On Tuesday, Valley stakeholders will hold a public meeting to discuss trends, treatments and tools against the opioid epidemic facing the nation.
Arizona has the 15th highest drug overdose death in the country, with an average of at least one person dying every day, according to the health department.
Opioids includes prescription painkillers like morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and heroin.
Experts warn it is easy for patients to become addicted to prescription painkillers or for someone else in the house to become addicted to them.
The Drug Enforcement Administration says Phoenix had the highest distribution of oxycodone with over 1.3 million grams in 2015.
Tuesday’s event is presented by the Phoenix Business Journal and Arizona Broadcasters Association.
The panelists include:
Lee Pioske – Executive Director of Crossroads
Jon Perez – Regional Administrator, HHS Region IX, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Frank Milstead – Department of Public Safety
Dr. Anne-Michelle Ruha – University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, EM/Toxicology
Debbie Moak – Directory of the Governor’s Office of Yourth, Faith and Family
Aram Mardian, MD – Chief, Chronic Pain Wellness Center, Phoenix VA Health Care System
Kim Humphrey – Chariman of the Board, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
Event information:
May 23
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m
The University of Arizona
550 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
