Opioid Epidemic Focus Of Town Hall In Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA—There's no doubt the opioid epidemic leaves no area untouched. The populous Fairfax County has seen its fair share of devastation and an alarming increase in drug-related deaths in the past few years.

That's why officials are inviting the community to a roundtable discussion on the opioid epidemic this Saturday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) in Conference Rooms 9 & 10.

Held by Rep. Gerry Connolly and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, the discussion will feature expert panelists:

• William A. Hazel, Jr., Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources
• Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Fairfax County Director of Health
• Lyn Tomlinson, Assistant Deputy Director, Community Services Board
• Dr. Husam Alathari, CATS Program Medical Director, Inova
• Maj. Amanda Lambert, Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center

Also joining the discussion will be a resident that has been impacted by addiction.

Fairfax County saw over 100 drug-related deaths in 2016, the most of any jurisdiction in Virginia. This includes 80 opioid overdoses, an increase from 60 in 2015.

“This roundtable is an opportunity for our community to come together and bring the opioid epidemic out of the shadows," said Connolly in a statement. "This is a crisis that’s impacting communities across Northern Virginia and our country. By bringing this panel of experts together, we hope people will know they aren’t alone in this fight and that there are resources available in our community to help with recovery."

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Please contact Sharon Stark of Connolly's office with RSVPs or inquiries at 703-256-3071 or Sharon.Stark@mail.house.gov.

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