Community meeting Aug. 24 will address opioid crisis in Broward County

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The opioid crisis continues tearing at the societal fabric in Broward County. During the first six months of 2017, 282 people died from drug overdoses. In 2016, deaths attributed to opioid overdoses totaled 582, nearly double than 2014, and up 260 ODs in 2015.

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief will host an Opioid Epidemic Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 24. It will bring together government leaders, healthcare professionals, substance abuse specialists, law enforcement, fire rescue, educators and other interested parties for an open discussion about the epidemic; why the number of deaths is growing in Broward County and what solutions are available to reduce supply, use and number of deaths.

“This epidemic has no boundaries, no age limits, no race or nationality and no socio-economic bias. Its a crisis that is affecting every one of us on a daily basis,” said Mayor Sharief.  “By coming together and openly discussing, sharing and learning from each other we can make a difference in our communities. We were successful with the FLAKKA epidemic, and I am confident we can be successful again and put an end to this deadly opioid epidemic in Broward County.”

The speakers will include:

  • Dr. Craig T. Mallak, MD, JD, Chief, Office of the Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, Broward County
  • Dr. Gary Kunsman, Chief Toxicologist, Broward County
  • Jim Hall, Senior Epidemiologist Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University
  • Donald Maines, Substance Research and Program Manager, Broward Sheriff’s Office
  • Heather Davidson, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy, United Way of Broward County
  • Dr. Dale Fahie, BARC Medical Director

The town hall meeting on the opioid crisis in Broward County takes place on Thursday, Aug. 24, from 10 am to 2 pm at Pembroke Pines City Hall, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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