NEW ORLEANS, LA – Metropolitan Human Services District will host a community panel discussion called “Breaking the Silence on Addiction” on Thursday, March 23, 6pm-8pm. The event will be held at the Peoples Health New Orleans Jazz Market located at 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. WBOK 1230am morning show host, Oliver Thomas, will moderate the discussion, and the event is free and open to the public. The panel will feature MHSD Executive and Medical Director, Dr. Rochelle Head-Dunham and other experts in addiction and recovery.
MHSD has partnered with WBOK 1230am to spread awareness to the community about the services they provide to help those suffering from drug and opioid addiction. In 2016, MHSD received a $3 million grant over three years from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to provide medication assisted treatment services for prescription drug and illicit opioid users.
The program will decrease substance use and reduce the local high rates of death currently reported due to the use of this dangerous category of drugs. “This award is a significant indicator that MHSD and partnering agencies have expertise in treatment for those in need of addiction services.” Dr. Dunham says. She added that this panel discussion will help those with addictive disorders and persons who are living day to day with those suffering from addiction.