MSU to host drug safety summit on combating illicit fentanyl and saving lives

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University, through its School of Nursing and Health Professions and in partnership with Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, will host a summit on the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the latest efforts to combat this deadly drug. In addition to state and local leaders, national leaders such as Jim Carroll, former director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Uttam Dhillon, former acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, will be participating. The free event will take place on Tuesday, March 26 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at Wrather Hall, and is open to the public. 

This event will include individuals who are on the cutting edge of the fight to save lives and emphasize the University’s commitment to the role of prevention education, effective treatment and reducing the supply of drugs. 

Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson will provide an introduction and opening remarks, and Murray State University Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Dina Byers will moderate a panel discussion.

Attendees will receive an overview of new innovations taking place in the education, recovery and treatment sectors. Additionally, there will be a discussion by law enforcement officials on the international supply of dangerous narcotics. At the conclusion of the event, guests will have the opportunity for direct interaction with the panelists.

Panelists include:

- Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General

- Jim Carroll, Former White House Director of the Office on Drug Control and Policy

- Uttam Dhillon, Former Acting Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration

- Eric Gremminger, CEO of ERP Health, and person in long-term recovery

- Dr. Susan Bissett, President of the Drug Intervention Institute, and maker of ONEbox

- Nick DeMauro, Executive Director & CEO, Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence

- Dr. Kristin Reid, Kentucky treatment provider

- Ryan Orr, Murray State University Chief of Police

- Kaitlyn Krolikowski, Purchase District Health Department, Director of Administrative Services

- Local law enforcement representatives

- Community stakeholders

Attorney General Coleman is Kentucky’s top law enforcement officer. He previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, which includes the Purchase Region, Legal Counsel to U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and an FBI Special Agent.

Carroll has served in the White House in various positions, most recently as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). Prior to this, Carroll served as the acting director and deputy director of ONDCP among other roles. 

“No Kentucky community has escaped the pain of the drug crisis, and we must bring zealous collaboration to fight this deadly challenge,” said Attorney General Coleman. “I’m grateful to Murray State for hosting national and local leaders for a conversation about how we can take on the surge of fentanyl and save lives.”

“The topic of illicit drugs and their devastating effects is a critical one for our region, state and country,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “Murray State University is hosting this summit as an important opportunity to bring many individuals together to offer their perspective and expertise as we work collaboratively to help combat this issue.” 

“Murray State University and the School of Nursing and Health Professions are glad to participate with our national, state, regional and local partners to host the Naloxone Drug Safety Summit. This special event will reiterate the importance of everyone working together to save lives by focusing on prevention, treatment and awareness,” states Dr. Dina Byers, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “The panelists will be sharing information about the efforts they have been making to combat the supply of dangerous narcotics and help the attendees to understand the challenges of addiction." 

In addition to Murray State University and the University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, participating organizations include ERP Health, ONEBox, Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence and Harbor Path. 

To learn more about Murray State’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, visit murraystate.edu/nursing.