Prescription Pill Summit to be Held at UK Chandler Hospital

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2012) ― The U.S. Attorneys in Kentucky will sponsor Kentucky’s first-ever statewide prescription pill abuse summit on Feb. 1 at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
 

The one-day event will include a speech from Gov. Steve Beshear who will discuss the state’s efforts to battle pill abuse.  Wifredo Ferrer, U.S. Attorney from the Southern District of Florida, also will speak about the efforts from Florida’s federal law enforcement to address the Florida to Kentucky pipeline.
 

Law enforcement in Kentucky has made prescription pill abuse one of its highest priorities. In 2010 and 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Kentucky has prosecuted approximately 120 cases related to prescription pills which more than doubles the prosecutions involving any other type of drug.  However, combating this problem cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. Success will require a joint effort from health care, social services, regulatory and education professionals.   
 

With this in mind, the U.S. Attorneys in Kentucky in cooperation with the UK colleges of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, are hosting the prescription drug abuse summit from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pavilion A auditorium.  The event will include presentations and panel discussions of the many facets of prescription pill drug abuse and its impact on Kentucky communities, schools, and institutions. 
 

“We think this summit will help lay the foundation for a future that will lead to increased communication and awareness among all the societal entities that are engaged in this fight,” said U.S. Attorney Kerry B. Harvey. “We are excited about those who have agreed to attend but we want more industry professionals who are a part of this ongoing battle to attend so we can grow a network of people in this state that will collaborate to create a strong and united front to combat this pill epidemic.”
 

Some of the other speakers at the event include Van Ingram, executive director of Kentucky’s Office of Drug Control Policy, police chiefs and law enforcement officials as well as health care professionals from UK HealthCare and the UK colleges of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
 

For questions about the summit, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (859) 685-4805 or at alove@usa.doj.gov.