In Person Seminar – Recent Trends in Youth Drug Abuse – Feb. 23, 2027

PDPs and CEUs are not being offered for this event.

February 23, 2027 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration closes February 12, 2027 at 11:59 pm

Registration: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Seminar: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Attend In Person

Blue Hills Regional Technical School
800 Randolph St.
Canton, MA 02021

SpeakerS

Description

In this seminar, participants will learn how today’s youth are consuming drugs, the negative impacts of substance use, and how this knowledge can be used to make a direct and immediate difference in the lives of adolescents, their parents, and educators. Behavioral Psychopharmacologist Dr. Scott Lukas will discuss the evolving ways alcohol, vaped nicotine, and marijuana are used both independently and in combination, as well as the inherent dangers associated with novel routes of administration. Participants will also learn about fentanyl and how its use has become a major cause of death due to inadvertent overdoses.

DEA Community Outreach Specialist Brian O’Keefe will discuss the DEA’s prevention and education efforts to increase public awareness of fentanyl, including the precursor chemicals used in its supply chain.

About the Speakers

Scott E. Lukas, Ph.D., joined McLean Hospital in 1984 and is currently the Director of the McLean Imaging Center, the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory, and the McLean Sleep Diagnostic and Treatment Laboratory. He is Professor of Psychiatry (Pharmacology) at Harv ard Medical School and has 42 years of experience conducting both preclinical and human laboratory studies as well as randomized clinical trials of drugs for alcohol abuse, sleep disorders, and psychiatric disorders. He has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) and served as president from 2011-2012. He also chaired the CPDD Program Committee for 5 years, chaired the NIDA-K Study Section for 10 years and was Chair of the McLean Hospital Institutional Review Board for 4 years. He has mentored 26 NIH K Awardees and 24 postdoctoral fellows and has received numerous awards including the CPDD Mentorship Award, the Stuart Hauser Mentorship Award from Harvard Medical School, both the Ann Cataldo Mentorship and Jack H. Mendelson Research Awards from McLean Hospital and the Petra T. Shattuck Excellence in Teaching Award from Harvard University where he has been teaching a course at Harvard University entitled Psychopharmacology—Your Brain on Drugs Psychology since 1996. 

Brian O’Keefe, MSCJA, is an innovative professional with almost thirty years of leadership experience in both law enforcement and the non-profit sector within New England. Currently serving as the first full-time Community Outreach Specialist for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) since 2021. In this role, he has been a passionate advocate for drug prevention, playing a crucial role in developing partnerships with federal, state, and local stakeholders to support the DEA’s Operation Engage. His responsibilities include coordinating community outreach initiatives, managing programs such as the DEA Educational Foundation Dance Drug Prevention Initiative, and organizing the Annual Red Ribbon and Family Summit Events. He also maintains a strong social media presence to support the DEA’s mission and effectively communicate essential public safety information. 

Prior to his current role, Mr. O’Keefe dedicated 25 years to the Manchester Police Department (MPD), where he retired as a Captain in charge of the Community Police Division in 2021. His career with MPD included roles such as Lieutenant and Public Information Officer, where he demonstrated expertise in administration, personnel management, strategic planning, security, project management, and communications. Notably, he led the establishment of the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL) in 2004. He was instrumental in founding and expanding the MPAL Center. His leadership led to major renovations, including a $1.2 million upgrade in 2016. These various programs supported athletic, academic, and life skills for local youth and contributed to the development of key crime reduction strategies. 

Throughout his career, Mr. O’Keefe has shown exceptional skills in administration, project management, and communication, making him a highly effective leader in both law enforcement and community service. His dedication to public safety and community development is further evidenced by his extensive volunteer and community involvement, including roles with the Manchester Police Athletic League, Bedford Youth Football, BeBold Bedford, and other various organizations. Mr. O’Keefe’s career is marked by his unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of his community and advancing the field of law enforcement. His extensive experience and educational background make him a valuable asset in his role, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to his work at the DEA and beyond. 

Mr. O’Keefe holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University (2000) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell (1996). He has also completed executive training, including the FBI LEEDA Media and Public Relations course in 2018 and the FBI Crisis Negotiator Course in 2007. 

Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

PDPs and CEUs will not be offered for this seminar.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.