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Substance Use Disorder

Coming Together - Third Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit 07/19/2024

From the organizer:

Substance use in Vermont continues to rise with tragic loss, daily. There are incredible efforts and resources dedicated to connecting those who seek help. We are grateful for everyone who fights this battle every day.

This Summit seeks to expand the awareness of resources, identify the areas of deficiency, and bring together stakeholders who normally don’t get to network. The goal is to integrate and educate on successful efforts that are working for those in crisis and expand these efforts to every corner of Vermont.

Speakers Include:
  • Charlie Papillo / Brad Ferland – Welcoming & Sponsor Appreciation
  • Governor’s Office - TBD
  • Jefferey Trites - Vermont Department of Health (Data)
  • Heather Wenzel – SaVida Health
  • Carole Ricciuti – Working Fields
  • Melinda White / Peter Wright – Turning Point of Franklin County / Northwestern
  • Medical Center
  • Tony O’Shaughnessy – Granite Recovery
  • Gary DeCarolis – Recovery Partners of Vermont
  • Dawn Tatro – Jenna’s Promise
  • Valerie Pallotta – Josh’s House / Josh Pallotta Fund
  • Miriam Boyle – Vermont National Guard Family Programs
  • Melinda White and Brad Ferland – Closing Comments & Thanks

Burlington Mayor's Press Conference: Legislature’s Override of Governor’s H. 72 Veto for a Overdose Prevention Center 06/18/2024

From the Mayor's Office:

Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak holds a media availability to make a statement on the legislature’s successful override of the Governor’s veto of H.72, the bill that allows an Overdose Prevention Center pilot to be established in Burlington. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak is joined by Mike LaChance, Burlington Fire Chief.

"Love in the Time of Fentanyl" - Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Overdose Prevention Centers (OPCs) 06/12/2024

From the organizer:

The 2022 film Love in the Time of Fentanyl, directed by Canadian filmmaker Colin Askey, chronicles "A group of misfits, artists, and drug users who operate a renegade safe injection site in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Love in the Time of Fentanyl is an intimate portrait of a community fighting to save lives and keep hope alive in a neighborhood ravaged by the overdose crisis." The film will be followed by a one-hour panel discussion and Naloxone (Narcan) training for interested community members.

Ed Baker is an Activist in support of Overdose Prevention Centers and has the lived experience of addiction and recovery, including over 30 years providing counseling services to people with substance use disorders. He is the recipient of the 2021 Jack Barry Award for Excellence in Recovery Advocacy awarded by the Vermont Association of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery.

Jess Kirby, Director of Client Services for Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform, will share her lived experience with recovery and will lead the Naloxone training following the panel discussion.

Kailin See is the Executive Director for OnPoint NYC, the largest harm reduction service provider on the east coast. OnPoint NYC vigorously advocates for social justice and strives to address adverse outcomes among people who use drugs or engage in sex work by providing the resources, tools, and support they need to enhance the quality of their lives and live with dignity.

Watch the film trailer online here: www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/love-in-the-time-of-fentanyl

Moments with Melinda: Interview with Michael Couture 06/06/2024

From Melinda Moulton:

Michael Couture has over 45 years in the media industry as co-founder and recording engineer/producer for Earth Audio Techniques and Philo Records. He was also senior editor and creative director of Resolution, Inc., a digital media specialist at Subatomic Digital, and presently the owner of Michael Couture Media. Michael also works as a recovery coach at Vermont Medical Center's emergency room and as a peer recovery coach for Turner Point Center.

For more information visit: www.michaelcouturemedia.com

Burlington Community Forum Part 2: Substance Use Disorder and Property Crime 12/19/2023

From the Mayor's Office:

The City of Burlington hosts a community forum about substance use disorder and property crime, featuring the following panelists: 

  • Jess Kirby, Vermonters for Criminal Justice Reform
  • Commissioner Mark Levine, Vermont Department of Health
  • Miro Weinberger, Mayor
  • State’s Attorney Sarah George
  • Rachel Jolly, Community Justice Center

In October 2023, the City Council passed a resolution declaring the unprecedented increase in substance use a public health crisis, and declared it to be Burlington’s top public health and safety priority. The resolution called for two community forums to discuss these important issues.

For more information visit: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/mayor/public-safety-community-forum-information

Coming Together - Second Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit 08/11/2023

From the organizer:

Substance use in Vermont continues to rise with tragic loss, daily. There are incredible efforts and resources dedicated to connecting those who seek help. We are grateful for everyone who fights this battle every day.

This Summit seeks to expand the awareness of resources, identify the areas of deficiency, and bring together stakeholders who normally don’t get to network. The goal is to integrate and educate on successful efforts that are working for those in crisis and expand these efforts to every corner of Vermont.

Speakers Include:
  • Chief Prevention Officer - Monica Hutt
  • Health Commissioner - Dr. Mark Levine, Vermont Department of Health - Jeffery Trites
  • Project Vision - Commander Matthew Prouty, Turning Point Center of Rutland - Tracie
  • Hauck
  • Keynote Speaker - Maureen Cavanagh (Author of the book "If you love me" / Magnolia New Beginnings)
  • Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences - Peter Mallary and Jeff Moreau
  • Jenna's Promise - Greg & Dawn Tatro
  • Granite Recovery Centers – Anthony O’Shaughnessy

Coming Together - First Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit 09/30/2022

All are invited to the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, Vermont for the 2022 Coming Together: A Substance Use Addiction Summit. The theme for this year's event is: There is HOPE. "I can't, but we can!"

Championed by the community of recovery organizations, designated agencies, individuals in recovery and the time and talent of gracious volunteers, we endeavor to provide a full, interactive day of education, elevating awareness and togetherness, inspiring hope to Vermonters impacted by the addiction crisis.

Addiction Recovery Channel: Stigma, Addiction, and Overdose Prevention Sites - A Conversation with John Kelly 11/30/2021

Join Ed Baker for a discussion with John Kelly, PhD, Founder and Director of the Recovery Research Institute.

Dr. Kelly discusses his contributions to understanding the process of addiction and the forces of stigma that continue to harm people with Substance Use Disorder.

Dr. Kelly explains how stigma can cause a failure to accurately assess scientific data and implement appropriate programming, such as Overdose Prevention Sites. Healing from addiction is also discussed, with a focus upon Alcoholics Anonymous and its unequaled success rate.

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