In Focus
Psychology, Sociology, Social Work & International Studies
Opioid Symposium Brings To Light Growing Problem in Iowa
By Amanda Mayotte ’15
Every day, more than 115 Americans die after overdosing on opioids. In 2016, Iowa reported 180 opioid-related deaths—more than six times the number reported in the state in 2005.
“Opioids are a growing problem in Iowa,” says Kellee Thorburn McCrory, assistant professor of social work. “I don’t want Iowans and Iowa families to endure the pain and suffering that this crisis has heaped on people addicted to opioids and their families. Education about this issue is critical to Iowans.”
To bring awareness to the community, Mount Mercy’s social work department hosted Opioids in Linn County on April 4, a panel discussion and Q&A with community leaders that addressed harm reduction, county response, prevention and treatment, and how to spot signs of abuse.
Facilitated by McCrory, panelists included: Rod Courtney, CRUSH of Iowa; April Dirks, Mount Mercy University; Melissa Walker, Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC); Pramod Dwivedi, Linn County Public Health Department; and Al Fear, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Eastern Iowa Heroin Initiative, CRUSH of Iowa. ■