MT. LEBANON, Nov. 20 – Noting its in-depth focus on “Challenges to Recovery,” state Rep. Dan Miller, D-Mt. Lebanon, invites the public to attend a free Substance Abuse Forum from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road, Pittsburgh.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro will open the event with a noon to 1 p.m. overview of what his office is doing to combat the opioid and heroin public health epidemic, Miller said, followed by four panel discussions on related topics.
A member of the House Human Services and Judiciary committees and the HOPE (Heroin, Opioid Prevention, and Education) Caucus, Miller has made addressing the opioid/heroin crisis and saving lives a top legislative priority. He said the forum is designed to address common hurdles on the road to recovery – and is paired with a Resource Fair of exhibitors that will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“This is not an awareness-level event; by now, everyone is aware that we have a crisis on our hands,” Miller said. “In addition to Attorney General Shapiro, we’ve assembled four panels of experts who will share their knowledge and take questions from the audience, with the goal of providing concrete information to help addicts and their families.”
The Substance Abuse Forum will include these five sessions, for which registration at
www.MillerSubstanceAbuse.eventbrite.com is encouraged but not required:
- “A Conversation on Combating the Opioid Epidemic across Pennsylvania” with Attorney General Josh Shapiro, noon to 1 p.m. – With the opioid- and heroin-related public health crisis reaching critical mass and few signs of it slowing down, Shapiro will give an overview of the initiatives of his office, as well as an update on what’s happening nationwide.
- Hope for Families, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. – Exploring the emotional turmoil and unique stresses associated with a loved one’s addiction, and how to find support inside and outside the family unit.
- Access to Treatment, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Addressing the practical challenges many people face in getting appropriate treatment and what can be done to increase access.
- Kids in the Crosshairs, 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Examining the impact on children when one or both parents are dealing with addiction, and how legal matters can be addressed inside and outside of involvement by the Office of Children, Youth and Families.
- Crime and Recovery, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Discussing the balance between public safety and rehabilitation and what we can do to improve outcomes for those caught in the criminal justice system while struggling with addiction.
Miller said while walk-ins are welcome, registration is appreciated due to space limits. Questions should be directed to his office at (412) 343-3870.
Original link: http://pahouse.com/Miller/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=94527