Cotuit Library Hosts Opiate Addiction Panel
On Wednesday, April 20, 2016 the Cotuit Library hosted a public panel discussion on Cape Cod’s opiate addiction issue. The discussion addressed the dangers associated with the misuse of prescription painkillers and what can be done to prevent and treat opiate and heroin addiction. The event was moderated by the Reverend Angela Menke Ballou, pastor of Cotuit Federated Church and panelists consisted of representatives from the medical and behavioral health sector, law enforcement, human services, and state and town delegates, including: Brian Mannal, State Representative, Second Barnstable District; Jessica Rapp-Grassetti, President and Precinct Seven Councilor Barnstable Town Council; Vaira Harik, Senior Project Manager, Barnstable County Department of Human Services; William Ferney, M.Ed, LADC I, Director of Substance Abuse Treatment Odanata Psychotherapy; Chief Chris Olsen, Cotuit Fire Department; Deputy Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend, Barnstable Police Department; Donna Beers, RN, a mother who was featured in HBO’s “Heroin Cape Cod, USA”; and Christine Fay, community member with personal experience.
