Cabell County Drug Prevention Summit Jan. 21

The Cabell County Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership is sponsoring the 4th Annual Cabell Drug Prevention Summit on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010.

The summit will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena Conference Center, in Huntington.

The title is "Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse in Our Community." This year's drug prevention summit will focus on the growing trend of prescription drug abuse and communitywide solutions. The partnership invites you to learn more about prescription drug abuse and how the community can work together to reduce this trend.

Prescription drug misuse is the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. In small doses, prescription and over-the-counter medications, when used improperly, can affect motor skills, judgment and the ability to learn. While in large doses or when mixed with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol, serious health risks, including respiratory failure, can occur.

In West Virginia, overdose was the leading cause of death for those under age 45 in 2006, the highest rate for this cause of death in the United States. About 250,000 West Virginians use prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes.

The day includes a panel on prescription drug abuse and misuse; a session on policy, program and personal practices and a discussion panel and public forum. Among those participating are State Sen. Evan Jenkins, Huntington police chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook, Dr. William Webb of Oasis Behavioral health and Dr. Wayne Coombs of the West Virginia Prevention Resource Center.

Continuing Education Units are available for an afternoon session but those applying must register before Jan. 14 by calling (304) 523-8929 or emailing anne.mcgee@unitedwayrivercities.org.

For more information, please see here.