Emergency Responders from across the region recently took park in a training session to learn more about so-called synthetic drugs and what health risks those substances hold.
The session was attended by emergency responders from Greece, Rural Metro, Monroe Ambulance, Gates, Brighton, Perinton, Hamlin, Lima and others. It took place at Unity St. Mary's campus on Genesee Street.
Synthetic drugs try to mimic the effects of traditional drugs like marijuana and are widely available in local convenience stores, smoke shops and online. Many of these products are sold legally under names like K2, Spice and Mr. Happy. The substances can cause many health problems from psychotic episodes to hallucinations and reckless behavior.
About 50 emergency medicine personal, educators and even a police officer attended the two-hour training session to help arm them with information they can use in the field. Psychiatrist George Nasra, addiction therapist Kate Campanella, school-based outreach officer Stephanie Rago from Unity Health System and chemist and toxicology manager Michael Peterson from ACM Labs made presentations.
This effort was part of a broader community-wide educational program by Unity Chemical Dependency that has included a 30 minute prime time television show, a phone bank, a community educational event, and have sent educational materials to every school principal in Monroe County.
Emergency Responders from across the region recently took park in a training session to learn more about so-called synthetic drugs and what health risks those substances hold.
The session was attended by emergency responders from Greece, Rural Metro, Monroe Ambulance, Gates, Brighton, Perinton, Hamlin, Lima and others. It took place at Unity St. Mary's campus on Genesee Street.
Synthetic drugs try to mimic the effects of traditional drugs like marijuana and are widely available in local convenience stores, smoke shops and online. Many of these products are sold legally under names like K2, Spice and Mr. Happy. The substances can cause many health problems from psychotic episodes to hallucinations and reckless behavior.
About 50 emergency medicine personal, educators and even a police officer attended the two-hour training session to help arm them with information they can use in the field. Psychiatrist George Nasra, addiction therapist Kate Campanella, school-based outreach officer Stephanie Rago from Unity Health System and chemist and toxicology manager Michael Peterson from ACM Labs made presentations.
This effort was part of a broader community-wide educational program by Unity Chemical Dependency that has included a 30 minute prime time television show, a phone bank, a community educational event, and have sent educational materials to every school principal in Monroe County.
