Learn About the Opioid Epidemic with These Four Events in Darien in October

At the First Congregational Church this Sunday, Oct. 1, and over two weeks in October at Darien Library, there will be four events in Darien where you can learn more about the opioid epidemic.

First Congregational Church of Darien

Sunday, Oct. 1, at 11:30 a.m.

A condensed version of an announcement from the church:

The First Congregational Church of Darien and Silver Hill Hospital are hosting a panel discussion to address the problem of drugs that plague our community.  Although our focus will be on teens, all of us are affected by this crisis.

Two professional panelists, who work in the greater Darien area, will talk about addiction from the scientific, prevention and treatment perspectives. Two people in recovery will share their personal stories. Time is planned for your concerns and questions.

We encourage concerned parents to bring their children. The program will provide much material for fruitful discussions. Call Sally Bassler, (203) 655-9658, with questions.

The Panelists

— Dr. Eric D. Collins is physician-in-chief at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan which specializes in addiction treatment. He is a graduate of Columbia Medical School, completed his residency at Columbia Presbyterian/New York State Psychiatric Institution and is board certified in addiction psychiatry. He will present specific facts and up-to-date understandings from the scientific standpoint.

— Allison Fulton has been the executive director of the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Drug Abuse since 2002, an organization that gives training, technical assistance and resources to many local prevention centers and towns of western Connecticut.

— Jen H. is in her late 20’s, working as a receptionist as she studies for her degree at Norwalk Community College.

— Allan Griffin is a young man who is working for Aware Recovery Care, an addiction center in New Haven.

— Gary Morello is our associate minister.  He is deeply involved in community youth programs.

If You’re Going …

• Sunday, Oct. 1 at 11:30 a.m.
• First Congregational Church, 44 Brookside Road, Darien

For more information, contact Sally Bassler: 203.655.9658

At Darien Library

Over a two-week period in October, join Darien Library for a three-part series on the Opioid Epidemic: A movie showing what an addict goes through, a training session and demonstration on how to administer life-saving Narcan, and a talk on alternatives to prescription opioids for pain relief.

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See also: 

• Darien High School Fighting Substance Abuse in a New Way: With Student/Parent Info Sessions on the Dangers (Sept. 30)
• Op Ed: Community Fund of Darien’s Teen Binge Drinking Campaign Gets National Recognition (Sept. 28)

__________

It all takes place in the two weeks from Oct. 4 to 18 at the library in events variously cosponsored by the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk, Silver Hill Hospital, Stamford Hospital, and the Darien Health Department.

Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict”

Wednesday, Oct, 4 at 7 p.m.

In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the FBI and DEA have released “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,” a documentary aimed at educating students and young adults about the dangers of addiction. A panel discussion with representatives from the FBI, Silver Hill Hospital, DEA, and an individual in recovery to follow.

 

How to Respond to an Overdose: Narcan Information and Training

Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a training session and demonstration on how to acquire and administer Narcan will take place.

Free Narcan kits will be distributed courtesy of Silver Hill Hospital.

Legislative efforts and other resources to combat the opioid crisis will be discussed.

MedEd: The Opioid Epidemic & Alternative Pain Management Options

Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Darien Library’s annual MedEd series begins with a discussion on the opioid epidemic and alternative pain management options.

Ofer M. Wellisch, MD, MPH, presents. He attended Sackler School of Medicine and completed his residency at Maimonides Medical Center. He is Board Certified in addiction medicine, anesthesiology, and pain medicine and specializes in pain management.