Drug abuse, suicide are topics of forum

MIDDLETOWN — The Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council (MCSAAC) will present a free public forum, “Accidentally on Purpose: The Blurred Line Between Drug Abuse and Suicide,” at the Community Health Center in Middletown, Dec. 12, 5:30-7 p.m.

The forum discusses new research which shows that there is, in fact, significant overlap between substance abuse and suicidal behavior. The findings may offer new avenues for hope and treatment. Community partners presenting at this workshop are Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council, Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, DMHAS, Middlesex Hospital, the City of Middletown, Wesleyan University, the Community Health Center, and Rushford.

Opening remarks will be provided by State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Commissioner Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D.

Panelists include Alexis May, Ph.D., Wesleyan University; Janice Keeman, LCSW, Middlesex Hospital; Daniel J. Bryant, LPC, CCTP, Community Health Center; Karl Scheibe, PhD, Wesleyan University; Melissa Monroe, LPC, Rushford; Siobhan Feliciano, LPC, LADC, Integrated Counseling Solutions LLC, and a person with lived experience as a survivor.

This forum is for the general public as well as healthcare professionals. Limited seating is available. Register on MiddlesexChamber.com or by calling 860-347-6924 or emailing jean@middlesexchamber.com. The Community Health Center is located at 675 Main Street, Middletown.