The opioid epidemic has devastated families across the nation, prompting Wayne State University to host an informative day on Tuesday, Sept. 18 from noon to 5:30 p.m. to educate others about the misuse, abuse and consequences of opioids. Through this day-long event, Wayne State University aims to better understand the scope of this crisis and how it impacts the local community. All students, faculty, staff and community members who are interested in gaining insight on opioids are welcome.
The opioid awareness day event will be hosted in two segments: informative tables and a panel discussion. The four informative tables will have engaging activities and demonstrations aimed at further understanding the opioid epidemic.
- Gullen Mall tables
- Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences table:
- "Busting myths" about prescription medicine
- School of Medicine table:
- Drone demonstration highlighting how technology is helping to prevent overdose-related deaths
- College of Nursing table:
- Providing information on fears surrounding proper opioid use
- CAPS/Counseling Services tables:
- Handing out information about services on and off campus
- Promote online screening tools to identify abuse
The panel will consist of physicians who interface with the epidemic, a family member of a victim of opioid abuse, a former Drug Enforcement Administration agent and others who have experienced the crisis firsthand. The varying perspectives of the panel members should promote conversation and offer insight into the complexity of opioid use.
Panel members include Dr. Mark Greenwald, the associate chair for research in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at WSU; Dr. Melissa February, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Michigan; Richard Isaacson, community outreach specialist at Links Global USA; and Mike Hirst, the founder of Andy's Angels.
The informative tables will be located in Gullen Mall. Should there be inclement weather, the event will be held in the Student Center at 5221 Gullen Mall, Detroit. The panel discussion will be held in the Spencer M. Patrich Auditorium, located in the Wayne State Law School located at 471 Palmer Ave., Detroit. For more information, contact Brittanii Lyons by phone at 586-260-9746 or by email at [email protected].
