Doctor’s workshop set for Nov. 7

    Prescription drug abuse – is it a problem in your area? Findings from a recent countywide assessment completed by Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention conclude that prescription drug abuse is a countywide problem with multiple causes. Accordingly, involvement from multiple community sectors will need to be garnered in order to address the problem. Health care providers, mental health professionals and clergy are important resources in the fight against prescription drug abuse. In recognition of their key role, the County Health Education Resource (CHER), the Power of Prevention (POP) and Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) are sponsoring a workshop focused on providing relevant information on how to address prescription drug diversion.
    Addressing Prescription Drug Diversion within the Community and Workplace is open to the public and provides information of particular relevance to physicians; nurse practitioners; physicians’ assistants; nurses; anesthesiologists; psychologists; psychiatrists; pharmacists; dentists; chiropractors; social workers; counselors and clergy and all others who may prescribe and/or administer potentially addictive prescription drugs.
    In response to ASAP’s survey assessing medical provider educational needs, workshop presenters will present information about the Maine Prescription Monitoring Program; implications and expectations related to drug diversion; effective patient assessment; and workplace prevention strategies and resources. Speakers include Daniel Eccher, MPH; Myra Broadway, JD, MS, RN; Dr. Robert Fergueson, PhD, and Geoff Miller, MS. The workshop will provide a maximum of 3.75 Category I credits toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award and a Certificate of Attendance will be provided to other participants.
    The workshop is free of charge and includes dinner at all locations. It is scheduled Nov. 7 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will be available in three locations simultaneously: Cary Medical Center, Chan Center – 163 Van Buren Rd, Caribou; Via videoconference: Northern Maine Medical Center – 194 East Main Street, Fort Kent, Houlton Regional Hospital – 20 Hartford Street, Houlton.
    To obtain a workshop brochure or ask questions contact Shanna Morin at 834-3195 Ext. 3602 or e-mail her  at Shanna.Morin@nmmc.org. For registration, contact Cary Medical Center, attention: Cara Miller at 498-3111.