HADLEY — A state health expert will discuss the rising rates of hepatitis C-related deaths and the new state opioid law at a public forum in Hadley next week.
The July 13 forum will feature Anthony Osinski, a representative of the state Department of Public Health, who will present data highlighting the rising rates of hepatitis C in the state.
The disease is primarily contracted through injection drug use, and Osinski will discuss what state and local communities can do to reverse the trend, according to a statement from Hampshire HOPE coordinator J. Cherry Sullivan.
Hampshire HOPE, a local opioid abuse prevention coalition, is hosting the event.
In addition to Osinski, the forum will include comments from Maryann Fangules, executive director of the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery. Fangules will discuss initiatives and strategies to prevent opioid deaths that are included in the 2015 Massachusetts Opioid Bill that was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in March.
During the meeting, a time to discuss ideas and opportunities for people to become involved in efforts to fight the opioid epidemic will be included, according to the statement.
The two-hour meeting, which starts at 2 p.m., will be held at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St. in Hadley.
Hampshire HOPE asks those attending to RSVP by calling 413-587-1219, or visit hampshirehope.org/events.
All are welcome to attend even if they have not registered, the statement said.