Macomb County Court Judge Linda Davis will present “Changing the Stigma of Addiction” and “Hope not Handcuffs for Addicted People,” on Thursday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m. in Room 124 of the Health Professions Facility.
The presentation is intended to make more people aware of the opioid epidemic and promote a response to the problem that uses public safety and public health resources and emphasize that it takes a whole community to stop this epidemic. Davis’ presentation will highlight her experience with the opiate epidemic in Michigan.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Michigan has an opioid death rate of 18.5 deaths per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 13.3 deaths. Davis is fighting this statistic as a judge by offering addicts with drug charges treatment before jail. Davis co-founded Families Against Narcotics (FAN) and was inspired to end the opioid epidemic after her daughter became an addict.
All students, employees and community are welcome to attend this free event, sponsored by the Health Services Administration Student Advisory Committee. Please RSVP to Munai Newash at newashmt@udmercy.edu.