For Immediate Release: 7/30/2015 1:07 pm
Worcester, MA (July 30, 2015) - The month of August is typically the worst time of year in Central Massachusetts for opioid overdoses. As part of its efforts to fight this summer spike, the City of Worcester is partnering with the Worcester Bravehearts, Saint Vincent Hospital and Spectrum Health Systems for a day of discussion focused on opioid addiction, treatment and the many paths to recovery.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2015, community members will join local and state leaders and officials as well as medical experts for a Clean Living Forum focused on the drug epidemic in Worcester County and opportunities for assistance and recovery followed by a pregame reception at the Worcester Bravehearts game that evening.
The day will feature the following:
3:00 PM
Panel discussion focused on "The Many Paths to Recovery."
Saint Vincent Hospital Atrium, 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA
5:30 PM
Worcester Bravehearts "Clean Living Night" non-alcoholic pregame reception with buffet.
Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field
7:05 PM
Baseball Game - Worcester Bravehearts vs. Nashua Silver Knights
Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field
Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. will serve as moderator of the panel discussion. In the audience will be members of Worcester's recovery community. The panel is open to the public. Resource tables will be available with information on treatment and recovery support. A series of public service announcements with vital information about opioid addiction and support services featuring local officials and community members will premiere at the event.
Forum panelists include: former Red Sox great Bernie Carbo; Matilde Castiel, MD, Executive Director of the Latin American Health Alliance; Charles Faris, President and CEO of Spectrum Health Systems; Maryanne Frangules, Executive Director of Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery; and Douglas Waite, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Saint Vincent Hospital.
The pregame reception will include the opportunity to meet members of the Regional Response to Addiction Partnership and District Attorney Early's Opioid Task Force. In addition, Bernie Carbo's birthday will be celebrated with cake, an on-field ceremony and a commemorative bobblehead giveaway.
Free tickets and wristbands for the reception and game will be available to all who attend the Clean Living Forum.
The Clean Living Forum is sponsored by Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., Saint Vincent Hospital, the City of Worcester, the Worcester Bravehearts Baseball Team and the Q 90.1.
