More than three people in Ontario died every day as a result of an opioid overdose last year. While Canada continues to face a national opioid crisis, London is far from immune, with the third-highest rate of opioid overdoses in the country in 2017.
Addressing the crisis has become a hot-button issue as the municipal election looms and is an ongoing conversation in health education, public health and social service communities.
As part of The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry’s Homecoming Weekend activities, community members, faculty, staff, students and alumni are invited to a thought-provoking panel discussion, Opioids: A Country in Crisis, to discuss this complex issue and explore solutions both locally and nationally.
The panel will be moderated by Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Science and Sport and MP for London West.
Panellists include:
Dr. Sharon Koivu, MD’84, Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and Family Medicine Site Chief, London Health Sciences Centre;
Steven Laviolette, PhD, Professor, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and neurobiologist studying addiction;
Daryl Longworth, Deputy Chief, Administration, London Police Service,
Dr. Chris Mackie, Medical Officer of Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit;
Trystan Nault, Medicine Class of 2020, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Western University and chair of the student-run Political Advocacy Committee.
Saturday, October 20, 2018
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Medical Sciences Building, Room 146
Media are invited to attend the panel discussion and panellists will be available immediately following for interviews. Please contact Crystal Mackay in advance to confirm your attendance and arrange for interviews. Parking on campus is free during homecoming activities
MEDIA CONTACT: Crystal Mackay, Media Relations Officer, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, t. 519.661.2111 ext. 80387, c. 519.933.5944, crystal.mackay@schulich.uwo.ca @CrystalMackay
ABOUT WESTERN
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
ABOUT THE SCHULICH SCHOOL OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY
The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University is one of Canada’s preeminent medical and dental schools. Established in 1881, it was one of the founding schools of Western University and is known for being the birthplace of family medicine in Canada. For more than 130 years, the School has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for scientific discovery.
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