Tackling drug abuse topic of free Dec. 5 summit

 Understanding how drug abuse impacts individuals, families and communities, and how to tackle the problem, will be the focus of the Jackson County Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit, to be held 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5, at Jackson College, George E. Potter Center, Snyder Dining Commons, 2111 Emmons Road. Sign-in is from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

The event features panels with local and state law enforcement, health care providers, family counselors, and treatment and recovery experts discussing how to address drug abuse and how to help those affected. The summit is free with registration. Lunch is provided.
Featured speakers include Jackson prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka; Assistant Attorney General David Tanay; Mike Hirst of Andy’s Angels; Dr. John Maino II?of Allegiance Emergency Medicine; Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand; Melissa Cerquera of Allegiance Health Substance Abuse Services; Kiernan Gamel from Catholic Charities; and Heather English, Prevention and Wellness coordinator, LifeWays CMH.
Panelist areas include Family Impact, Law Enforcement, Medical Overview, Prevention & Awareness and Treatment & Recovery.
The Law Enforcement Workgroup, led by Sheriff Steven Rand, will include the Hon. Susan Beebe, Jackson County; Chief Matthew Heins, Director of Police & Fire Services, City of Jackson; Director Mike Jester, Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety; Kathy Arnold, Supervisor, Jackson County Probation Office, Michigan Department of Corrections; and Lieutenant Dave Cook, Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Questions addressed include: What type of prescription drugs are abused? What are the legal consequences? What are the health consequences, including addictions? Who abuses prescription drugs and heroin? Where are the access points? and What are some of the local resources for addressing drug abuse?
 Sponsors of the summit are American Office Solutions, Andy's Angels, Great Lakes Caring, Hirst Electric Company, Jackson College, Jackson County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, K&A Machine and Tool Inc., Most Teens Don't, OmniSource Corp., Walton Insurance Group, and United Way of Jackson County.
To register, visit www.jacksondrugsummit.org/registration.

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