Eckert Lecture on Health and Inequality 


Thank You for Attending the 2025 Eckert Lecture

We sincerely thank everyone who attended this year’s Eckert Lecture, Recovering from the Opioid Epidemic in Baltimore and Beyond, held on April 24, 2025, at the AOK Library Gallery.

Moderated by Brian Soller, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health at UMBC, this year’s panel discussion explored the multifaceted nature of the opioid epidemic in Baltimore. Panelists shared their expertise on the nature and impact of the local opioid crisis, understanding and treating opioid addiction, and efforts to prevent opioid misuse.

If you missed the event—or want to revisit the powerful insights shared—you can watch the full recording here.

We appreciate your participation in this vital conversation and invite you to stay connected for future Eckert Lectures.

Eric Stokan and panelists

Photo provided by Amy Barnes.


Panelists

Bakari Atiba, AA

Director of Community Engagement

Charm City Care Connection

Kelly Coble, LCSW-C

Program Director

Maryland Addiction Consultation        Services (MACS)

Associate Director of Operations

Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine

Brendan Saloner, Ph.D.

Professor

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Alissa Zhu, MSPH

Reporter

Baltimore Banner


Organized by the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health. Cosponsored by the Center for Social Science Scholarship, the Public Health Research Center, the School of Public Policy, the School of Social Work, the Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems, and the Hilltop Institute.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

Photos provided by panelists.


 

The Eckert Lecture on Health and Inequality is an annual event dedicated to advancing scholarship on pressing health issues with a focus on promoting health equity across diverse societies. Named in honor of J. Kevin Eckert, a distinguished faculty member who dedicated 35 years to research, teaching, and leadership at UMBC, the lecture reflects his lifelong commitment to improving health outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. Dr. Eckert’s pioneering work in aging studies and public health—alongside his leadership in shaping UMBC’s academic landscape—continues to inspire scholars and practitioners alike. By supporting the Eckert Lecture, donors contribute to a lasting legacy of research and dialogue aimed at addressing health disparities and fostering meaningful change. 

 

Support the Eckert Lecture by clicking the button below and selecting “Eckert Lecture Fund” under “Designation.”

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Our past lectures include:

  • 2024: Dr. May Sudhinaraset: Structural Inequities in Maternal and Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

2024 Eckert Lecture recording