you to Orlando and celebrating all that we will achieve together as we continue to champion education, advocacy, and inclusivity.

A Huge THANK YOU to Conference Planning Committee

• Marissa Abram
• Marco Carvalho
• Shanea Clancy
• Damian Czarnecki
• Donald Dissinger
• Susanne Fogger
• Don Howe
• Joyce Johnson
• Adrian Jugdoyal
• Dana Murphy-Parker
• Ruthanne Palumbo
• Caroline Figueira Pereira
• Phyllis Raynor
• Molly Reichow

Event Sponsors

We would like to provide an update on steps that are being taken to create a professional partnership between IntNSA (International Nurses Society on Addiction) and ISPN (International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing).

Leadership from both organizations met last month to learn more about each other, and these meetings confirmed our organization's similar vision, mission, and goals. We are formalizing our partnership which will include sharing, weblinks and information about conferences, workshops and webinars, and possible research collaboration and joint webinars.

We, as current presidents of ISPN and IntNSA, and on behalf of our respective boards of directors, are excited about the possibilities that may open up because of this partnership.

Sincerely,

Dana Murphy-Parker, MS, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
IntNSA President

Barbara Peterson, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, APRN, FNAP
ISPN President

Greetings to All IntNSA Members!

As we move along quickly through the Fall season and into Winter, and the Holidays upon us, I hope this finds you all well!  Here in the Denver area, we had temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s F, and then just over 2 weeks ago, we had the biggest snowstorm in the month of November that we have had in 41 years. Not at all expected and I still see a good bit of snow out my back window with the temperature back up today to low 60s F!

Focusing on our 48th Annual Conference in Orlando, March, 2025

At this time, I want to concentrate on our upcoming conference. The Conference Committee, with Matt Walters as the Chair, has been very busy on all aspects of putting the conference together at the Renaissance Resort in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. This should be a fantastic venue at ‘the Happiest Place in the World’ as they say!

Currently, all abstracts have been received and the abstract committee has reviewed all of the abstracts. Acceptance notices are expected to be emailed on Tuesday this week. We expect the Conference Program to be complete by mid-December, and available on our website. At that time, we will work to spread the word, with all of your help, please (!), to make sure our 47th Annual Conference is a success and well attended.

AND, did you know that IntNSA will be 50 years old in 2025??? 

You can review the history of IntNSA on our website, and we will certainly be doing some type of celebration in Orlando regarding the fact that we are an organization (that has been through name changes), but, nonetheless, we are 50 YEARS OLD!

IntNSA’s ask of all members is, again, please spread the news to your colleagues about our conference.  We all know that addictions is a global issue, and there are many many co-occurring mental and physical disorders, along with many other issues, that we will focus on at the conference.  As IntNSA says, “EVERY NURSE IS AN ADDICTIONS NURSE”, and IntNSA focuses on many different areas of expertise in education to care for those with addictions.

We also need Exhibitors and Sponsors. These are people who contribute to the conference by sharing their products and services with us, and also contribute to IntNSA generating revenue for IntNSA to continue the mission and work of IntNSA.  If you have friends, colleagues, acquaintances,  or anyone who works with products or own products that our members can use to help people with addictions, encourage them to join us in Orlando. Attached is a copy of our Exhibitors and Sponsors document that you can share with anyone you know.

Exhibit & Sponsor Flyer

Spotlight on IntNSA’s Keynote Speakers in Orlando

We have an exciting line up of Keynote Speakers. You will see more of their bios in the conference program, and on IntNSA’s Social Media: but let me highlight our Keynote Speakers here and give you an idea of how honored we are to have them with us. But, do come and see for yourself!

Keynote Speakers at the IntNSA 2025 Annual Conference

Dr. Pamela F. Cipriano, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Dr Cipriano is the current President of The International Council of Nurses (ICN), and she has been in that role since 2021. The ICN is the overall umbrella of more than 130 professional nursing organizations around the globe working to influence the role of nurses everywhere. Dr Cipriano is a true friend to Addictions Nurses, and it was Dr Cipriano’s guidance and influence that helped IntNSA to become one of nine Specialist Affiliate Organizations of the ICN back in 2019.

