Staff report

A free continuing education training will soon be available virtually sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7).
“Opioid Use Disorders and Older Adults: Pharmageddon” will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., presented by Brian Bethel, PhD., LPCC-S, LCDC III, RPT-S.
There is no cost to register for the program. Deadline to register is Sept. 21.
Three (3) continuing education units (CEU) are available and approved for social workers through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Ohio Chapter. The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts events approved for social workers for continuing education contact hours.
Substance use disorders of opiates continue to create devastating and significant challenges for healthcare and social service professionals. In fact, drug overdose deaths involving opioids have steadily increased across the last decade. Although the major dimensions of the opioid crisis involve young adults, the fallout from this crisis can also be found from the increase of older adults with substance use disorders of opiates. This training will highlight the evolution of opiate use in America and underscore the devastating impact that opioids have had on our society. A review of substance use disorders and research-supported treatment models will be offered to assist professionals when working with older adults who present with a substance use disorders of opiates.
The training is made possible by grant funding the AAA7 received through the Ohio Department of Aging to provide targeted training and educational programs for Area Agencies on Aging, providers and caregivers in the aging network on how to prevent misuse of opioids and stimulants among older Ohioans and how best to support those with substance use disorders and conditions that occur as a result of using those substances.
Those who are interested in the training can locate registration information on the AAA7’s website at www.aaa7.org . At the home page, click on the “Training Calendar,” where a list of training opportunities are provided. For more information, contact Bonnie Buchanan, Community Outreach and Training manager at the AAA7, at 1-800-582-7277, extension 22252.