PA Acting Attorney General Among Top PA Leaders to Speak at Delaware Valley University

Michelle Henry will be a panelist for the presentation, "The Violent Toll of Addiction, Why the Community Should Care and How We Can Be Part of the Solution"

by Nicole McMahon

Doylestown, PA (03/10/2023) — On Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building Auditorium at Delaware Valley University (DelVal), Pennsylvania's Acting Attorney General, Michelle Henry, will return to Bucks County to take part in a community discussion on violence and addiction. It will be her first major speaking event in Bucks County since taking on the role of the state's top law enforcer earlier this year. The event is free and open to the public.

The presentation, "The Violent Toll of Addiction, Why the Community Should Care & How We Can Be Part of the Solution" will share a frank conversation of the realities of emerging drug trends and the role addiction plays in violent crimes across the state. This is part of a larger colloquium hosted by DelVal's School of Business and Humanities, "Question It! Change It! Violence in America" Colloquium Series Spring 2023.

With the continued rise in methamphetamine and fentanyl use, leaders across the state report significant public safety concerns. In emergency rooms, nurses and health care workers are experiencing increasing stressors including patients who may be aggressive or acting out. Victims' advocates report an uptick in the epidemic's role in human trafficking and domestic violence. In the last few years, suicides, sexual assaults, home invasions, shootings and other violent acts have been tied to drug use, particularly with the rise in methamphetamine.

Those who suffer from substance use disorder are not violent, yet certain drugs can trigger violent reactions, further stigmatizing those who are in need of help, compassion and treatment. In recent years, collaborative efforts among law enforcement and first responders, health care workers, and those working in the field have worked to reduce stigma, improve care, and strengthen resources, but there is still more to be done.

At the event, DelVal will unite leaders from across several disciplines, including experts in emergency medicine, law enforcement, victims' advocacy, and drug prevention. Panelists will share their expertise and experiences in confronting the continued drug epidemic.

The aim is to shed light on addiction and emerging drug trends and discuss community solutions in enforcement, prevention and education.

"Substance use disorder affects every community across our commonwealth. It is a public health crisis, a public safety crisis, and a top priority for the Office of Attorney General. We are committed to working with our partners to fight this malady through programs like our Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, which connects individuals suffering from substance use disorder to the treatment they need," Henry said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to join this esteemed panel to discuss collaborative solutions to the drug epidemic plaguing our communities. No one agency can do this work alone, and I'm confident that by joining together we can build stronger, healthier communities across Pennsylvania."

The panel will feature:

Michelle Henry, Pennsylvania's Acting Attorney General

Brenda Foley, Medical Director of Doylestown Hospital Emergency Department

Kevin Keller, Licensed Professional Counselor with Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Matt Weintraub, Bucks County District Attorney

David Fialko, Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist, The Council of Southeast PA, Inc.

"In our work to provide prevention, intervention and recovery supports, we recognize that addressing the issue of violence in our community will take a compassionate approach that includes individual, family and community strategies to support those living with the disease of addiction and prevent others from experiencing that," notes David Fialko, Prevention Specialist with The Council of Southeast PA. "I am grateful for this chance to share the message that recovery is possible and to help our audience to learn more about prevention, risk factors, and how we can strengthen the protective factors that help communities thrive."

For more information on the event: Contact Marion Callahan, Assistant Professor of Media and Communication for the English Department, Delaware Valley University:

Email: marion.callahan@delval.edu