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October 26, 2021

Shreve Memorial Library's Tough Topics series returns on Monday, November 1. The series, which began in 2019, focuses on providing a saf ...

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Press release from Shreve Memorial Library:

October 26, 2021

Shreve Memorial Library’s Tough Topics series returns on Monday, November 1. The series, which began in 2019, focuses on providing a safe place to discuss issues that may be difficult or uncomfortable to talk about. Tough Topics has covered everything from substance abuse, mental health and child abuse to suicide and the death of loved ones. This year, the series will cover opioid misuse, treatment and prevention, Alzheimer’s disease, and homelessness in northwest Louisiana. Professionals and experts in the field will lead the discussions, giving the public a chance to ask questions and learn more about each specific topic.

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Tough Topic discussions will take place on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. at various Shreve Memorial Library branches, beginning Monday, November 1. The discussions are recommended for ages 18 and older. The Tough Topic discussions are scheduled as follows:

  • November 1: Understanding Opioids with Guest Speaker Yolanda Duckworth, OPOCBroadmoor Branch, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive, (318) 869-0120Yolanda Duckworth, Region 7 Opioid Preparedness Outreach Coordinator for the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, will provide an overview of the opioid epidemic and Louisiana’s Opioid Preparedness Plan. Her presentation will cover general information about opioids, how they are misused, preventing abuse of opioids, and treatment options for opioid dependence.
  • November 8: Understanding Alzheimer’s with Guest Speaker Heather MedariesHamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, (318) 687-6824Heather Medaries, Program Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, will share insights into Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 6 million Americans. Medaries will explain the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia, share ways to identify signs of Alzheimer’s, and provide resources for those with family members affected by Alzheimer’s, including newly approved treatment options.
  • November 15: Understanding Homelessness in Northwest Louisiana with Guest Speaker Christa PazzagliaCedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue, (318) 868-3890Christa Pazzaglia, Executive Director of Hope Connections, will lead a discussion to help understand homelessness in northwest Louisiana. Hope Connections is an organization that brings people together to prevent and end homelessness by fostering a comprehensive, coordinated homeless services system for those at risk. Pazzaglia will share statistics related to homelessness and resources available to those experiencing homelessness.

    • Registration, face masks and social distancing are required for all Shreve Memorial Library programs. Please visit or contact the branches listed above to register.

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    In addition to the Tough Topics series, all Shreve Memorial Library branches throughout Caddo Parish have Tough Topic posters available to assist patrons in finding information about these and other difficult topics. 

    This press release was produced by Shreve Memorial Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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