The Wright Center Hosts Roundtable Discussion: “Identifying Intergenerational Implications and Discovering Cross-Generational Solutions to Our Opioid Epidemic”

May 3, 2018

On Wednesday, May 2, 2018 The Wright Center hosted a community roundtable discussion focused on “Identifying Inter-generational Implications and Discovering Cross-Generational Solutions to Our Opioid Epidemic.” The panel of 25 state-level stakeholders included Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne, Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller and Senator John Blake at The Wright Center for Primary Care Mid Valley, Jermyn.

President and CEO of The Wright Center, Linda Thomas, MD, FACP, FAAP, moderated the discussion. Additional panelists included community partners from the judicial system, local educational institutions and in-patient treatment centers, who discussed the unique intergenerational challenges related to opioid addiction and specifically touched on issues often unaddressed or stigmatized, such as opioid misuse in the elderly. Two mothers openly shared stories with the panelists and the more than 50 individuals in attendance about the impact addiction has had on their family at all levels.

Panelists included:

Sec. Teresa Osborne, Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Sec. Teresa Miller, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Stacy Sanders, Office of Senator Bob Casey
Senator John Blake
James Gavin, Community Care Behavioral Health
Dr. David Loveland, Community Care Behavioral Health
John Cosgrove, AllOne Foundation and Charities
Jason Kavulich, Lackawanna County Agency on Aging
Jeremy Yale, Lackawanna and Susquehanna County Department of Human Services
Barbara Durkin, Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Judge Vito P. Geroulo, Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas
District Attorney Mark Powell, Lackawanna County
Carl Halkyer, Northeast Pennsylvania Rainbow Alliance
Dominic Vangarelli, Geisinger Marworth
Dr. Bob Friedman, Geisinger Marworth
Dr. Jennifer Joyce, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Ellen Walko, Wright Center Board Member and Community Health Advocate
Dr. Susan McDonald, Misericordia University
Eric Pusey, Medicap Pharmacy
Bruce Lefkowitz, Harrold's Pharmacy
Bruce Beauvais, Pennsylvania Ambulance
Kathy Coyne, Telespond Senior Services
Dr. Edward Heffron, Scranton Counseling Center
Dr. Perry Meadows, Geisinger Health Plan
Laureen Cummings, Lackawanna County

Following the roundtable, The Wright Center hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate its newly renovated and expanded behavioral health wing. The remodeled wing was designed to promote integrated healthcare within a primary care setting with a focus on resilience and recovery.

“The realm of addiction and the best intended responsive solutions are fraught with stereotypes, and our nation’s opioid crisis is no exception. Coming together as a nation and as local communities, not to lament, but to actively generate collective solutions in interactive forums like this is exceptionally powerful. We were privileged today to host Governor Wolf’s Cabinet as they courageously step into our shared local and national challenge and focus on activating sustainable, cross-generational solutions. When we all lean in as a community, ask the admittedly hard questions and keep our conversations inclusive and centered in the spirit of recovery and, even more importantly, prevention, I am certain that we will make measurable steps towards combating the stigma and reality of addiction, while we put urgent focus on ending our nation’s deadly battle with opioid misuse,” stated Dr. Thomas-Hemak.

Governor Wolf’s statewide opioid disaster declaration expands access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment to help Pennsylvanians that suffer from the disease of addiction and ensure they have access to the care they need. Pennsylvanians looking for information on treatment for themselves or a loved one can call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) toll-free, 24/7 to be connected to resources in their community. A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.