Clarion University will host “Communities in Crisis – PA Opioid Epidemic” from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. April 12 in the multi-purpose room of Gemmell Student Complex.
Dr. Rachel Levine, currently acting secretary of health for Pennsylvania, will be the keynote speaker.
Gov. Tom Wolf declared the opioid epidemic a statewide public health emergency in January.
This conference will continue the discussion to provide up-to-date information regarding heroin and opioids.
Statistics from 2016 show that 4,642 people in Pennsylvania died from drug-related overdoses; the presence of opioids was found in 85 percent of these drug fatalities.
The state’s drug overdose rate is 36.5 per 100,000 people, more than double the national average.
Conference outcomes include:
- Understanding the history of opioid use and misuse;
- Identifying treatment options for opioid addiction;
- Describing Pennsylvania’s response to the opioid epidemic;
- Discussing the stigma of addiction experience by clients and families;
- Analyzing the challenges and response opportunities for rural Pennsylvania.
For more information and to register, visit here. Cost to register is $75; Clarion University students can register for $25, and members of Sigma Theta Tau International or Emergency Nursing Association can register for $50.
Registration is open through April 2. Participants may register the day of the conference for $85, payable by check.
More information is also available by e-mailing Dr. Nancy Falvo at nfalvo1@clarion.edu or by calling her at 419-733-8278 or 412-367-8598.
Conference sponsors are the Mu Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society, Pennsylvania Emergency Nursing Association and Clarion University Department of Nursing.
