Community Forum Series Will Cover Drug Addiction and Prevention  

Randolph — A six-part community forum series called “Dose of Reality,” will focus on issues surrounding addiction and substance abuse on Wednesday evenings throughout the spring beginning this week. The hour-long forums will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Esther Marsh Room of the Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St., in Randolph. Gifford Health Care is sponsoring the series.

It will take place on the following dates:

March 28: “How to effectively talk with your Children about Alcohol and Substance Abuse” will will cover current youth substance trends, development concerns, strategies on delaying the onset of substance use, signs and symptoms indicating potential use, how and when to talk with young people about substance abuse, and local resources for assistance. Presenters are Jeff Nowlan of Gifford Behavioral Health; Adam Bindrum of the Clara Martin Center, a substance use and mental health clinician; Matt Whalen, of the Vermont Department of Health; and Sgt. Loretta Stalnaker of the Randolph Police Department.

April 4: “The Science of Drugs” will cover the effects of drugs on the body, what causes them to be addictive, and how Narcan, the opioid overdose reversal drug, works. Presenters include Jan McConnell, a Gifford Health Care Pharmacist; and Dr. Christopher Lukonis and Jennifer Pelletier from Gifford Addiction Medicine.

April 18: “Opioids: The Impact on the Community and Prevention Efforts” will look at the impact of drugs on the healthcare system, schools, criminal justice and law enforcement, as well as current community-based prevention strategies. Presenters include Matt Whalen, of the Vermont Department of Health; Kym Anderson of the Randolph Community Justice Center; and Sgt. Loretta Stainaker of the Randolph Police Dept.

May 2: “The Path to Recovery” will discuss treatment and recovery options, Narcan training, and introduce someone who is in recovery from addiction. Presenters include Dr. Chris Lukonis and Jenn Pelletier of Gifford Addiction Medicine; Kym Anderson of the Randolph Community Justice Center; and a recovery substance user. 

May 16: “How Can You Help?” will cover ways to prevent substance use. Presenters include Sheriff Bill Bohnyak of the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept.; Matt Whalen of the Vermont Dept. of Health and Chief Dan Brunelle of the Randolph Police Dept.

May 30: At an open forum panel discussion previous presenters will conclude the series with a panel talk on the opioid epidemic, substance use disorders and moving forward together.