Six-part “Dose of Reality” series Wednesday evenings at Chandler Music Hall
Gifford Health Care is sponsoring “Dose of Reality,” six community forums on drug addiction and prevention, on Wednesday evenings throughout the spring. Forums will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Esther Marsh Room (upstairs) of the Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main Street, Randolph, Vt.
The opening forum “How to effectively talk with your Children about Alcohol and Substance Abuse” will be on Wednesday, March 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This first session will cover current youth substance trends, development concerns, strategies on delaying the onset of substance use, signs and symptoms indicating potential use, how and when to talk with young people about substance abuse, and local resources for assistance. Presenters are Jeff Nowlan, MA, LCMHC, LADC, Gifford Behavioral Health; Adam Bindrum, Clara Martin Center Substance use and Mental Health Clinician; Matt Whalen, Vermont Department of Health; and Sgt. Loretta Stalnaker, Randolph Police Department/Local LEAD Officer
Upcoming forums:
Wednesday April 4: “The Science of Drugs”
In this session we’ll discuss the science of drugs, including the effects on the body and what causes them to be so appealing. We’ll also discuss how Narcan works in the body after an overdose.
Presenters:
Jan McConnell – Gifford Health Care Pharmacist
Dr. Christopher Lukonis – Gifford Addiction Medicine
Jennifer Pelletier, LADC – Gifford Addiction Medicine
Wednesday, April 18: “Opioids: The Impact on the Community and Prevention Efforts”
This session will look at the impact of drugs on our community, including impacts on the health care system, schools, criminal justice, law enforcement, and the current community-based prevention strategies.
Presenters:
Matt Whalen – Vermont Department of Health
Kym Anderson – Randolph Community Justice Center
Sgt. Loretta Stainaker – Randolph Police Dept.
Wednesday, May 2: “The Path to Recovery”
A discussion about the treatment and recovery options available through Gifford’s Addiction Medicine team, as well as reflections from someone who’s successfully recovered from a substance use disorder and Narcan training.
Presenters:
Dr. Chris Lukonis – Gifford Addiction Medicine
Jenn Pelletier, LADC – Gifford Addiction Medicine
Recovered substance user
Kym Anderson, Randolph Community Justice Center
Wednesday, May 16: “How Can You Help?”
In this fifth session a panel will discuss ways to be an active partner in preventing substance use.
Presenters:
Ben Jickling – Orange-Washington-Addison County Representative/ROART Member
Bethany Silloway – Gifford Community Relations Coordinator
Sheriff Bill Bohnyak – Orange County Sheriff’s Dept.
Matt Whalen – Vermont Dept. of Health
Chief Dan Brunelle – Randolph Police Dept.
Wednesday, May 30: Open Forum Panel Discussion
Previous presenters will conclude the series with a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders, and moving forward together.
