On May 27, 2026, the Smithfield, Virginia Rotary hosted its 3rd Annual Mental Health Awareness Expo. The Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (BIC) was proud to participate once again.
Dr. Michael Bohan, a member of BIC’s Medical Advisory Board, attended on behalf of our organization alongside Laletha Shabazz, NP, a doctoral candidate in nursing whose research focuses on benzodiazepine deprescribing awareness. Dr. Bohan and Laletha first met at last year’s Expo and have since continued collaborating on outreach and education efforts. Throughout the event, they engaged with attendees interested in BIC’s mission and in learning more about benzodiazepine deprescribing.
At the BIC table, Laletha Shabazz, NP, spoke with members of the Smithfield Rotary, helping share information about deprescribing and answering questions from attendees.
Dr. Bohan also connected with Colleen Downes of Senior Services of Virginia. She expressed that her organization would benefit from more information about deprescribing. Dr. Bohan plans to follow up by emailing reference materials and visiting the agency alongside Laletha to continue the conversation.
Dr. Bohan and Laletha also met Jay Williams, a psychotherapist with Sentara Mental Health. They discussed deprescribing resources and agreed to follow up to provide additional information and support.
One especially meaningful interaction was with Morgan, who attended the Expo with her husband and daughter. Morgan first learned about benzodiazepine tapering at BIC’s table during the 2024 Rotary Mental Health Expo. She did not begin deprescribing until she met Laletha Shabazz, NP, at last year’s event and began working with her for support. Now, one year into the process, she is nearing the end of her taper. Her visit was filled with gratitude and encouragement as she reflected on her journey.
The event also brought together several members of the mental health and nursing community. Dr. Bohan was joined at the table by Sarah Crumpter, NP, Laletha Shabazz, NP, and Dr. Angela Allen of Focused Psychiatric Services in Smithfield, Virginia. Together, they represented a collaborative effort to improve awareness and support around benzodiazepine deprescribing.
Also present were Carrie Bruce, a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association, along with Dr. Michael Bohan, Laletha Shabazz, NP, and Dr. Angela Allen, highlighting the broad network of professionals engaged in mental health advocacy and education at the event.
We hope to attend again next year!
