Symposium at Molloy to focus on opioid epidemic

Steven Dodge, former addict and founder of the SLATE Project, will speak at the symposium.

Christina Daly/Herald

In a number of communities across Long Island, abuse of prescription drugs and heroin has reached epidemic heights, leading to unprecedented rates of drug overdoses and related deaths. In response, Mercy Medical Center, the Friends of Mercy, and the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth are holding an Opioid Symposium on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Molloy College’s Hays Theater — 1000 Hempstead Ave.

Attendees will receive information on support and treatment options, hear from a recovering addict and learn the terminology and new trends. Speakers will discuss how to identify a substance use disorder and highlight the resources available to those struggling, as well as ways to engage active substance users. Informational resource tables will be available from organizations around Long Island.

Leading the discussion will be Dr. David Flomenhaft, Mercy Medical Center’s director of outpatient behavioral health services, and the keynote speaker is Reisa Berg, of the Long Island Council on Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Former addict Steve Dodge, of the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth, will also share his experience.

For more information or to register, please call 516-62-MERCY. Seating for the event is limited.