Weber State University’s Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions will host a lecture to help combat Utah’s opioid crisis, Oct. 26 from 1-2 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms.
Guest speakers Dr. Jennifer Plumb and Peter Sadler from the group Utah Naloxone will share information about the background and data surrounding Utah’s opioid crisis and talk about naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of an overdose.
Utah has the seventh highest drug overdose rate in the United States. On average, six Utahns die from an opioid overdose every week.
Utah Naloxone works to decrease opioid deaths by equipping individuals and families with naloxone rescue kits and the instructions on how to use them.
Attendees will receive kits and will learn how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose.
“As educators and healthcare providers, it is our duty to educate our students and the community on the epidemic, danger and treatment of opioid addiction,” said Yasmen Simonian, Dumke College of Health Professions dean. “The Dumke College is offering this free presentation in hopes it brings attention to the nationwide opioid crisis and overdose treatment.”
Plumb is an emergency medicine physician with the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics and Primary Children’s Hospital. Additionally, she is the medical director of Utah Naloxone. Plumb has personal experience with the devastation created by adolescent substance abuse; she lost her brother to a heroin overdose shortly before she began medical school. Plumb works with medical professionals, first responders, law enforcement agencies, family groups and active users to train them to administer naloxone.
A Weber State graduate, Sadler is the Utah Naloxone program manager. He recently retired after 20 years with the Salt Lake City Police department. Sadler is actively involved with increasing access options for naloxone statewide through education and training in a variety of venues.
