October WKW Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture Series: Dr. Melissa Walls

Dr. Melissa Walls - October 6th, 2026 

"Community Driven Research to Understand & Promote Indigenous Mental Health"

William K. Warren, Jr.  Frontiers in Neuroscience Lecture 
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm     Program in the LPCH auditorium  

Melissa Walls, PhD (Anishinaabe), is a Bloomberg Professor of American Health in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University and Co-Director of the Center for Indigenous Health. She strives to work in authentic collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities to advance health and well-being in culturally grounded, culturally safe ways. She has engaged in Indigenous health research partnerships for over 25 years on topics including mental health epidemiology, substance use prevention and mental health promotion, and understanding strength and thriving in the face of ongoing assaults related to colonization.

  Learning objectives:  

1. Identify core principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and how they apply to substance use and mental health research with American Indians and Alaska Natives.      
2. Summarize  examples of community-led research addressing substance use and mental health inequities in American Indian populations
3. Describe promising solutions for improving Indigenous health and wellbeing

For Physicians: Saint Francis Health System is accredited by the Oklahoma State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Saint Francis Health System designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 
For Psychologists: The Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists recognizes AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Saint Francis Health System is accredited by the OSMA.
 
For Social Workers: Saint Francis Health System is an approved CE Provider for the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers.  This event if approved for 1 hours, Category 1 Clinical.  (CEP Number - 20260007)

For CADCs and LADCs Saint Francis Health System is accredited as a provider of continuing education programs for CADCs and LADCs through the Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors.      (1 hour) (Provider Number - 20270008)
 
The LPC/LMFT Saint Francis Health System is a Board approved CE Provider for the State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (BBHL). This course is approved for 1 hour of CE.

For questions, email:  Ally Deatherage at [email protected]