Media
Advisory
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
CONTACT:
ONDCP Public Affairs (202)-395-6618
Jennifer de Vallance (202)-368-8422 (cell)
Alison Kogut (202) 368-8446 (cell)
Fentanyl-Laced
Heroin Forum Hosted by White House Drug Policy Office
Experts
Convene to Discuss Public Health Threat and Response Techniques
Friday,
July 28
Forum 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Media Availability 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
(WASHINGTON) – The
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy will convene a forum
to bring together law enforcement and public health officials, prevention
specialists, and treatment providers from Federal, State, and local
governments to discuss the public health threat and response techniques
arising from the recent deaths related to fentanyl-laced heroin. Following
the forum, John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy
(ONDCP) will conduct a media availability.
Over the past few
months, there have been several hundred confirmed deaths associated
with fentanyl-laced heroin in eight states, including Michigan, Illinois,
Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, The
illegal manufacture, distribution, and consumption of this synthetic
drug poses unique challenges in American cities. The forum will provide
information and strategies for public officials, law enforcement, and
public health experts. Experts will discuss sources and distribution
trends of fentanyl, information sharing by law enforcement, reports
from cities affected by the drug, public health surveillance, and treatment
and prevention considerations.
WHO:
John Walters, White House “Drug Czar
Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
Officials from:
- Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Administration
- DEA
- Philadelphia-Camden
HIDTA
- Philadelphia
Emergency Services Administration
- Philadelphia
Medical Examiner’s Office
- University of
Pennsylvania
- New Jersey Poison
and Information Education System
- Michigan HIDTA
- City of Detroit
Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
- Detroit-Wayne
County Mental Health Agencies
- Odyssey House,
Inc., New York
WHAT/WHEN:
Friday, July 28
Forum 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Media Availability 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: University
of Pennsylvania Medical School Campus
Biomedical Research Building, BRB Auditorium and Lobby
Currie Drive and Osler Circle
Philadelphia, PA
-Credentialed
Media Only- |