Michigan Practice-Based Research Network offers symposium focused on opioids
As deaths from opioid addiction and abuse make headlines in communities across the country, researchers and policy makers are working to address the opioid epidemic and find ways to stem its reach into vulnerable populations. The Michigan Public Health Practice-Based Research Network (MI-PBRN) presented its 2018 symposium, focused on the Michigan opioid prevention response, bringing together researchers, nonprofit administrators and policy makers to identify key aspects of Michigan's opioid epidemic to develop collaborations to address Michigan's opioid crisis.
The symposium was held at Western Michigan University’s Downtown Grand Rapids location on October 19. It was open to invited guests and covered topics ranging from the opioid epidemiological landscape and Michigan's legislative perspective, to discussions about responding with prevention and developmental programs.
"The opioid crisis is growing in Michigan. In our efforts to address the determinants of health, health inequity and health disparities, we are working to enhance our efforts to prevent opioid abuse” says Dr. David Wingard, TrueNorth Community Services Director of Research and Strategic Development. “This year, we are focusing this annual research symposium on opioid prevention by bringing in state and national experts to inform and guide our strategic efforts."
The keynote speaker was Dr. Kimberly Johnson, the former director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Currently on faculty in the College of Behavioral & Community Sciences at the University of South Florida, Johnson began the day's conversation with details from throughout her career, which has been spent addressing various manifestations of addiction.
Illustrating the breadth of the conversation, Dr. Rob Lyerla, professor in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. Program at WMU and former SAMHSA Associate Director of Science, discussed national challenges for prevention programs while Lisa Brennan, executive director of the Western Regional Area Health Education Center, touched on the impact workforce development can have on public health programs.
U.S. Congressman Fred Upton, who represents Michigan’s sixth congressional district, hosted the afternoon’s last session, which was focused on the federal legislative impact on Michigan’s opioid response. On Oct. 24, President Trump signed legislation aimed at curbing the opioid crisis nationwide.
Among the many other panelists were Tom Leonard, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Dr. Eden V. Wells, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Anthony Muller, director of clinical and business development services at Wedgwood Christian Services and Dr. Ron Cisler, dean of the WMU College of Health and Human Services.
ABOUT MI-PBRN
The Michigan Public Health Practice Based Research Network is based on a unique partnership between Western Michigan University and TrueNorth Community Services, and is an affiliated member with The National Coordinating Center for Public Health Services and Systems Research at the University of Kentucky. MI-PBRN supports interdisciplinary research increasing the knowledge base for health disparities and other situations contributing to unsustainable cost increases to health and human service systems and is co-directed by Dr. Kieran Fogarty, director of the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Ph.D. Program at Western Michigan University and Dr. David Wingard, director of research and strategic development at TrueNorth Community Services. MI-PBRN members provide services across Michigan.
ABOUT TRUENORTH COMMUNITY SERVICES
TrueNorth Community Services is a private, nonprofit organization that builds communities with one mission: we empower people and strengthen community to inspire hope and build a brighter future. Founded in 1972, TrueNorth envisions a world where all people have the opportunity to create permanent positive change. TrueNorth offers more than 70 programs and services; and has a service focus touching all of Michigan. For more, visit truenorthservices.org.