Hickory – If you have not heard about the opioid epidemic, now is the time. At Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, VayaHealth will provide two training sessions: “Substance Use, Misuse and the Opioid Crisis,” and “Dementia-Psychosis Behavior: What You Need to Know” on June 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The VayaHealth’s Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team will present the first session. Adults of any age can have problems with substances. This evidence-informed class details common substance use issues and tips for caregivers.
In our first session, “Substance Use, Misuse and the Opioid Crisis” at 10:00 a.m., we will learn that thousands of people use opioids for many reasons, such as after surgery and those with chronic pain. Individuals follow their doctor’s orders and are monitored closely, and most persons take their medication that the doctor prescribes to manage their pain. However, many thousands of people have died from overdosing illegal drugs such as Fentanyl and Oxycontin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 140 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. On October 26, 2017, President Donald Trump declared a public health emergency to bring the issue out of the darkness. “We are currently dealing with the worst drug crisis in American history,” Trump said.
In our second session, “Dementia-Psychosis: What You Need to Know” will be at 11:00 a.m. Many families have loved ones with dementia. Dementia and psychosis behavior can be difficult to handle on your own. Using evidence-informed lecture, case review and activities, this course identifies frequent challenging behaviors associated with dementia and psychosis. Participants review factors that may trigger behaviors and discuss prevention and intervention strategies. 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease; by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million. This session will help us to understand the difficulty for families with dementia and psychosis.
This training from VayaHealth is open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Participants will meet in the upstairs conference room. You may register online at http://hickorync.gov/content/, click on Library Events and choose “Substance Use, Misuse and the Opioid Crisis” at 10:00 a.m. and “Dementia-Psychosis Behavior: What You Need to Know” to reserve your seat. Contact Hours will be available on the day of the trainings. You may also register by phone at 828-304—0500 ext. 7235.
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd St. NE on the SALT Block.
