Our Klickitat to host Opioid Panel
March 14 from 6-8 pm at Trout Lake School
Trout Lake, WA (February 22, 2023) - Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition and its partners are hosting an opioid panel in Trout Lake on March 14, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Trout Lake School. Teens and adults are encouraged to attend, and childcare will be provided.
“Our panelists will help to educate community members about opioids and offer resources for those who might be struggling with substance misuse,” said Joanna Turner, coordinator for the coalition.
“Our goal is to give community members and families resources they can utilize in the fight against opioid misuse.”
Panel members include:
James Tuning, a substance use disorder professional from Klickitat Valley Health (KVH). He will update the community on the current state of overdoses and opioid use within Klickitat County.
Kristi Ridgeway, MN, RN, and the clinical division manager for Klickitat County Health Department will share updates from the county and county resources.
Carmen Knopes, Undersheriff from Klickitat County, will discuss law enforcement response and support in opioid situations.
Will Harryman, with Emergency Medical Services, District 1. He will explain how local EMS responds to an overdose emergency call.
Abby Whalin and Kelsi Stahl from Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will offer support resources from the Community Action Agency.
Barbara Gerrior, a master social worker from the Recovery Cafe, will discuss supporting youth.
Our Klickitat and community partners share a concern for youth and their families when it comes to substance misuse. One tool they will offer during the event is to provide free medication lock boxes to help prevent accidental overdoses. “Safely securing medications can help keep children safe and keep a family from mourning a senseless loss,” Turner said.
The event will also include training by KVH on how to administer naloxone, also known as NARCAN, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. Participants who complete the training can take home naloxone, which they can administer in an opioid overdose emergency.
The event is sponsored by Amerigroup, Washington, and co-hosted by Klickitat Valley Health, Skyline Health, Klickitat County Health Department, Washington Gorge Action Programs, and Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries.
Organizers will provide food, drink, and childcare throughout the event. Maria Mandujano is making tamales for guests, and WAGAP and the Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries will offer a resource table, bookmobile information, and a craft activity for children.
Our Klickitat has been supporting youth across Klickitat County with events such as this opioid panelvsince 2016. Its purpose is to work with youth, parents, and local partners to prevent substance use and work toward healthy, vibrant, and connected communities.
The group also works to amplify the efforts of the three locally based prevention coalitions in Klickitat County:
Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) in Goldendale
Klickitat-Lyle Against Substance Abuse Coalition (KLASAC) in Klickitat-Lyle
Klickitat Community Link Project (K-Link) in White Salmon-Bingen
To participate in coalition efforts and activities, email Turner at ourklickitat@gmail.com or call 503-863-7763. Learn more about area coalitions at https://www.wagap.org/prevention.
