DHS announces topics for Spring 2015 Lecture Series

Oklahoma City -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) has finalized a list of topics for its Spring Lecture Series.  A wide range of subjects will be covered, ranging from an anxiety disorder that causes hoarding, to teens drifting into sex and parenthood without marriage. 

“We think the public will be very excited when they hear about some of the things we are working on,” said Connie Schlittler, DHS Director of Planning, Research and Statistics.  “These lectures are designed to engage the public and educate them on some of Oklahoma’s emerging policy issues, trends and practices.”

The first lecture in the Spring series will be presented Tuesday, January 13 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City.  It is titled “Developing an Understanding of the Child’s Developing Brain.” 

“When children are exposed to things like domestic violence, poverty or other stressors, their brain may be less developed, or it may develop in an abnormal fashion,” Schlittler said.  “That can predict problems that will continue into their adult lives.  Participants in this lecture will be able to be more informed, and become advocates for children experiencing those issues.”

Guest speaker for the January lecture will be Robert W. Block, MD.  He was appointed Oklahoma’s first Chief Child Abuse Examiner in 1989, and held that position until 2011. 

The February lecture will be timely with Oklahoma’s impending spring storm season, addressing the needs of children and families following a disaster—specifically lessons learned from the Moore tornado. 

Coming up in March, nationally known TV personality Matt Paxton, from the A&E channel’s “Hoarders” will talk about the serious effects of compulsive hoarding.

“In April we will be taking the lecture series on the road, traveling to Tulsa,” Schlittler said.  “That one will be interesting as we discuss the economic ramifications of unplanned pregnancies.”

The final lecture of the series will be held in May and discusses Oklahoma’s Faith-Based Partnerships.

“As you can see our lectures run the gamut this spring, and we encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of these informative sessions,” Schlittler said. 

The series is sponsored by the DHS Office of Planning, Research and Statistics and the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management with the goal of providing the best educational opportunities available in a forum that offers participants an opportunity to question, share and learn from each other. 

All lectures are free and open to the public. For more information contact the Office of Planning, Research and Statistics at (405) 521-3552 or visit the Practice and Policy Lecture Series website. 

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