Kent Hospital, in conjunction with the East Greenwich Drug Program, will host an opioid forum, “Unscripted,” highlighting the nation’s opioid crisis on Thursday, December 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Westminster Unitarian Church in East Greenwich. The forum is free, open to the community and will feature an array of speakers and panelists who will share their insights into various components of a frightening epidemic.

 “As the community hospital for East Greenwich and the 300,000 people who comprise Kent’s service are, we are committed to bringing much-needed attention to this important issue as we continue to see tragic results coming into our emergency department and our intensive care unit,” said Ehsun Mirza, MD, critical care specialist at Kent Hospital. “Opioid abuse has been on the rise for several years now and continues to have serious effects on our community. Coming together for this important forum can only help provide critical awareness on the dangerous effects of these drugs to so many in our area, especially our youth.” 

Mirza will moderate the program that includes Michael J. Dacey Jr., MD, president and chief operating officer, Kent Hospital and Christopher P. Zabbo, DO, emergency medicine physician, Kent Hospital as speakers.

Panelists include Lisa Marzilli, Pharm. D., adjunct professor, University of Rhode Island, and nationally recognized speaker;  

Kelly Matson, Pharm. D., member, Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, professor, URI School of Pharmacy; Michelle McKenzie, MPH, senior projector director, Miriam Hospital, director of Preventing Overdose and Naloxone Intervention (PONI); Reinhard Straub, MSW, clinical and business liaison, American Addiction Centers; The Honorable Brian P. Stern, superior court justice, chief of staff for former Rhode Island Governor, Donald Carcieri and Thomas Raimondo, MD, pulmonary disease specialist, intensive care unit, Kent Hospital.

Robert L. Houghtaling, M.ED, director, East Greenwich Drug Program is coordinating the program.