A new initiative from Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care aims to brew up some fresh ideas and creative approaches to serious issues such as the fentanyl crisis.
Valley Cities’ quarterly Community Coffee Chats invite community leaders, first responders, and healthcare workers to join a panel of experts and educators on various topics in hopes of spreading awareness and information.
“We’re very excited to be hosting our second Community Coffee Chat on May 29, from 8 to 9 a.m. at our office here in Federal Way,” says John Grossman, Director of Development and Community Giving at Valley Cities. “This second session will continue to address the ongoing fentanyl epidemic and feature some new additions to our panel of experts who will share insights before answering questions afterward.”
Grossman says he hopes this next installment in their Community Coffee Chat series will provide the chance to ask questions, make connections, and dispel outdated misinformation regarding fentanyl, treatment options, and substance addiction as a whole.
“One area of concern that we hope to discuss and educate participants on is the use of prescription medication as a stepping stone for individuals in active addiction,” says Rose Baldridge, Director OP SUD and MATCH.
“There is a lot of misinformation surrounding programs like MATCH, Medication Assisted Treatment and Community Health and how they contribute to the recovery process. What we hope to provide clarity on is that punishment and treating pain with more pain is not conducive to an individual’s recovery. It’s not uncommon for us to hear our clients say ‘I don’t use to get high, I use to not get sick,’ the pain of withdrawal is extreme and our goal with prescription medication is to interrupt the pain long enough that our clients can start their recovery journey and take steps back towards living a healthier and more fulfilling life.”
Attending the first Community Coffee Chat May 29, in addition to Baldridge, are:
Vicki Brinigar | SUDP, LMHC | Director of Recovery Place Seattle (RPS)
Teri Hardy | MBA SUDP, MHP | Director of Recovery Place Kent (RPS)
Rose Baldridge | Director of SUD Services | NCAC II, SUDP
“Ultimately our goal with the Community Coffee Chats series is to bring together good people in our communities and share valuable information while also providing the space and opportunities for organic growth toward common goals such as improving the overall safety, health, and well-being of our community,” Grossman says.
Secure your tickets online today and join Valley Cities on May 29 from 8 – 9 a.m. at 33405 8th Avenue, South Federal Way.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction you can reach out to Valley Cities via phone at 206-731-7210 for information on their inpatient and withdrawal management services. For additional questions regarding Valley Cities and the services they provide call 253-833-7444. You can also find Valley Cities online at www.valleycities.org or on Facebook for the latest news and updates.
