Town hosts opioid summit geared toward older adults May 21

The opioid epidemic is a burden on many older adults, even if they are not taking the medications themselves. On May 21, the public can learn how the opioid epidemic has led to an increase in exploitation, fraud, crime and abuse.

“Medication and Exploitation: What Older Adults Need to Know” will be from 10 a.m.-noon at the Lakeview Center for Active Aging at Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. It will also be livestreamed on The Black Mountain News Facebook page, as well as at facebook.com/AARPNC.

Registration is required to attend the free event at aarp.cvent.com/MedicationAndExploitation2018, or call 828-251-7430.

A regional panel of experts that includes medical professionals and law enforcement will discuss the impact of opioids on our communities and older adults. Law enforcement agencies will accept drugs for disposal. Black Mountain Police Department and HealthRidge Pharmacy will participate.

The expert panel includes:

• Holly Jones, NC Department of Justice
• Christina Stenhouse, Buncombe County DSS
• Julia Gibson, Land of Sky Regional Council
• Greg Christopher, Haywood County Sherriff
• Curt Crowhurst, TRIAD Henderson County
• Julie Honeycutt, HopeRx
• Rebecca Chaplin, AARP Mountain Region