The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) is pleased to announce that Clinical Improvement Consultant Loretta Bryan, BSN, RN, CPHQ, will be presenting at the upcoming annual Yankton Area Mental Wellness Conference taking place June 3–4, 2026. This year’s conference is titled, “Honoring Growth: Advancing Mental Health for All” and will be held at the Yankton High School.
“I am excited for this opportunity to present about the work I do educating clinics and hospitals across South Dakota on Substance Use Disorders,” Bryan shared.
In her presentation, Bryan hopes to bring both professional expertise and compassionate insight, sharing real-life stories that highlight the challenges families face while supporting loved ones struggling with substance use disorders. She also plans to provide practical resources and guidance to help patients and families navigate pathways to treatment and recovery.
The Yankton Area Mental Wellness Conference has a long-standing history of impact. It was first held in 1999; the conference was created in response to a growing need for training and networking among professionals dedicated to serving individuals experiencing mental health challenges. It also aims to connect community members with available resources and strengthen awareness of support systems.
Conference planning is led by a diverse group of community stakeholders, including administrators, clergy, educators, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, legal professionals, and lay representatives. This collaborative approach ensures that the event addresses the educational and support needs of a wide range of participants.
Now, more than 25 years later, the conference has evolved into a vital community initiative, drawing over 225 attendees annually. It continues to provide valuable professional development opportunities while fostering a shared commitment to advancing mental wellness across the region.
SDAHO encourages individuals and organizations to support this meaningful event. Whether through attendance or sponsorship, participation helps strengthen a collective effort to promote mental wellness and support those in need.
The conference has submitted Continuing Education credits for Nursing Home Administrators, Addiction & Prevention Specialists, Counselor Examiners -Ethics hours requested, social work and more. For more information about the conference, including registration, sponsorship opportunities and continuing education, please visit: https://yamwi.org/
To connect with Loretta Bryan and learn more about how she can support your facility with substance use disorder education and resources, please contact her at loretta.bryan@sdaho.org.
