Opioid crisis, mental health issues focus of WCCC conference
Tribune-ReviewNov 17, 2017
While the program is aimed toward behavioral health professionals, attorneys, academic faculty and physicians involved in mental health and substance use fields, Levine said the public and area students can attend the conference, which begins at
"It is aimed at educating attendees about the pressing issues regarding the current state of substance use and mental health in the region. We feel it's very timely in view of the ongoing opioid epidemic in this region," Levine said.
Gionfriddo and Solomon, executive producer of the documentary "Before Stage Four: Confronting Early Psychosis," participated in a similar discussion last month before a Congressional panel in
Solomon's 30-minute public television documentary features
"It's the first community screening of the documentary in this area," Levine noted.
In 2014, Gionfriddo wrote "Losing Tim. How Our Health and Education Systems Failed My Son with Schizophrenia." He was part of Solomon's documentary.
Gionfriddo has long been an advocate of the philosophy that substance use and mental health issues should be treated before they reach the critical "Stage 4", Levine said, "much as professionals treat the early symptoms of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes."
Levine noted the conference is reflective of the name change last spring from MHA Westmoreland County to MHA Southwestern Pennsylvania to recognize the needs of communities beyond the county's borders, particularly in light of recent statewide funding cuts.
Other participants include:
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Conference and registration information is available at mhawc.org .
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