IntNSA Insights
November 2025 Newsletter
A Message from Our President: Leading with Passion & Purpose
Welcome to the latest edition of the IntNSA newsletter — where we celebrate progress, highlight upcoming opportunities, and look ahead to Seattle 2026.
Every year, IntNSA members across the world carry the same spark — the belief that addiction nursing can change lives, systems, and futures. That spark becomes a flame when we gather together.
In April 2026, we’ll gather in Seattle, Washington, for the 48th Annual IntNSA Educational Conference; a place where passion meets purpose, and purpose turns into progress. Seattle is a city of esthetic beauty overlooking the Puget Sound waters coming from the Pacific Ocean, and where you can see ferries and ships taking people for whale watching or to visit nearby islands with the grandeur of the Cascade Mountains overlooking it all.
This year’s conference is more than an event; it’s a movement. It’s where knowledge is shared, voices are amplified, and our collective energy fuels innovation in addiction care.
Why attend?
Because the challenges before us — inequity in care, perpetuated stigma, workforce burnout, and the global mental health and substance use disorders crisis require every one of us to be informed, inspired, and connected. At this conference, you’ll:
- Learn from global experts and frontline innovators transforming how we think about addiction prevention, treatment, recovery, and advocacy.
- Collaborate with nurses and allied professionals from across the globe who share your dedication to advancing evidence-based, compassionate care.
- Recharge your purpose and reignite your leadership — whether you’re new to the field or shaping and mentoring its next generation.
- Experience Seattle’s dynamic setting — a city known for creativity, inclusion, and forward-thinking health innovation — as the perfect backdrop for discovery and renewal.
But most importantly, you should come because you belong here. Every conversation, workshop, and shared laugh builds a network that strengthens our entire profession.
When you leave Seattle, you won’t just return home with CEUs or notes from a breakout session — you’ll return with renewed conviction that what you do everyday matters.
Leading with passion and purpose means showing up — for our patients, our peers, and ourselves. So, mark your calendar, invite a colleague, and plan to be part of something bigger than any one of us.
Together, we are IntNSA — and together, we lead the change.
Dana Murphy-Parker, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN
President, International Nurses Society on Addictions
A Message from Our President-Elect: We're a Growing Global Community
To every member - you are the movement. Across countries and time zones, IntNSA has never been about staying comfortable. We’re a growing global community of nurses, practitioners, and allies who ask the questions others avoid—because inequity in addiction care isn’t a local issue; it’s a human one. My style has always leaned toward quiet rebellion—evidence first, diplomacy second - but never silence. Real change crosses borders; it’s built by those willing to keep showing up when the system hopes we’ll tire.
And yet, the revolution we want in the world starts within us. Each of us brings our own histories, biases, and limits — and each of us has the power to shift them. As we link evidence to justice and advocacy to care, let’s also keep space for reflection, laughter, and courage. That mix — intellect, compassion, and a touch of audacity — is what binds this network together, from Seattle to Sydney, Dublin to Durban.
Yours in health and revolution,
Adrian Jugdoyal, Pg Dip, PgCAP, BSc (Hons), BSc (Hons), FIAAN
President Elect, International Nurses Society on Addictions
Conference Updates: Get Ready!
Early Bird Registration Will OPEN on November 17th!
The Hyatt Olive 8 Hotel is located near downtown Seattle. Amenities include free wireless, on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, and spa.
From now until March 4, 2026, the Room Rate is: $219* per night single/double.
Reserve your room today!
What to Expect From the 48th Annual Conference
The upcoming IntNSA Conference is April 13-17, 2026. You can expect:
- Cutting-edge sessions on the latest research and best practices,
- Inspiring keynote speakers and panels, and
- Networking events to connect with peers from around the world.
Showcase Your Work: Speak at the Conference!
The deadline to submit an abstract for presentation is November 30, 2025.
We're still looking for innovative nurses, researchers, educators, policymakers and practitioners from around the globe.
Submit your abstract proposal.
Conference Sponsorship Opportunities
Our Conference would not be able to happen without the support of individual and company sponsorships.
If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring the event CLICK HERE to view available packages and benefits. Please contact, [email protected] with questions or serious inquiries.
Shatterproof: Pre-Conference Workshop & Stigma Podcast
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States. Founded in 2013 by Gary Mendell after the loss of his son to addiction, Shatterproof works to transform how addiction is understood, treated, and supported — through evidence-based programs, public education, and policy advocacy.
The organization’s mission is to end the stigma of addiction and ensure that every person affected by substance use disorder has access to quality, science-based care — without shame or barriers.
Today, Shatterproof stands as one of the most influential voices in addiction reform — uniting healthcare professionals, policymakers, families, and communities around a single goal: to create a world where recovery is possible for everyone.
Shatterproof Pre-Conference Webinar in Seattle
Stigma is considered one of the most significant barriers to effective care for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD). Shatterproof, a national nonprofit helping to equip healthcare providers with tools to address addiction stigma and improve quality of care and patient outcomes, will host a pre-conference workshop at the 48th annual IntNSA Conference. This workshop explores key topics, providing a practical overview of SUD as a chronic medical condition and examining how the different types of stigma influence patient outcomes and provider decision-making. Through interactive elements and real-world examples, participants will identify strategies to recognize and reduce stigma in clinical settings, helping to create more compassionate, evidence-informed care environments.
