The keynote speaker for this year’s Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council’s annual conference, Desperate Households, is a combination of an expert about the brain and behavior and also a stand-up comedian.
Matt Bellace, who earned a doctorate degree in clinical neuropsychology, and for seven years performed stand-up comedy in clubs and colleges across the country, will speak at the conference, which is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at The Commons, 300 Washington St.
This year’s conference is open to the entire community, organizers said. In addition to the keynote by Bellace, there will be information from local treatment providers and an update on prevention efforts.
Bellace’s program encourages students and adults to pursue natural highs such as laughter and meditation and to be resilient in the face of stress.
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In his studies of brain and behavior, Bellace worked at the National Institutes of Mental Health and completed his internship at the traumatic brain and spinal cord units at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. His dissertation focused on the neurological underpinnings of emotional memory.
Bellace also wrote a book, “A Better High,” and is a contributing author for “National Geographic Kids.” He was a recurring comedian on truTV’s “World’s Dumbest.”
He has performed as a comedian at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City and the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Copies of Bellace’s book will be available at Viewpoint Books in Columbus for purchase prior to the conference.
For more information, visit Bcsac.org.
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What: Bartholomew County Substance Abuse Council annual conference Desperate Households
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 16
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St.
Featuring: Keynote speaker Mark Bellace, author, professional speaker and stand-up comedian who encourages audiences to pursue natural highs such as laughter and meditation
How much: Free
For more information: Bcsac.org
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