Coastal Alabama's FIRST Opioid Summit: Experts and Leaders Convene to Abate Opioid Crisis
The Coastal Alabama Opioid Abatement Summit, a groundbreaking event aimed at addressing the pressing issue of opioid epidemic, is set to take place on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the Innovation Portal. The invitation-only summit, organized by the Helios Alliance in collaboration with the Drug Education Council and other partners, will bring together local leaders, national experts, and esteemed panelists to discuss strategies for combating the opioid crisis and fostering a healthier coastal community.
As part of the International Overdose Awareness Day programming, the summit will provide a platform for insightful discussions on the intersection of health, technology, and policy to effectively abate the opioid epidemic. With overdose-related visits to Mobile-area Emergency Departments experiencing a worrisome 46% increase in May 2023 compared to the previous year, the urgency of finding comprehensive solutions cannot be overstated.
Virginia Guy, Executive Director of the Drug Education Council, emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts: "The opioid epidemic is a complex issue that demands collective action. This summit is a pivotal step towards pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise to create impactful solutions that will benefit our communities."
Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile, who will be participating in the event, comments: "Addressing the opioid crisis requires a united front. I am honored to join this summit, which brings together leaders, experts, and innovators to strategize for a safer and healthier future for Coastal Alabama."
Alabama Senate Pro Tem Chris Pringle shares his perspective on the event: "The opioid crisis affects our communities on multiple levels. This summit signifies our commitment to finding evidence-based solutions that can help reverse the trend and bring positive change to those in need."
The Coastal Alabama Opioid Abatement Summit will feature an impressive lineup of panelists who have been on the frontlines of combating the opioid crisis:
Dr. Stephen Loyd, Tennessee Opioid Czar and Addiction Medicine Physician, says: "This summit is a crucial opportunity to discuss innovative approaches to address opioid use disorder and its impact on underserved populations. Together, we can make strides in abating the crisis and saving lives."
Keith Eubanks, System Dynamics Simulation Modeling expert, shares his vision: "Models are powerful tools to guide decision-making. I'm excited to contribute to discussions on how modeling can aid in the creation of effective abatement strategies that will have a positive ripple effect in our communities."
Tyrone Lam, COO of GATC Health, speaks to the potential of technology: "Innovation has the power to revolutionize healthcare. I am eager to explore how AI and game mechanics can be harnessed to enhance patient engagement, behavior change, and ultimately, opioid crisis abatement."
Karen Marlowe, Pharm.D., Associate Dean for Academic Programs at Auburn University, states: "Educating the medical community and raising awareness about pain management and opioids are pivotal steps. This summit presents an opportunity to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and chart a path towards comprehensive solutions."
Helios Alliance is a non-profit organization committed to fostering collaborations that drive positive change in the realm of public health. By uniting local leaders, experts, and community members, Helios Alliance aims to address critical health challenges and create healthier communities.
