The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to host statewide Opioid Action Summit to address opioid epidemic and direct strategies to implement harm reduction
SLIDELL, LA – LDH Office of Behavioral Health welcomes personnel working to combat the opioid crisis to the Louisiana Opioid Action Summit in Slidell, La. on Sept. 4-6, 2019 at the Harbor Center. The goal of the summit is to offer the opportunity for organizations and representatives to work collaboratively and share real solutions in prevention, treatment, and recovery that will empower communities to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses.
Between 2013 and 2017, Louisiana experienced a 36% increase in drug-related deaths, more than twice the national increase. The number of overdose deaths from opioids have more than doubled between 2012 and 2017, with more than half just in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, and East Baton Rouge parishes. Numbers continue to climb and in 2018, Louisiana is projected to have the highest number of opioid-related deaths on record.
The Louisiana Department of Health hopes to lead current efforts in harm reduction strategies that will reduce overdose deaths, HIV and viral hepatitis infections, and drug use. LDH is also working to connect individuals to care, reduce crime, and reduce injury to law enforcement and first responders.
Summit topics will include:
On Friday, Sept. 6, the public is encouraged to attend a Harm Reduction Town Hall at 10 a.m. for an open discussion about combating the opioid epidemic and eliminating hepatitis C. This Town Hall is an important step for communities to take charge of this health crisis.
The workshop is approved for 6.0 CE clock hours. It was not reviewed for NBCC credits.
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