August 14, 2017
How have we gotten to the point where, in many parts of the country, fatal overdoses from narcotics are three times the rate of suicides?
NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar explored this question and many more, while taking an in-depth look at America’s opioid epidemic with Dr. Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia. An expert in the field, Dr. Vogel-Scibilia walked through the epidemic’s historical background; relevant, pressing policy matters; options for systemic change; as well as treatment options for substance abuse disorders, especially those with opioid use disorder.
Dr. Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and honors graduate of University of Pittsburgh Medical School. She completed residency at Western Psychiatric Institute and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center before starting a private practice in Beaver, Pa. in 1991. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at Chatham University and has privileges at Heritage Valley Beaver. She is a full-time psychiatrist at Gateway Rehabilitation Inpatient Center in Aliquippa, Pa. Aliquippa is in Beaver County, which has the highest rate of fatal overdose in western Pennsylvania. She is currently heading an initiative to increase both operation instruction and distribution of Narcan Nasal Spray Rescue Kits (a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose).
She is currently on the Board of Directors at NAMI Beaver County and previously served as President of NAMI Pennsylvania. She also runs a Nar-Anon support group and NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group, regularly teaches NAMI Peer-to Peer, and is a proud NAMI In Our Own Voice speaker.
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