Unscripted: Opioid Forum Brings Experts to Westminster Unitarian Church

EAST GREENWICH, RI— Just as the U.S. Surgeon General released a new report about the nation's drug epidemic, Kent Hospital has announced it will host a forum, Unscripted, aimed at raising awareness about the crisis.

“As the community hospital for East Greenwich and the 300,000 people who comprise Kent’s service are, we are committed to bringing much-needed attention to this important issue as we continue to see tragic results coming into our emergency department and our intensive care unit,” said Ehsun Mirza, MD, critical care specialist at Kent Hospital. “Opioid abuse has been on the rise for several years now and continues to have serious effects on our community. Coming together for this important forum can only help provide critical awareness on the dangerous effects of these drugs to so many in our area, especially our youth.”

The hospital is teaming up with the East Greenwich Drug Program to present the program on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westminster Unitarian Church, East Greenwich.

"The forum is free, open to the community and will feature an array of speakers and panelists who will share their insights into various components of a frightening epidemic, according to the hospital spokeswoman.

Dr. Mirza will be the moderator.

Speakers include Michael J. Dacey Jr., MD, president and chief operating officer, Kent Hospital; Christopher P. Zabbo, DO, emergency medicine physician, Kent Hospital.

The panelists are Lisa Marzilli, Pharm. D., adjunct professor, University of Rhode Island; Kelly Matson, Pharm. D., member, Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, professor, URI School of Pharmacy; Michelle McKenzie, MPH, senior projector director, Miriam Hospital, director of Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention; Reinhard Straub, MSW, clinical and business liaison, American Addiction Centers; the Hon. Brian P. Stern, superior court justice, chief of staff for former Rhode Island Governor, Donald Carcieri; and Thomas Raimondo, MD, pulmonary disease specialist, intensive care unit, Kent Hospital.

For more information, please contact Robert Houghtaling, M.ED, director, East Greenwich Drug Program, CEO, Academy Foundation at 401-230-2246 or rhoughtaling2@verizon.net.

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