Webinar addresses state's opioid epidemic

JANS - Opioid misuse is a significant public health issue in Mississippi. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 100 people die every day from an opioid overdose. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, nearly 60% of the 310 drug overdose deaths in 2018 involved opioids.

To raise awareness regarding opioid addition, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health and the PROMISE Initiative will host a webinar on Thursday, February 4, at 12 noon.

Policies and Statistics: Steps in Reducing Opioid Addiction in Mississippi will focus prevention methods used to diminish opioid misuse. Mary Nelson Robertson, PhD, CHES, Project Manager, PROMISE Initiative, will lead the informative discussion.

The webinar is free and open to the public and can be accessed via https://bit. ly/2LxfixX. "This is an important discussion," said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. "I highly encourage parents, law enforcement personnel, and community leaders to join us as we discuss ways to address this significant public health crisis in our state."

For more regarding the webinar or the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, contact Demitria Love at dlove@ advancingminorityhealth.org.