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Hardin-Simmons University, College of Health Professions:
Physical Therapy Events

Lunch and Learn Series: for PTs, PTAs, PAs, ATs, OT’s and students of these disciplines

Program: The Non-prescribing Healthcare Provider and the Opioid Epidemic

Presenter: Alanna Dennison, DAT, LAT, ATC

Event Registration Details

Objectives: Upon completion of the presentation, the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify and evaluate the risk factors for opioid-related harms.
  2. Discuss methods for reducing the risk of opioid-related harms.
  3. Evaluate current practices in healthcare for reducing the risk of opioid-related harms.
  4. Evaluate components of the social determinants of health to assess risk factors for opioid-related harms.

March 3rd, 2026
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm

      In-Person or Join by Webinar

Where: Hardin-Simmons University - Physical Therapy Building
1325 Pine Street, Abilene, TX

Who: PTs, PTAs, ATs, OTs & students!

REGISTER

Cost:
Continuing Education APTA Members: $15
Continuing Education Non-Members: $25
Current Clinical Instructors and Students: $0

Lunch: $12

Alanna Dennison Birdwell, DAT, LAT, ATC is currently an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Clinical Education in the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX, where she has been employed since 2023. Originally from Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada, Dennison has been a certified athletic trainer since 2013 and has been a Texas Licensed Athletic Trainer, since 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Missouri State University (2013), Master of Education from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri (2015) and her Doctor of Athletic Training from A. T. Still University in Mesa, AZ (2020). As Coordinator of Clinical Education, Dennison facilitates clinical experience for students in the CAATE accredited MAT program. Prior to her time at HSU, she served as an assistant professor in the athletic training programs at Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO and the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, as well as the Academic Chair of the Department of Human Performance and the Athletic Training Program Director at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, 
TX. She was also previously employed as a Wellness Educator at the Heartview Foundation Opioid Treatment Facility in Bismarck, ND. She is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ 
Association, the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association and the Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association. She has presented at regional and state meetings on case studies, the Opioid Epidemic and Movement Assessment. Dennison also serves as an athletic trainer for Justin Sports Medicine and Rodeo Sports Medicine companies, travelling to provide coverage for professional rodeo athletes.

CCU: This program is approved by TPTA (1 CCU). A certificate will be available if you register in advance. We will provide the certificate following the presentation and completion of the evaluation.

Cost: *PTs or PTAs in need of continuing education credit: $15.00 for APTA members/$25.00 non-members. If you are a CI for HSU and have had an HSU student during 2024 to currently, we will cover your CCU payment. All are welcome to attend Lunch and Learn free of charge if no CCU certificate is needed or if you are a current student.

Register: If you plan to attend in-person or join by webinar, please register at www.hsucohpevents.com.

Lunch is available for those attending in-person for an additional $12 and will include a Deli Lunch Box.

Contact Ariana Rodriguez at ariana.rodriguez@hsutx.edu if you have any questions.

 

Thanks to Big Country AHEC for sponsoring part of this month’s Lunch & Learn.