Michelle Acorn, DNP, NP PHC/Adult, MN/ACNP, BScN/PHCNP, FCAN, FAAN, GCNC, FFNMRCSI, FQNI
Dr Acorn is the past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Advanced Practice Nurses Network/ICN. Dr Acorn has worked tirelessly and vigorously in spreading and growing the recognition of the work of Advanced Practice Nurses globally. Currently, Dr Acorn is the CEO of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Ontario, Canada. Dr Acorn is one of four editors of the recent book, “Advanced Practice Nurses Networking to Enhance Global Health. She is a true leader in raising awareness of the role of advanced practice nurses globally.

Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN
Dr Malone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National League for Nursing (NLN). The NLN Nursing Commission for Nursing Education (NCNE) accredits the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) and Diploma RN Programs. The NLN promotes excellence and integrity in nursing education globally through their values-driven accreditation process. As IntNSA works to
welcome LPNs to our organization, we are privileged to have Dr Malone speak.

Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, RN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN
Dr Vincent Guilamo-Ramos is the Executive Director of The Institute for Policy Solutions at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, in Baltimore. Dr Guilamo-Ramos work has promoted nurse-led models of integrated clinical and social care and raises awareness of inequities in some of the most pressing health issues of our time, certainly one being that of substance use disorders/addictions.

Acknowledging Padgett Mozingo!

A huge Shout Out to Padgett Mozingo, our Social Media Expert, who has been sending out our Keynote announcements, calls for abstracts, and Sponsor and Exhibitor information for our conference on our Social Media of Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Padgett will be in Orlando to help us to push out all of the events!

Let’s all work to get a very good attendance record and an excellent number of Exhibitors and Sponsors at our 48th Annual Conference in Orlando. And I thank you in advance for all that you do and for all of your support.

• Achieved the level of Associate Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of São Paulo, in August 2024.
• Completed the training of the Pilot Training on Universal Nursing Addictions Curriculum, which was held from 24 to 28 June 2024 in Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Presented at The Art of Healing Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece in June 2024.   

Divane de Vargas, PhD; School of Nursing of São Paulo University, Brazil

• IntNSA Brazil Chapter Founding Member, Divane de Vargas, is now the Coordinator of the Policy of Substance Abuse in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Gabriela de Andrade Boska, PhD, BSN; Porto Alegre, Brazil

• IntNSA Brazil Chapter Treasurer, Gabriela is now the Management Coordinator of the Psychosocial Care Network in the field of addictions at the Brazilian Ministry of Health.

IntNSA Europe

Adrian Jugdoyal,  FIAAN, FHEA, FRSA, FRSPH
President-Elect: IntNSA

IntNSA Europe members actively participated in the Lisbon 2024 conference, contributing significantly to the event's success. Members presented their cutting-edge research, showcasing the latest advancements and insights in addiction nursing.

Besides the research presentations, IntNSA Europe delivered a dedicated session highlighting nurses' critical role in nursing and widening the participation of nurses working, studying and researching addiction care in Europe. This session underscored the unique skills and perspectives that nursing professionals bring to addressing addiction-related challenges, emphasizing their vital role in holistic patient care and recovery support.

This engagement reflects IntNSA Europe's ongoing commitment to advancing the practice and science of addiction nursing globally.

Happy Holidays!

As we head into the Holidays, on behalf of the Board of Directors from IntNSA Global, we wish you all the Happiest of Holidays with your family and your loved ones in enjoying the traditions that you love!

Dana Murphy-Parker, MS, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
President: IntNSA

IntNSA-Global Board of Director, Rhonda Parker, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC was recognized as the West Virginia State Award Nurse Practitioner of the year at the American Association of Nurse Practitioner’s (AANP) Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, in June, 2024. Rhonda is also the West Virginia State Liaison to AANP. CONGRATULATIONS, Rhonda!

