Panel to present straight talk about prescription drug and other substance abuse
“Very few people in the area have not been affected, directly or indirectly, by substance abuse. Are you interested in learning more about abuse of prescription medications or drugs such as heroin, meth or other substances and the impact they are having on our communities in Crawford County?” asks Lynn Groom, RN, Education Coordinator at Crossing Rivers Health. “If I have your attention- mark your calendar. Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien is hosting a free town hall ‘Substance Abuse: Problem or Crisis?’ on Wednesday, November 9, in the George Family Education Center. The presentation is intended for parents/guardians of middle school-aged children to young adults, as well as, any other concerned citizens who touch the lives of youth and/or young adults.”
The doors open to the town hall on November 9th at 5:00 p.m. for participants to view a simulation of a teenager’s bedroom with over 30 examples of drugs and drug paraphernalia ‘hidden’ in plain sight. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. as a panel of experts in the medical field, law enforcement and youth development team up to provide an eye-opening presentation on substance abuse, the latest trends, what to look for when misuse or abuse is suspected, and where to turn for help. Panel members include Dr. Kevin Whitney, ER Medical Director at Crossing Rivers Health; Chad Abram, Prairie du Chien Police Chief; Lt. Terry Sprosty and Sgt. Kyle Teynor with Prairie du Chien Police Department; Amy Mitchell, 4-H Youth Development Agent with Crawford County UW-Extension; and Rick Peterson, Community Resource Director with Crossing Rivers Health.
Dr. Kevin Whitney commented, “Prescription drug abuse can bring on a variety of health problems: irregular heartbeats, elevated blood pressure, seizures, heart failure or deadly seizures. Overdoses can be fatal. Working in the Emergency Room at Crossing Rivers Health, I am in a unique position to not only prescribe medications, but also to identify abuse of prescription drugs. I am always on the alert that patients may be addicted to prescription drugs or searching for a way to obtain multiple prescription drugs they abuse- it is an important part of our patient care at Crossing Rivers Health.”
The panel discussion and question and answer period will conclude at 7:30 p.m. The hidden in plain sight simulation will be available until 8:00 p.m.
For information on services and program available through Crossing Rivers Health, please visit crossingrivers.org or call 608-357-2000.