Opioid Epidemic and Harm Reduction Approaches: Working at the Intersection of Social Work, Public Health, and Emergency Services.

Speakers: Scott Allen, Chief of Police, East Bridgewater; Member of the PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative) National Advisory Police Council Caitlin Clark, MSW, Social Worker, Project RESPECT Clinic, OB/GYN Department, Boston Medical Center Tyshaun Perryman, Recovery Coach, Project RECOVER, Boston Medical Center Clare Schmidt, MPH, Program Coordinator, AHOPE Needle Exchange, Boston Public Health Commission Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Social Work, moderator This event will feature diverse perspectives of individuals working at the forefront of the opioid epidemic. Panelists will share their efforts in aspects of care for individuals who use opioids (or other substances) and discuss opportunities for prevention, harm reduction, and interprofessional collaboration. The goals of the event are: 1) to explore the challenges and opportunities in harm reduction and interprofessional approaches to opioid use 2) to explore the social, economic, and political determinants of opioid use and access to quality treatment 3) to increase knowledge on the intersection of public health, social work, and emergency services in addressing the opioid epidemic. The first half will be focused on panelists' experiences in the field and the second half will be a moderated panel discussion with Q&A from the audience. Metered parking available on Bay State Road and street parking available in Brookline.