We’re four months away from the 2010 annual statewide NASW-AK/AkCA conference, and so we thought it might be time to give you a preview of what you’re in for, if you come.

Of our five amazing keynote speakers, the best known is probably Dr. Patch Adams. Patch’s life was the subject of the 1998 movie, Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams. (If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry! We’ll be hosting a free screening—look for details closer to the conference date.)

Here’s the trailer for the movie:

Patch is a medical doctor, clown, performer, and social activist. In 1971 he founded the Gesundheit Institute, a not-for-profit holistic medical care facility. Patch will speak on healing, humor, and healthcare at our conference.

For more on Patch, watch this short clip from 2000 on the film and his life:

The Patch Adams Story from Kleber Torres on Vimeo.

For a sample of Patch’s speaking and clowning, check out this clip:

In addition to speaking at our conference, Patch will be giving a free keynote speech to the public on Wednesday night, October 6th, at the Davis Concert Hall (donations welcome). We hope to see you there!