IntNSA member, John Silvani, RN, CARN, LCDCII, FIAAN, CAS-FELLOW, former IntNSA-Global and current IntNSA-USA Chapter Treasurer, has been elected the President of the Butler County Mental Health and Addictions Services Board in Ohio. John will take on the Presidency July 1, 2025. CONGRATULATIONS, John!

Updates From IntNSA President:
Dana Murphy-Parker
July 2024

Hello! I hope the summer months are treating you well. Here in Colorado we have certainly had many high temperature days as we are in the middle of July, but getting more time off during the summer makes this bearable!

Here is a summary of actions that IntNSA has taken over the past few months.

Welcoming LPNs

The vote to have LPNs (or any regulatory licensed equivalent nurse around the globe) passed by the members. IntNSA welcomes all LPNs and global equivalents to IntNSA as regular members.  We are having quite a lot of discussion about how we can best engage LPNs with IntNSA. Matt Walters, FAN President, is working to pull stakeholders together as we move forward with this activity. We will keep you abreast of the news and developments.

Welcome to Naufar Hospital

IntNSA welcomes our new Institutional Member, Naufar Hospital in Doha, Qatar. Naufar Hospital provides evidence-based services for the treatment and rehabilitation for people suffering the effects of substance use disorders. This has come about by Naufar’s Director of Nursing, Hanadi Massalkhi, actively working with IntNSA over the past couple of years. Naufar Hospital adds 125 new nurses as members of IntNSA and contributes to our global expansion! When Naufar Hospital was confirmed as an Institutional Member of IntNSA, Director Massalkhi said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for nurses here in Qatar because we really do not have much nursing education taught for taking care of people with substance use disorders. This now means that Naufar Hospital will become leaders of nursing addictions education in Qatar.”!

Welcome to Padgett Mozingo

IntNSA recently contracted with Padgett Mozingo, as our Social Media person. Padgett has a degree in communications and many years of experience developing social media flyers/announcements. We have social media links on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram and we have a YouTube channel. So, watch all the social media on IntNSA that will be flying out there! If you have any ideas or want to share announcements of any addictions content and news, email Padgett at PadgettMozingo@gmail.com.

From IntNSA’s Membership Committee: 
Adrian Jugdoyal and Devon Noonan, Co-Chairs:

We are pleased to announce that our membership numbers have been steadily increasing, and the current total stands at 680. Since the conference in South Carolina, there has been significant growth. Our members are highly engaged in attending conferences and workshops all around the world, spanning various specialties such as mental health, peer support, and addictions. Their exceptional contributions have been acknowledged and recognized for their excellence not only in the United States, but also in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, which stands as a true testament to their unwavering dedication and remarkable expertise.

The membership committee is specifically looking for volunteers for these committees:

• Student Membership Committee
• Web Maintenance Team Committee
• Global Clinical Practice Committee

If you are interested serving on a particular committee please email Adrian Jugdoyal, IntNSA President-Elect; and Robert Ranieri, IntNSA’s Executive Director.

Update on IntNSA 48th Annual Conference:
Matt Walters, Conference Chair

The conference will be held at the B Resort and Spa, soon to be renamed a Renaissance by Marriott, from March 11-14. This beautiful venue is a short walk from Disney Springs and offers incredible gastronomic options attractions, along with an interactive and in-depth educations agenda. Attendees will be provided with breakfast and lunch for each day of the conference and afforded an opportunity to engage in some after-hours social activities for the benefit of The Foundation for Addictions Nursing. The conference theme speaks to the foundation of IntNSA's culture, vision, and mission to be Educational Leaders in Addiction, Inclusive of all walks and backgrounds, and Advocates for our patients, clients, communities, and treatment. We can't wait to see you in Orlando!

And the Call for Abstracts is available here. Submit your abstract for an oral presentation or poster and share your work with us in Orlando!

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USA

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Congratulations to IntNSA Member: Archana Paul for receiving this prestigious award! 

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