GDAHC and DWMHA to host February 10 Opioid Summit in downtown Detroit to create call-to-action to address epidemic
The Greater Detroit Area Health Council [GDAHC] and the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) to facilitate discussion of the risks and effects of prescription drug and heroin abuse
The Greater Detroit Area Health Council [GDAHC] in partnership with the Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) announces it will convene a conversation and create a call-to-action around the opioid abuse and resulting heroin oversdose epidemic and its impact in Detroit and Wayne County. The Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Overdose Summit: Understanding and Collaborating to Affect Change will occur on Wednesday, February 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.
 
Michigan is at the forefront of a major epidemic in America -- the overuse of prescription drugs and heroin overdose. This is a life-threatening and community-damaging crisis that crosses all demographics, affecting families, resulting in job loss, increasing health care costs and vastly impacting law enforcement. The summit will present the foundational issues, why this matters to every stakeholder, share the impact and set an action plan. 
 
"Our members -- those who give care, get care and pay for care -- have been concerned about the recent rise in prescription drug overuse and subsequent heroin overdose in our community," said Kate Kohn-Parrott, president and CEO of GDAHC. "In partnership with the DWMHA, we have assembled an impressive roster of subject matter experts who will increase our knowledge as we all work together to implement strategies to address this crisis."
 
Tom Watkins, president and CEO of DWMHA, said, "At DWMHA we are seeing an alarming increase in prescription drug and heroin abuse. These are not just statistics. They spell devastation in real people's lives. We accepted GDAHC's invitation to partner to try to stop this epidemic in our communities."
 
Health professionals including physicians, nurses, allied health workers, hospital and medical center staff, and health plan staff; social workers; law enforcement; counselors; educators; elected officials and government staff; court staff; corrections officers; clergy; families affected by devastating disease; funeral directors and members of the community-at-large are invited and all have a stake in the outcomes of this critical summit. Attendees will receive 5.5 MCBAP-approved CADC hours awarded by DWMHA.
 
Confirmed presenters for the Detroit Opioid Summit include:
  • Michigan Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, who heads the state's task force on Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse, will present findings in a streaming video presentation.
  • Drs. Carl Christensen, Mark Menestrina and Corey Waller will help provide education to better understand the disease, current treatment options, challenges within the current system and offer suggestions on how the public can work together to improve outcomes.
  • Dr. Grenae Dudley will address prevention strategies. 
  • Abraham Azzam, director of the Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, will speak on the current state of drug trafficking.
  • Panelists Judge Linda Davis, 41B District Court in Macomb County, Judge James Kandrevas, 28th District Court in Wayne County, Dr. Carmen McIntyre of DWMHA, and Dr. Raymond Edison of SHAR House will explore opportunities for partnership in the fight against opioid and heroin abuse.
Registration is $40 for GDAHC members and DWMHA provider network members and $65 for all other attendees, which includes breakfast and lunch. Table sponsorship is available for $500 which includes seats for eight individuals and organization recognition. Early registration is advised. Online registration is at www.gdahc.org/opioidsummitdetroit.
 
Event sponsorship or an exhibit table is available by contacting Renée Ahee at 586-484-2390 or events@gdahc.org.
Wednesday, Feb 10
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
Detroit Marriott
Renaissance Center
400 Renaissance Dr
Detroit, MI 48243
Prescription Drug Abuse & Heroin Overdose Summit on February 10 in Detroit
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