February 28, 2013

The Highway to Heroin

The push to close pill mills and reduce the painkiller supply is creating a new problem. Opiate addicts need their fix, so when they can’t easily get their pills to pop, they’re often turning to heroin.

In communities that are cracking down on pill mills and doctor shopping, heroin-related deaths are increasing. Experts warn that if heroin use isn’t increasing in your area yet, it’s just a matter of time.
During this hour-long program, “Highway to Heroin,” hear how communities are dealing with two serious drug problems at the same time. Learn how to prepare for an influx of heroin. See how partners in the Cleveland, Ohio area are working together to stop opiate abuse.
Key concepts:
–       Learn about the link between prescription painkillers and heroin
–       Find out how to prepare your community for an increase in heroin use
–       Hear what prevention strategies work best to educate about opiates
Content providers:
Marc J. Fishman, M.D., Addiction Psychiatrist, Faculty, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Marc Fishman, M.D. is the medical director of Maryland Treatment Centers, a regional behavioral healthcare provider, which offers programs for residential and outpatient
His academic work has focused on models of care and treatment outcomes for addictions in youth, in particular opioid dependence.
Fishman is the immediate Past President of the Maryland Society of Addiction Medicine.
Lisa Roberts, R.N., Portsmouth City Health Department, Portsmouth, Ohio
Lisa Roberts, R.N. is a Registered Nurse and Health Educator who has been employed at the Portsmouth City Health Department as a Public Health Nurse since 1989.
She has worked extensively in the area of drug abuse prevention and has piloted a project that addresses unintentional drug overdoses and initiated Ohio’s first community-based opioid overdose reversal program using the drug naloxone.
Roberts helped form the Scioto County Drug Action Team Alliance in January 2010 in response to a declared public health emergency due to prescription drug abuse in Scioto County. The coalition was awarded a Drug Free Communities Support Program Grant from ONDCP in 2012.
Harold Rochon, Lieutenant, Detroit Police Department
Harold M. Rochon is currently the Commanding Officer in Charge of the Detroit Police Narcotics Division. Rochon began his law enforcement career in 1985 and began investigating gang and drug organizations shortly after.
Over the years, he has been an instructor for several local, state and federal organizations and has written several gang prevention manuals and books.
Rochon earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Anderson College in Michigan. He is certified by the US Department of Justice for instruction.
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