Substance use disorders symposium will feature keynote speaker, The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, Former U.S. Representative, Rhode Island.
Newswise — The Department of Psychiatry at Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center will present Substance Use Disorders in 2017: Tackling the Opioid Epidemic & More on Wednesday, October 25, from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel. Special guest, The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, Former Rhode Island Congressman and international advocate for the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders will deliver the keynote address.
Substance use disorders are seen in patients throughout Hackensack Meridian Health with prescription drug abuse reaching an epidemic level in the area. The upcoming symposium will guide health professionals by providing current evidence-based approaches for the treatment of substance use disorders, including psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions.
As a result of completing this educational activity, participants will be better able to:
- Describe risk factors, screening methods, prevention strategies and trends in substance use disorders;
- Discuss the DSM 5 diagnosis and clinical presentation of substance use disorders;
- Explain the current status of legalization of marijuana in New Jersey;
- Identify the unique aspects of substance abuse treatment in an adolescent population;
- Effectively treat substance use disorders using evidence-based therapeutic and psychopharmacologic interventions;
- Recognize the diagnostic and treatment concerns specific to patients in the perinatal period.
The October 25 event is part of a substance use disorders lecture series made possible through support from the Christopher Center for Mental Health and Wellness. The Christopher Center will be located in the new HOPE Tower upon its opening in early 2018, and will provide for the coordination of a broad range of primary care, mental health, and substance use disorders services at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The center will be complemented by an educational series to culminate each year with a symposium dedicated to continuing education and networking in the study and care of patients fighting addictions.
The Christopher Center for Mental Health & Wellness and our 2017 Substance Use Disorders Educational Series is made possible by a generous donation from Phil and Marilyn Perricone. Their gift was made in honor and memory of their son Christopher.
“Anyone who has lost someone to addiction knows how truly horrific it is,” explains Phil Perricone, who also serves as a trustee on the Jersey Shore University Medical Center Foundation Board. “We are hopeful that the Christopher Center for Mental Health and Wellness and these important symposiums will give individuals battling addictions a fighting chance. We urge all health professionals to attend and help put an end to this deadly disease.”
Substance Use Disorders in 2017: Tackling the Opioid Epidemic & More is intended for health professionals and offers continuing medical education for qualifying clinicians. There is no fee to attend however, advanced registration is required. For questions or more information, please contact Kellie Murawski at 732-776-4930 or visit MeridianHealthDoctor.com/CME.
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