Arcadia Hosts Conference to Address Opioid Epidemic
On Thursday, April 6, Arcadia University will host “Opioids in Your Backyard, Montgomery County: A Search for Solutions Symposium,” a one-day event to address the ever-present and growing problem of opioid abuse in the Philadelphia area. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Great Room.
Held in conjunction with Montgomery County Department of Public Safety and Montgomery County Community College, the symposium will offer an opportunity to interact with public safety and health professionals, as well as local and county officials, to discuss concerns and learn about resources available within the region to combat this widespread problem.
Key presenters for the day include:
- Dr. Ben R. Usatch, medical director for Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, who will present on what to do if you witness an overdose.
- Dr. Natasha Patterson, assistant professor of Public Health at Montgomery County Community College, who will discuss how opioid addiction happens.
- Amir Hosseini, clinical outreach representative for SeaBrook House, Inc. recovery center, who will present on intervention and treatment resources.
- Steve Beck, regional school safety officer for Montgomery County, who will discuss how schools can be prepared to handle addiction and overdoses.
- Additional testimony will be given by recovering victims and first responders.
The symposium will end with a Q&A panel for community members to address personal concerns and ask further questions.
A breakout session for Arcadia students will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in Stein Fireplace to discuss takeaways from the symposium and the role young people can play in ending the epidemic.
This event is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required.
