Public Forum on Painkillers a Huge Success

“Painkillers … What Everyone Needs to Know”, a public forum held on May 21st at the Recovery Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a huge success. The well-attended event was sponsored by a broad coalition of medical and mental health professionals. Speakers included treatment centers, experts in pain management, addiction specialists and recovery and chronic pain organizations. Foundation Vice President, Lexi Reed Holtum served as Chair of the event and is shown (second from right) in the photo at the left with speakers Carol Falkowski, retired Drug Abuse Strategy Officer of the State of Minnesota; Dr. Charles Reznikoff, Internal Medicine and Addiction specialist at Hennepin County Medical Center; Dr. Mel Pohl, Medical Director of the Las Vegas Recovery Center; and Dr. Marv Seppala, Chief Medical Officer of Hazelden Foundation. Missing from the photo is speaker Lucinda E. Jesson, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services. The event raised a lot of awareness as the speakers explored effective alternatives to treating pain, and discussed treatment options for those who are addicted.