Stigma Podcast
Shatterproof Podcast on Stigma: Offered by Shatterproof and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Listen to the podcast developed by IntNSA Members Marissa Abram, Dana Murphy-Parker, and Rachel Shuster along with Robert deForde of Shatterproof.
Click here to listen to the podcast episode on stigma.
Keynote Highlight: Welcome Dr. Meaghan Thumath
Dr. Meaghan Thumath is a public health clinician, researcher, and Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia whose career bridges front-line nursing and global health diplomacy. For over a decade, she has provided technical assistance to UNAIDS, WHO, the Global Fund to End AIDS, TB and Malaria, and the World Bank—supporting HIV and substance use programs in more than 20 countries. In Canada, she has served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Senior Practice Leader for HIV and Harm Reduction at the BC Centre for Disease Control, and Executive Director of Public Health at the BC Ministry of Health.
Dr. Thumath continues her practice as Director of Strategy in the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer for Vancouver Coastal Health and as a casual outreach nurse in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Her research focuses on disinformation during public health emergencies and the intersections of addiction, equity, and human rights.
A registered nurse with advanced practice certifications in addiction medicine and reproductive health, Dr. Thumath holds a DPhil in Social Intervention and Policy from the University of Oxford and an MSc in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. In 2025, she was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her leadership in advancing health equity in Canada and abroad.
Keynote Highlight: Welcome Michelle Byron
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and 13 years as a dedicated nursing professional, Michelle Byron serves as the Director of Nursing at Community Medical Services. In this role, she oversees a dynamic team of over 200 nurses across more than 70 outpatient clinics, focusing on providing compassionate care to individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to trauma-informed care, believing that holistic approaches are essential for effective treatment and recovery.
A significant achievement in her career includes the successful development and implementation of a Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening and treatment program, which has cured over 1,000 patients. This initiative highlights her dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and exemplifies her innovative approach to nursing.
As a passionate advocate for addiction recovery and patient-centered care, Michelle is excited to share insights and strategies at the International Nurses Society on Addiction Conference. She aims to inspire fellow healthcare professionals to reexamine the vital role of License Practical Nurses in addiction space and leadership roles to foster supportive environments for patients with substance use disorders.
Keynote Highlight: Welcome Dr. John Furman
Dr. Furman worked for the state of Washington for 45 years as a recreation therapist, psychiatric childcare counselor, and registered nurse. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Washington and a PhD in health administration from Western Kennedy University – along with national certifications in psychiatric nursing, infection control, and occupational health nursing. Service positions include the boards of the Washington State Public Health Association, Washington State Healthcare Safety Council, Washington State Association of Occupational Health Nursing, and the Northwest Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.
In his role with the Washington State OSHA program, he has been a major driver of occupational safety and health policy – authoring state regulation on violence in healthcare, protection of personal healthcare information, outdoor heat exposure, and exposure to hazardous medications – just to name a few. Prior to retiring from state service Dr. Furman served as the director of the Washington State Health Professionals Program – the state approved substance use monitoring program for nurses. He was a long-time board member of the National Organization of Alternative Programs and chaired its research committee, helping to connect nursing with addiction science.
Call for Volunteers: Join the Awards Committee!
The FIAAN Awards Committee is looking for dedicated volunteers to help recognize excellence within our community! This is a great opportunity to contribute your ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and play a key role in honoring outstanding members at our upcoming conference, including:
- Review award nominations
- Help shape award categories and selection criteria
- Support planning and presentation of awards at the annual event
- If you’re passionate about celebrating achievement and giving back to the organization, we’d love to have you on the team!
- Interested? Please contact Jordan Stokesberry at [email protected] to volunteer or learn more.
Thank You to the Conference Planning Committees!
Marketing and Communications: Matt Walters and Shena Willbrandt
Sponsorship Committee: Matt Walters
Abstract Review Committee: Adrian Jugdoyal, Ruthanne Palumbo
New Member Welcome Committee: Phyllis Raynor
A special thanks to Board Member Tonja Padgett of Indiana University for her invaluable assistance in securing CEUs for the 2026 IntNSA Conference.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
Abstract Submission Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2025
Early Bird Registration Opens: Monday, November 17, 2025
Next Webinar: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Conference Dates: April 13-17, 2026
FIAAN Webinar Spotlight: November 18th with Oluremi Adejumo
Join us for an engaging webinar on November 18, 2025, 12pm (Noon) EST with Dr. Oluremi Adejumo!
Dr. Adejumo will be presenting on "Addressing Cardiometabolic Risks Among Clients Screened for Substance Use Disorders and Type 2 Diabetes".
Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, is facing a critical situation: the highest number of people with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and a rapidly rising prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD). As nurses we are not just called to action; we are empowered to address modifiable cardiometabolic risks through integrated care management.
This session is a fantastic opportunity to earn your CEU’s, gain practical insights, and connect with fellow members from around the world. You don’t want to miss it!
