The heroin epidemic worsens with each passing month in Northern Kentucky with over 1,168 overdoses seen at St. Elizabeth’s Emergency Departments in 2015, an increase of 57% over the previous year.
Opioid addiction is affecting many families and friends across Northern Kentucky, but even more alarming are new issues and diseases that are emerging.
Babies born to mothers who are addicted and sharing of dirty needles among friends and families have created new concerns, spread of disease and costs. Many new treatment options and efforts have taken place over the last year, but more tools are needed to address these critical issues facing our community.
The Covington Business Council is launching quarterly educational forums to address larger challenges and opportunities like this one in our community.
Garren Colvin, President and CEO of St. Elizabeth Healthcare will facilitate the first forum to talk about the extent and progression of the heroin addiction and associated diseases that are evolving, the emotional and financial cost for individuals, families and businesses and what solutions might be appropriate, including the establishment of a syringe exchange program which will help to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS.
The first of the quarterly educational forums, sponsored by St. Elizabeth Healthcare, will be held Friday, January 29 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the St. Elizabeth Covington Campus, 1500 James Simpson Junior Way.
A light breakfast food and refreshments will be served.
Registration is required but the event is free and open to CBC members, future members, elected and business leaders.
Register by emailing mbowler@cbcky.com.