Updated on July 24, 2018
The Counseling Solutions program of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is collaborating with the Substance Addiction Ministry of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to present a series of community education forums on opioid abuse.
Opioid use, addiction and overdose is currently a vital issue facing the United States as a whole, with an estimated 33,000 opioid related deaths in 2015. Louisiana has not escaped this trend, with deaths due to drug overdose overtaking homicides in New Orleans in 2016, according to the Orleans Parish Coroner.
Our goal is to help families and community members to learn more about this crisis, to better understand the causes, signs, consequences of opioid use and abuse, as well as treatment resources for individuals coping with addiction and their loved ones.
WHEN:
September 25, 2018 from 6 – 8 PM
*Local Resources on Addiction Available at Tables Before and After Presentation*
WHERE:
Mary Queen of Peace Parish Center
1501 W Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70471
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Dr. A. Kennison Roy: Dr. Roy is the medical director of the Dual Diagnosis Unit at River Oaks Hospital in Harahan, LA and he is founder and medical director of Addiction Recovery Resources, Inc., also in Metairie. Dr. Roy is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane School of Medicine, and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine.
Deacon Louie Bauer: Deacon Bauer was ordained in 2006, and has been the chaplain at Fountainbleau treatment center for 12 years. He started the Substance Addiction Ministry in 2011 with one group, and since that time he has trained group leaders who have started these meetings in six catholic parishes across the archdiocese. The SAM meetings focus on both the physical and spiritual disease of addiction, providing resources, support, and hope to people experiencing addiction.
Kevin Gardere: Kevin Gardere is the Executive Director of Development for Bridge House / Grace House, as well as a devoted husband, father and friend. He started working for Bridge House in the development department in 2002. Kevin has dedicated his life to helping others find freedom from drugs and alcohol in his position at Bridge House / Grace House.
John Antonucci, LAC, PLPC, NCC: John Antonucci has been working in addiction treatment for more than 10 years. He is a provisional licensed professional counselor, licensed addictions counselor, registered addictions counselor and national certified counselor. John received his Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Orleans. An active member of the community, John facilitates the first Smart Recovery meeting in New Orleans and serves on various nonprofit boards and is an active member in a number of professional associations.
