Opioid Addiction Recovery Forum Set For May 8

ROSWELL, GA — By now, we are all familiar with the opioid epidemic and the tragic circumstances it has created for many families across Fulton County and Georgia. Since there is no denying that we are in the throws of an epidemic, stakeholders around the area are now mapping out a path to recovery.

The 2018 North Fulton Community Health Forum is a key step in this initiative. The forum will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 8 at Centennial High School in Roswell.

The forum will include Fulton DeKalb Hospital Authority members, mental health and addiction experts rallying with citizens to plot a course forward to shake the chains of opioid addiction. Fulton County District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann will co-host the forum, which she said will focus on addiction.

"Communities and families are being destroyed by this epidemic," Hausmann said. "We have heard hundreds of stories both locally and nationally regarding the deadly dangers of opioid addiction. We want to assist with linking our residents to the resources available here in North Fulton, and will discuss how to recognize the problem and learn where they can get help. We want to offer resources to reduce the effects of this dangerous addiction, while also hearing from the community concerning continuing needs that must be addressed.”

In 2017, deaths related to drug overdoses were nearly on the same footing as motor vehicle fatalities, said Lisa Flagg, CEO of the Fulton DeKalb Health Authority.

"At the Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority we find this unacceptable and joining forces with the commissioner is one way to address this challenge," she said.

Commissioner Hausmann will moderate the panel discussion. Panelists that have signed on to participate include:

• LaTrina Foster, director of the Fulton County Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
• Diane E. Milner, certified addictions counselor, Grady Health System
• Robin Buckley, director of member services, Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce
• Ewell Hardman, master addiction counselor, Summit Counseling Center
• Laurisa Barthen, peer counselor, Georgia Substance Abuse

Health Providers and Counselors will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information. Centennial High School is at 9310 Scott Road in Roswell.

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