DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson to host 4th Annual National Opioid Summit Sept. 14

DECATUR, GA. – DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in partnership with STAND Inc. Executive Director Charles Sperling, is hosting the fourth annual National Opioid Summit.

With a focus on continued education, proactive solutions and increasing advocacy to help with what may be America’s worst drug crisis, community stakeholders, youths, policymakers, and citizens are invited to attend the Opioid Summit.

The summit will be held Thursday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.

The event, which will feature guest speaker Commissioner Kevin Tanner, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; remarks by DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond; and emcee services by Dr. Rashad Richey, WAOK radio personality, philanthropist, international lecturer, and university professor.

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others.

Counties and cities are on the frontlines of dealing with this crisis:

• Over 75 percent of drug overdose deaths in 2021 involved an opioid.
• 220 people died each day from an opioid overdose.
• The opioid epidemic cost the United States nearly $ 1.5 trillion.

“This is a code red for our communities,” said Commissioner Johnson. “We are committed to confronting the unprecedented crisis by collaborating, educating, and increasing awareness to this epidemic. We must continue to help our communities and families be informed and equipped with the correct resources and tools.”

For more information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.