A free public forum and panel discussion on the growing problem of opiate abuse in Middlesex County will be held at Westbrook Library on Monday, March 14 at 5 p.m., sponsored by the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC).
Connecticut loses hundreds of citizens every year to opiate overdoses. Thousands more are addicted and still more are in recovery. “Heroin-related overdose deaths zoomed in one year from 174 to 387, a 122 percent increase,” said Betsey Chadwick, director of MCSAAC. “In this public forum we’ll look at who is most vulnerable, and how we can contain, reduce and help prevent the problem.”
Five people will serve on the panel. State’s Attorney Peter McShane and State Trooper Wayne Buck will discuss the sources of excess opiates including doctor-shopping, pill peddling, the diversion of narcotics and heroin sales and what they’re doing about it.
Panelist J. Craig Allen, MD will talk about trends in painkiller use, how it can lead to addiction and heroin, and doctors’ response to the crisis.
CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon will speak about resources for treatment at the state level.
Rounding out the panel will be a young person in recovery from opioid addiction (Aware Recovery Care), describing the slow journey back from addiction.
The event is free and open to the public but seating is limited. The Westbrook Library is at 61 Goodspeed Dr., in Westbrook. Use the rear entrance. For more information contact Betsey Chadwick at MCSAAC by calling 860-347-5959 or via email at [email protected].
Editor’s note: MCSAAC is recognized by the State of Connecticut as a Regional Action Council, devoted to the prevention and reduction of alcohol and drug abuse, especially among youth. It is a Council of the Middlesex County Business Industry Foundation, Inc., an affiliate of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.