October 17th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear and a host of experts will gather Oct. 27 in Huntington to discuss different methods in the fight against substance abuse.
The neighboring attorneys general will lead a conference entitled, “Taking Back Our Communities: Combating the Opiate Epidemic.” It will take place Thursday, Oct. 27, at New Life Church in Huntington.
“Huntington, in many ways, has been the epicenter of the state’s opioid crisis,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “Conquering this epidemic requires input from various states, government agencies and yes, our faith partners. This conference will capture all three and do so in a powerful way.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from law enforcement, health care professionals, government officials and faith-based leaders who all share the goal of eliminating drug abuse in their communities.
Darrell Huffman, pastor of New Life Church, cited Proverbs 29:18 in explaining the Tri-State’s need for a vision to overcome addition, explaining without a vision people perish.
“My hope is that people learn this is not a hopeless situation and they are not helpless,” Pastor Huffman said. “By everyone coming together and joining resources, we can present a vision to this community and the entire region that you can change your life. That is what I'm hoping comes out of this.”
Discussion topics will focus on educating community members to better understand drug addiction and what they can do to help those battling opioid abuse. The conference also compliments the ongoing efforts of many organizations and will allow each to collaborate with others in hopes of ending opioid addiction.
The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, at New Life Church located at 1101 Cedar Crest Drive, Huntington.
The event is free and open to the public; however registration is required as lunch will be provided. For information or to register, visit www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov/OpiateCrisis
The Huntington conference is part of a long-standing effort by West Virginia’s Attorney General to fight substance abuse in West Virginia. It follows similar conferences in Williamstown and Wheeling.
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