
More than 52,000 Americans died from a drug overdose in 2015. Approximately 63 percent of these cases involved prescription or illegal opioids. While this epidemic runs rampant nationwide, its effects continue to be felt here at home. In Oregon, 422,000 residents filled 963,000 opioid prescriptions in just the third quarter of 2016 alone.
“Pain is real, but so is addiction,” said David Bangsberg, M.D., M.P.H., founding dean of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. “We must find a way to properly address both issues and eliminate this public health crisis affecting so many in our region.”
“Oregon on Opioids” will take place Thursday, Feb. 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lucky Lab, 1945 N.W. Quimby St., in Portland. The event is free and people of all ages are welcome.
Hosted by the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, the forum will provide insight about the state’s prescription opioid problem, share stories of personal opioid addiction, and offer next steps to help address the problem. Featured speakers include:
- Dwight Holton, chief executive officer, Lines for Life
- Anandam Hilde, M.D., fellow, Department of Psychiatry, OHSU School of Medicine
- Knute Buehler M.D., Oregon State Representative
Public Health Portland Style is a monthly series designed to open dialogue about key issues that affect residents of Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The presentations will feature timely topics about public health issues such as health care reform, homelessness and gun violence.
Public Health Portland Style takes place the third Thursday of each month. The event is free and open to the public; minors also are invited to attend.
Additional details available here.