Fulton County is partnering with the Summit Counseling Center and hosting a panel on the heroin and opioid epidemic, in an effort to educate the public on the dangers of the drugs.
The event, “H.O.P.E. for our Community,” is open to the public and free to attend. H.O.P.E. stands for “Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education.”
It will be held at Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek on Monday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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According to a joint release from the Summit and Fulton County, the number of opioid-related deaths has increased by more than 150 percent in the county since 2010. The release says that Fulton County’s death rate from opioids is twice the national average.
On Monday, Fulton officials filed suit against more than two dozen drug manufacturers, distributors and doctors, accusing them of causing the ongoing opioid crisis.
“The opioid epidemic is very real and very frightening nationwide, including here in Fulton County,” said Fulton County Vice Chairman Bob Ellis. “It is encouraging that more people are aware of the growing crisis but there is so much for parents and the community to learn. We need their help to take action on the education, treatment and prevention fronts.”
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Ellis will be part of a panel that includes Shawn Murphy and Ewell Hardman of the Summit Counseling Center, and Rob Elliott, a mother whose son died of a heroin overdose and is the founder of Georgia Overdose Prevention.
The panel will discuss, among other topics, new opioid-related initiatives launched by Fulton County, action by government leaders and doctors, the impact of new laws in Georgia, warning signs and treatment, and how to obtain and administer naloxone.
Chattahoochee High School is at 5230 Taylor Road in Johns Creek.
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