(February 14, 2018) KANSAS CITY, MO – In the last five years, opioid overdose deaths have quadrupled in the Kansas City metro area. In an attempt to counteract the growing concern, the Center for Digital Advocacy at Avila University will host a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic on February 20 in the Dallavis Center.
Event has been cancelled and rescheduled for March 6.
Panelists will include Megan Fowler, director of clinical services at First Call, Margaux Guigan, director of prevention at First Call, and two Avila alumni; Milton Maricle, clinical director at Safe Haven and Marty Devins Harvath, LMSW, a graduate of the Avila department of social work.
Today an estimated 20.8 million people are living with a substance use disorder in the United States. In Missouri, 921 people died of an opioid-related overdose in 2016.
“First Call looks to raise awareness and lessen the stigma that keeps people from getting help,” said Marchel Alverson, marketing and communications manager at First Call. “People need to treat their substance use disorder. Events such as this panel discussion start a public conversation. The more people are talking about the prevalence and seriousness of addiction, the more people get help.”
The event will also feature a screening on the film Heroin(e), an Oscar-nominated documentary that focuses on a small town in West Virginia, a state often referred to as the epicenter of the nation’s opioid epidemic.
A reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the film screening beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the panel discussion beginning at 7:15 p.m. The Dallavis Center is located on the south-east corner of the Avila University campus.
For more information: Dr. J. Anthony Snorgrass, janthony.snorgrass@avila.edu.
It is the mission of First Call to reduce the impact of alcohol, drugs and addiction by providing quality resources to individuals, families and the community. First Call provides assessment, treatment, prevention and referral services to over 50,000 people annually, including adults and youth seeking recovery and children and family members impacted by a loved one’s substance use disorder.
Avila University, a Catholic University founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.