May Lunch and Learn Workshop Sheds Light on Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

McKenzie Health System is pleased to present Mark Hamed, MD, MBA, MPH, Medical Director of the McKenzie Departments of Emergency and Hospitalist Medicine and Families Against Narcotics (FAN) board member, as the featured speaker at the May Lunch and Learn workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from Noon to 1 p.m., in the McKenzie Health System Back Dining Room. Dr. Hamed was recently named Rural Health Professional of the Year by the Michigan Center for Rural Health. Lunch and Learn is a community education series held every third Wednesday of the month. The cost for the workshop is $5 and lunch is included in the price. Pre-registration is required by calling 810-648-6117 or emailing publicrelations@mckenziehealth.org.

“McKenzie Health System is committed to addressing addictions and substance abuse disorders in order to keep our community safe,” reports Louise Blasius, LMSW, LPC, Director of Human Services at McKenzie Health System. “That’s why Dr. Hamed launched an Oxy-free Emergency Department (ED) at McKenzie several years ago; it was the first such ED in the state of Michigan, and it means that our ED limits the use of any opioids with patients and helps already addicted patients access treatment services. Dr. Hamed will talk about that initiative as well as other ways McKenzie is working to prevent and reduce addiction problems in our area. He will also give tips to attendees regarding what they can do to help a person who may be addicted to illegal or prescription drugs.”

“Please join us for this important class,” urges Blasius. “As always, the information will be provided in a relaxed, personal atmosphere, and questions will be welcomed. Because our dining room has limited seating, pre-registrations are required by calling 810-648-6117 or emailing publicrelations@mckenziehealth.org. We encourage people to reserve their space as soon as possible. We hope to see you there!”