2026 ACA 156th Congress of Correction Pittsburgh_Program Book

WORKSHOPS Saturday, Aug. 1 ▼ 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

drugs that are more potent, unpredictable, and difficult to detect than traditional substances, creating gaps in clinician knowledge, assessment, and management of intoxication and withdrawal. This practice gap contributes to increased risk of adverse events, including overdose, delayed treatment, and challenges in clinical decision-making. The presentation will address this gap by reviewing current trends in synthetic drug use and providing practical approaches to recognition, risk mitigation, and treatment in correctional healthcare settings. Learning Objectives: • Analyze synthetic cannabinoids, including K2, with emphasis on clinical presentation, pharmacologic effects, and implications for management in correctional settings. • Examine the dangers of fentanyl analogues, including potency, overdose risk, and challenges in detection and treatment. • Evaluate nitazenes and other emerging synthetic agents, including their impact on patient safety and considerations for clinical response and monitoring. Moderator: Harbans Deol , DO Ph.D., Chief

Medical Officer, VitalCore Health Strategies, Topeka, Kansas Speaker: John Tomarchio , M.D. MPH, Assistant Chief Medical Officer, VitalCore Health Strategies, Topeka, Kansas Keeping the Energy Room 316 Primary Community of Focus: Adult Corrections Overview: “Keeping the Energy” in a correctional setting as an administrator will help assist administrators in their role and careers with their mental health. The workshop will explore the energy one has put into the world of corrections during their career and ensure they have a balance and focus with their role and personal values. Moderator: Anthony Newton , Warden II, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas Speakers: Anthony Newton , Warden II, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Huntsville, Texas; Kevin Smith , Warden II, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Livingston, Texas

156 — ACA 156 th Congress of Correction | Pittsburgh