Opiate Panel Discussion Coming To Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Opiate addiction is a statewide crisis that has had a deadly impact on Lakewood and its residents. In April, two Lakewood residents were killed by overdosing on opiates. In 2016, the Lakewood Police and Fire departments responded to 251 overdose calls, and 28 people died as a result of heroin overdoses, according to the city. Heroin addiction frequently begins with an addiction to prescription opiates.

During an event Nov. 1, Brandy L. Schillace, senior research associate, public engagement fellow, will explore the development of opiates: from discovery to development as pain killers to their recent evolution into gateway addiction drugs.

Following the talk from Schillace, a panel discussion will be held discussing opiates and their history. The free event starts at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Rd.

The talk is being put on by the Case Western Reserve University College of Arts and Sciences and Dittrick Museum. To register for the event, click here.

Heroin and fentanyl addiction have been at the center of both national statewide discussion for much of 2017 and for good reason. The state's opiate crisis has led to an astounding number of deaths.

“Ohio is in crisis,” said Attorney General Mike DeWine on Monday. “At least 14 Ohioans are dying every single day in our state from drug overdoses. More people will die in Ohio this week than died in the devastating shooting recently in Las Vegas."

Summers and other Lakewood officials have said they believe holding frequent community conversations about opiates may be part of the process for fighting this mass addiction.

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