Fentanyl-Laced Heroin Demand Reduction Forum

MEDIA ADVISORY: Wednesday, July 26, 2006

CONTACT: ONDCP Public Affairs (202) 395–6618 Jennifer de Vallance (202) 368–8422 (cell) Alison Kogut (202) 368–8446 (cell)

FENTANYL-LACED HEROIN FORUM HOSTED BY
WHITE HOUSE DRUG POLICY OFFICE

Experts Convene to Discuss Public Health Threat and
Response Techniques

Friday, July 28, 2006
Forum 9:00 am–2:30 pm
Media Availability 2:30 pm–3:00 pm

(WASHINGTON)—The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy will convene a forum to bring together law enforcement and public health officials, prevention specialists, and treatment providers from Federal, State, and local governments to discuss the public health threat and response techniques arising from the recent deaths related to fentanyl-laced heroin. Following the forum, John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) will conduct a media availability.

Over the past few months, there have been several hundred confirmed deaths associated with fentanyl-laced heroin in eight states, including Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, The illegal manufacture, distribution, and consumption of this synthetic drug poses unique challenges in American cities. The forum will provide information and strategies for public officials, law enforcement, and public health experts. Experts will discuss sources and distribution trends of fentanyl, information sharing by law enforcement, reports from cities affected by the drug, public health surveillance, and treatment and prevention considerations.

WHO:		John Walters, White House "Drug Czar Dr. Nora Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse Officials from: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration DEA Philadelphia-Camden HIDTA Philadelphia Emergency Services Administration Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office University of Pennsylvania New Jersey Poison and Information Education System Michigan HIDTA City of Detroit Bureau of Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Detroit-Wayne County Mental Health Agencies Odyssey House, Inc., New York
WHAT/WHEN:		Friday, July 28 Forum 9:00 AM–2:30 PM Media Availability 2:30 PM–3:00 PM
WHERE:		University of Pennsylvania Medical School Campus Biomedical Research Building, BRB Auditorium and Lobby Currie Drive and Osler Circle Philadelphia, PA