Lynn Chamber to Host Opioid Workshop November 18

The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce will host a regional forum entitled, “Opioid Addiction in the Workplace: Challenges Employers/Employees Face & What You Need to Know” on Friday, November 18th at the Peabody Marriott, 8 Centennial Drive in Peabody beginning with registration and breakfast at 8:15am, followed by the formal program from 9am – 12:30pm. The cost to attend is $35pp and includes a hot buffet breakfast.

District Attorney of Essex County, Jonathan Blodgett will headline the event, followed by panels of regional experts in law enforcement, treatment and prevention and legal and human resource industries.  Audience questions and participation will be strongly encouraged.

“This is probably one of the most important forums we’ll ever organize,” says LACC President/CEO, Leslie Gould. “The opioid epidemic is challenging families, law enforcement and leaving a gap in the workforce.  Every business is vulnerable.  Is your business prepared?”

“Substance abuse and addiction are a huge cost to all of us,” says Lynn Deputy Police Chief Lenny Desmarais who will represent Lynn in the program.   “Mentally, physically, financially; it’s a benefit to everyone, not just the addicted person, when there are successes in reducing not just the number of addicted people but the number of people whose use may be approaching the level of addiction. Helping them helps all of us.”

 ‘Opioid Addiction in the Workplace’ will address three main topics and three separate panels of experts in their field.

Panel one will address, “The 101’s of What It Is & Why Now”. Panelists include District Attorney of Essex County, Jonathan Blodgett, Lynn Deputy Police Chief Lenny Desmarais, Salem Police Chief Mary Butler and Peabody Police Chief Thomas Griffin.   Former Lynn Police Chief John Suslak will serve as moderator.

Panel two address “Education, Treatment and Prevention”.  Panelists include Executive Director of Project COPE, Mark Kennard; Chief Medical Officer of Lynn Community Health Center, Dr. Kiame Mahaniah; and Project COPE & Director of Behavioral Services at Bridgewell, Wendy Kent.   Director of Programs for the MA Health Council, Jeff Stone will serve as moderator.

Panel three will address the “Employer/Employee: What You Need to Know”. Panelists include

Finneran & Nicholson Employment Attorney, Dennis Eagan, GE Sr. Health Services Manager, Bridgett Davis and Assistant General Manager of a well-known restaurant North of Boston and native of Peabody, Sean Davis.  Davis has been living successfully in recovery from addiction to opioids for nearly six years. In Davis’ management role, he balances his desire to offer people in recovery viable employment while protecting the safety of his business. Executive Director of the workforce Investment Board, Mary Sarris will serve as moderator.

Moderator and former Police Chief if Lynn, John Suslak adds “I am delighted that the LACC has brought together so many distinguished experts on opioid addiction. I think this is going to be an excellent opportunity for those looking to learn more about how this is affecting us locally and how we might best move forward. The more people involved in the conversation the better the chances that someone will contribute something positive.”

Sponsors include Eastern Bank and SmartCare/Atlantic Ambulance. Bronze sponsors include Medical Interpreters of the North Shore and Lynn Economic Opportunity.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

RSVP is strongly encouraged. To reserve your seats or for more information please contact the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce at 781-592-2900 or email the office at [email protected].

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