On the Rocks: Fixing Our Fractured Alcohol Policies

Friday, April 24, 2026

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Location: Coronado DE, Level 4

Presenter(s)

Marlene C. Lira, MPH

DrPH Candidate
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Slides Handouts
Marissa Esser, PhD, MPH

Founder and Principal Consultant
Esser Public Health Consulting, LLC
Peachtree Corners, Georgia
Mike Marshall

C.E.O.
U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance
Portland, Oregon

Non-presenting author(s)

Cara A. Poland, MD, MEd, DFASAM

Associate Professor
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Alto, Michigan
Regina LaBelle, JD

Professor, Director
Georgetown University
Washington, District of Columbia
Lauren Hendy, PhD

Research Analyst/Writer
Workit Health
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Alcohol-related harm is rising, yet policy solutions remain underused and fragmented. This dynamic, hands-on workshop equips clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals with proven strategies to influence alcohol policy through effective messaging, advocacy tools, and real-world examples. Attendees will leave with actionable skills to drive meaningful change in their communities to improve health and well-being.

Learning Objectives:

Learners will be able to:

Upon completion, participants will be able to analyze and apply evidence-based alcohol policy strategies to real-world advocacy scenarios.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify concrete ways in which clinicians, researchers, and other addiction professionals can engage in policy advocacy.
Upon completion, participants will be able to develop and deliver concise, persuasive policy messages using storytelling and media techniques.

Disclosure(s):

Marlene C. Lira, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Marissa Esser, PhD, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Mike Marshall: No financial relationships to disclose

Cara A. Poland, MD, MEd, DFASAM: No financial relationships to disclose

Regina LaBelle, JD: Indivior: The Master's program I direct received $20,000 for students to attend conferences. I do not receive any of these funds but wanted to disclose. (Ongoing)

Lauren Hendy, PhD: Bristol Myers Squibb: Predoctoral fellowship in collaboration with UNC Chapel Hill (Terminated, March 15, 2024)