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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TOUGH TOPICS – Bossier Parish Libraries

June 9, 2021 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

From Bossier Parish Libraries

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TOUGH TOPICS

After a series of community town hall meetings where we received feedback directly from our community members and library staff, our library administration and board of control worked together to create a community-focused strategic plan.  This is YOUR library, and as part of our commitment to serving YOU, Bossier Parish Libraries and the Louisiana Department of Health present this series of community conversations on some tough topics.

We’re breaking the rules of conversation by talking about all those things we’ve been taught to not talk about.

This virtual event will take place each Wednesday in June from 6pm-7pm.  Browse the session topics below and register for each individual session that interests you.  Participants are not required to attend all sessions. To learn more or register:  https://www.bossierlibrary.org/community-conversations

SESSION 1 – ADDICTION & RECOVERY

JUNE 02, 2021 | 6:00PM

PRESENTER:  SHANNON GRESHAM M.S., L.A.C., C.C.S
NEW DAY RECOVERY TREATMENT CENTER

This session will explore access to addiction and recovery resources for youth and adults within our communities.

SESSION 2 – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF OPIOIDS

JUNE 09, 2021 | 6:00PM

PRESENTER:  NATASHA SEALS, PHARMD
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

This session will touch on the importance of knowing when to use opioids and associated treatment effects. During this session, we will learn what an opioid is, learn the difference between dependence and tolerance, identify misuse patterns, understand why safe disposal and countermeasures are important, and how stigmas can impact treatment outcomes. The session will also address how opioids impact the community and family unit.

SESSION 3 – COMMUNITY HARM REDUCTION

JUNE 16, 2021 | 6:00PM

PRESENTER:  YOLANDA DUCKWORTH, OPOC
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH/OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH

The first part of this session will give an overview of the Louisiana Opioid Preparedness program by sharing information regarding safe medication disposal.

Also included in session 3 – overdose prevention:  naloxone administration

PRESENTER:  LLOYD ABNEY, COMMUNITY OUTREACH
COUNCIL ON DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE

The second half of this session will provide a talk on what NARCAN is, how it works, and how to use it.

SESSION 4 – OPIOIDS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

JUNE 23, 2021 | 6:00PM

PRESENTER: RACHEL JACKSON, MPA
LOUISIANA AMBULANCE ALLIANCE

In this session, we will explore rural vs. urban healthcare disparities, challenges (and opportunities) for addressing the opioid epidemic in rural Louisiana, practical opioid safety tips, and rural resources for addiction and recovery.

SESSION 5 – HARM REDUCTION & SYRINGE SERVICES PROGRAM

JUNE 30, 2021 | 6:00PM

PRESENTER:  HERSHEY KRIPPENDORF
PHILADELPHIA CENTER

There is an urgent need for harm reduction services in the state of Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Opioid Data and Surveillance System, drug deaths from 2019 to 2020 have increased by 70%. Syringe Service Programs not only prevent the transmission of HIV and Hepatitis C but also reduce death by educating and distributing Naloxone; reduce needlestick injuries to first responders and sanitation workers; and provide access to treatment when a participant is ready.