TIC: The Opioid Epidemic: Personal Tragedy Leads to Positive Change

Description: Judy and Bill Rummler will share the tragic story of the loss of their son, Steve, who died of an accidental opioid overdose after he became addicted to pain medications that were prescribed to him for his chronic pain. (Opioids include narcotic painkillers and heroin.) More people are now dying from drug overdoses in the U.S. than from car crashes. Judy and Bill have worked to bring awareness and solutions to the Opioid epidemic through their nonprofit organization, The Steve Rummler Hope Network, and through their leadership of The Fed Up! Coalition, a national coalition of organizations calling for federal action to end the epidemic. They will share what they have learned about the causes of this public health crisis. They will discuss their successes, and the many challenges that remain.

Designed for: Those interested in acquiring a better understanding of some of the causes and many of the consequences of an epidemic that is overwhelming the U.S., as well as possible approaches to dealing with
the crisis, at the national as well as personal level.

Facilitators: Judy and Bill Rummler, guest facilitators