DEMING – The Luna County Health Council is preparing to host its first-ever Substance Use Prevention Conference later this month, bringing together professionals and community leaders to address substance use prevention and strengthen collaboration across Southwest New Mexico.
The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. An optional pre-conference professional development workshop will be offered the day before, on April 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both events will take place at the Mimbres Valley Special Events Center, located at 2300 East Pine Street in Deming.
Organizers say the conference will focus on supporting prevention practitioners and community leaders by strengthening knowledge, skills, and awareness surrounding substance use prevention. The event is designed to encourage collaboration among professionals who work directly with individuals and families affected by substance use challenges.
Officials describe the conference as an opportunity to share prevention strategies rooted in cultural awareness and health equity, while also building stronger partnerships between agencies and community organizations. Participants will have the chance to network with prevention professionals, exchange ideas, and learn about programs that are making a difference in communities across the region.
The conference is free to attend and is open to a wide range of professionals, including prevention specialists, health promotion staff, community health workers, peer support workers, school personnel, healthcare providers, and treatment court professionals. Organizers say the event is especially valuable for those working on the front lines of prevention and recovery efforts.
Community members and professionals interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance. For more information about the conference, including registration details, individuals can contact organizers through the Luna County Health Council.
