GHC News

October 2019: GHC Regular Monthly Meeting - Panel Discussion on Opioid Epidemic

October 25, 2019

GHC had the pleasure of hosting a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic at its October 25th regular monthly meeting. We were fortunate to have local community leaders such as: Attorney Bruce Poole, Councilwoman Emily Keller, Dr. Brooke Buckley, M.D., Sheriff Doug Mullendore and Kevin Simmers held a panel discussion on 10/29/19 about the Opioid Epidemic our county is facing. Bruce Poole - Former State Delegate and the attorney of record for Washington County and the City of Hagerstown in a lawsuit filed against pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies regarding their role in the opioid addiction crisis. Emily Keller – City Councilwoman and founder of Washington Goes Purple (WGP) helps to educate children and teens about addiction through her work with WGP. She also, in conjunction with the local police started a walk around “take back” drug program which goes door to door collecting unused or expired prescription drugs from the citizens in our community. Brooke Buckley – Chief Medical Officer at Meritus spoke to its efforts to reduce the number of opioids being put on the streets by its physicians, and how they assist new addicted mothers and newborns bond while they both fight addiction. Sheriff Mullendore gave members a brief description of the 10-year progression of the addiction problem in our community. He also oversees operation of the new “Drug Court” in the county which will hopefully alleviate the caseload on the circuit and district court dockets for nonviolent crimes. The Sheriff has been working to instill a change of philosophy that we can’t incarcerate our way out of an addiction epidemic. Kevin Simmers provided the history of his daughter’s addiction to heroin and subsequent death due to an overdose even as he was a narcotics officer with the Hagerstown City Police Department. He spoke to how the experience changed his perception of an addict and the help that they need, and how it led to the creation of a 9-bedroom women’s only treatment center. The center operates on a 3-prong premise: counseling, medical assisted treatment, and jobs and social enterprises that provide participant’s purpose (via dog grooming, hair salon, junk removal services, or making chocolate products.) Kevin’s goal is that within three years the center will be supporting all operations via Brooke’s House Chocolate sales. (see attached form under publications). The facility is open and currently houses twelve women. Kevin introduced Charlene Kane, the center’s Operations Director, and also a recovering addict. Kevin shared that 50% of people get addicted opioids given in high doses within 7 days, and it takes 2 years of intensive treatment to get the addiction out of their system and recover. Each panelist spoke to what their organization is doing to help prevent or help treat addiction in our Washington County and provided information that each felt was important for our community members to know. Key points from the discussion may be viewed under the "Publications" tab on this website.