SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University will host an interactive, multidisciplinary panel discussion on the opioid epidemic Thursday, October 17 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in the Quinlan/Brown Academic Innovation Center. The panel will feature five local experts representing multiple facets of health care, criminal justice, and mental health, for an intellectual debate and discussion on the crisis.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required for planning and accommodations.

According to the New York Times, the opioid epidemic is the deadliest drug crisis in American history.  In 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency, with more than 47,000 people dying from an opioid-related drug overdose annually.

“The opioid epidemic is far-reaching, affecting millions of people and families nationally.”

“The opioid epidemic is far-reaching, affecting millions of people and families nationally,” says Jay Amrien, MPAS, PA-C, Director of Bryant’s Physician Assistant program. “We are also seeing an increase in the number of opioid-related deaths in Rhode Island. It’s important we have this conversation and engage as many leaders, citizens, and health care professional as possible, to discuss ways to address this epidemic.”

Hosted by Bryant’s Physician Assistant Program – Primary Care Progress Team, the panelists will provide an overview of the epidemic, at both the local and national level, and share their experiences from the field. The panelists include:

• Melissa L. Agonia, PharmD, BCACP: RI Hospital, Lifespan Clinical Integration
• George Horsely, PA-C: US National Guard, Harrington Hospital
• Officer Greg Malo and his K9 Argo: Pawtucket PD
• James McDonald, MD: Medical Director, Drug Overdose Prevention Program
• Amy Snyder, PA-C: Butler Hospital

"It’s important we have this conversation and engage as many leaders, citizens, and health care professional as possible, to discuss ways to address this epidemic."

Following the panel, there will be an opportunity for continued discussion with the panelists and other attendees. Complimentary refreshments will be provided by Ming’s Asian Street Food from 7 to 8 p.m.

For more information and to register, visit http://www.nopioid.eventbrite.com/.

About Bryant’s Physician Assistant Program

Bryant University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program was launched in January 2014 as the first program of the University’s School of Health Sciences. Helping to meet the critical need for providers, the program is the first in Rhode Island to be granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA), earning “Accreditation-Continued” status. According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Graduate Schools, Bryant’s PA program ranks among the top five in New England and No. 74 nationally.

About Bryant University

For 156 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Bryant delivers an innovative and uniquely integrated business and liberal arts education that inspires students to excel. With approximately 3,800 graduate and undergraduate students from 38 states and 53 countries, Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and Barron's. Visit www.Bryant.edu.