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Over the past month, the U.S. House of Representatives has worked on and passed several pieces of legislation to address the ongoing opioid and heroin abuse crisis that is occurring across Ohio and the country. For example, some of the legislation included solutions to address opioid addiction amongst our veterans and new born children, to reform current pain management best practices through the establishment of an inter-agency task force, and to provide grants to help states, local governments, and Indian tribes target opioid addiction.  Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has praised these efforts and remains committed to working with state and local officials to find solutions to the epidemic:

“I applaud the work that the House has done this month to address this public health crisis. We must combat opioid abuse and addiction with a coordinated effort involving health professionals, law enforcement, public officials, and our communities,” said Latta. “That is why on Monday, June 27th, I will be hosting a panel discussion at the University of Findlay to examine the increased heroin and opioid abuse and possible solutions to help end this epidemic. More must be done to save people’s lives and rebuild communities. My hope for this forum is to better understand the impact of opioid addiction across our district and to take ideas back to Washington, D.C. to further address this rapidly growing problem.”

Congressman Latta will be joined by featured guests Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Richard Hodges, and Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Tracy Plouck, and the panel discussion will include local law enforcement, medical experts, and community advocates. Doors will open at the Winebrenner Theological Seminary on the campus of the University of Findlay at 5:30 PM for resource tables, which will be made available to the public to provide educational materials.  The panel discussion will immediately follow at 6:30 PM.