Hannah Camille Lewis is a second-year PharmD candidate at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.
“It is going to change your life.”
“It’s one of the best events APhA puts on!”
“You are going to learn and grow so much from attending the APhA Institute.”
These were the responses I received from friends in the pharmacy profession when I shared that I had the opportunity to travel to Salt Lake City for the APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders this past May. And yet, nothing could have truly prepared me for the depth, community, and emotional power of what I experienced. From the moment I arrived, there was a feeling in the air—a deep, shared understanding of each other and what this weekend would mean.
It was clear from the start: This was more than just a conference.
New perspectives, new hopes
Throughout the week, we explored the reality of substance use from every angle. We discussed the science of addiction and the heartbreaking impact it has on individuals and their families. We also immersed ourselves in the recovery process—learning about the 12 steps and the guiding principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous. Each night, we had the opportunity to attend AA-style meetings, which were safe spaces. Vulnerability was welcomed, and honesty was healing. In those rooms, walls came down, and many of us shared stories we hadn’t spoken aloud before.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I carried a bag with me to the institute. I was filled with shame, fear, and the weight of stigma. Over the course of those days, that bag grew lighter. Through shared stories and quiet reflection, I began to release the emotional burdens I had been carrying. In their place, I packed new tools, new perspectives, and new hope—hope that I am blessed to bring back to my school and my community.
Ready to make a difference
Everyone in attendance at this year’s APhA Institute climbed a mountain together, both literally and emotionally. We brought our baggage to the summit, laid it down, and came back with something far more valuable.
I’m incredibly grateful to have been chosen as a 2025 recipient of the Ronald L. Williams Memorial Fund Scholarship, which allowed me to attend. From the bottom of my heart, I thank every speaker, planner, and peer who made the APhA Institute possible. I left as an enlightened and inspired woman, ready to share what I’ve learned and help make a difference in the fight against SUD.