HAVEN hosts professional symposium on opiates on Nov. 2

To address the growing use and abuse of opiates, HAVEN is presenting a professional symposium on Friday, Nov. 2 featuring experts in the medical and psychiatric field. “Meeting the Challenges of Professional Health – Prescribing in Changing Times: Regaining Control” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., in the Plantsville section of Southington.

“This conference is designed to enable all healthcare professionals to learn more about effectively screening patients to determine at-risk potential for substance use disorders, without stigma or bias,” said Linda Barile, PhD, RN, professional director of HAVEN. “The conference is essential to continue the dialogue on how prescribed medications are contributing to the epidemic of substance use disorders.”

HAVEN – Health Assistance InterVention Education Network - is an independent non-profit corporation founded in 2007 by the Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Nurses Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, Connecticut Veterinary Medicine Association and Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants that provides confidential assistance to healthcare professionals facing the challenges of substance abuse, behavioral or mental health issues, and/or physical illness. HAVEN is based in East Berlin.

The 10th annual symposium will open with Claire Brennan, Diversion Program manager of the Drug Enforcement Administration New England Field Division, who will present “The Connecticut Drug Crisis.” Doris Gundersen, MD, medical director of the Colorado Physician Health Program will present “Cannabis – The Colorado Experience: What Connecticut May Anticipate.” Other presenters include Richard Rosenthal, MD, director of Addiction Psychiatry at Stony Brook University Medical Center; Joseph Garbely, DO, vice president of Medical Services & Medical Director, and Jonathan Harris, PhD, corporate director of Neurocognitive Services, both of Caron Treatment Center; and J. Craig Allen, MD, chief of Psychiatry at MidState Medical Center. The event will conclude with a panel discussion focused on practical applications and case studies.

Healthcare professionals living or working in Southington may attend free of charge through grant funding provided by the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust of the Main Street Community Foundation. Proof of residency or employment is required. The cost is $90, which includes conference materials, continental breakfast and lunch. This event is open to the public at large. Continuing education credits have been applied for. Registration deadline is Oct. 22.

For more information, call HAVEN at (860) 828-3175. To register online, visit http://buytickets.at/haven/198650. For more information about HAVEN, visit www.haven-ct.org.