Hickory – Catawba Valley Community College’s School of Academics, Education & Fine Arts has organized a community discussion “Time to Talk About Opioid Addiction Crisis,” Wed., March 14, from noon to 1pm in the West Wing Auditorium.

Guests include a recovering addict, counselor, pharmacist, social worker and paramedic. They will offer real-life dialogue on the area’s growing opioid addiction problems, including overdose, suicide, and enabling. Time will be provided for a question and answer session between the audience and the speakers.Opioid

Senior Sociology Professor Regina Reep and Health and Physical Education Professor Amy Cable coordinated the discussion in response to their classroom experiences over the past few years.

“When we discuss opioid addiction and its devastation on the family, I see students who have that shell-shocked look, and know the subject has struck a nerve,” said Reep.

“Many students are in denial that addiction could happen to them or someone they care about,” said Cable. “But it’s happening over and over again to people from all walks of life. Our goal is to be a resource for accurate information and increase awareness about the signs of addiction.”

The event is free to the community. If you have a disability and need accommodations, contact CVCC’s Counselor for Students with Disabilities at least 72 hours in advance to allow time to arrange the services at 828-327-7000, ext. 4222, or [email protected].

For more information, contact Reep at 828-327-7000 ext. 4110, [email protected].