Steuben to hold drug forum Feb. 9

BATH – Six Steuben County residents die, on average, every year due to drug overdoses, with two deaths annually attributed to opioid analgesics (prescription pain medications), according to the 2015 New York State Opioid Poisoning, Overdose and Prevention report to the Governor and State Legislature. The report also showed an alarming trend in hospital admissions between 2009-2013, with a 28 percent increase in inpatient opioid-related hospital admissions and a 191 percent spike in emergency department admissions during the same period. Those statistics mean almost everyone in Steuben knows someone, a child, a parent, a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker grappling with substance abuse addictions, while their loved ones search for answers … for help. In response to what has reached epidemic proportions, Steuben will host its first Community Opioid & Substance Abuse Forum at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Haverling High School Auditorium in Bath. The forum will feature a panel of county officials, physicians and related agency representatives with information designed to assist addicts and their families locate the help they’re looking for including:
*How do I know if my loved one is using? What are the signs and symptoms?
*When and how do I ask for help?
*If paraphernalia is found in my house, am I legally responsible?
*My family member is struggling, what can I do?
*What programs are available for substance abusers and their families?

The event will include an information table on existing services, open at 5:30 p.m., with information sharing, personal stories, and a panel discussion set for 6-7:30 p.m.