As a part of its “Together Helping Kids Thrive” initiative, the YMCA of the Foothills will host a discussion about substance abuse from 8-10 a.m. on Friday, March 16, at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.
State Assemblywoman Laura Friedman will be the guest speaker, with plans to address the importance of looking at the causes and solutions to the substance abuse epidemic through a holistic and systematic lens. Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Matejka will discuss vaping, and Tom Lorenz, the city of Glendale’s director of communications, will offer an update on marijuana usage.
Friedman, who represents the 43rd Assembly district, will present bills that were proposed last year to address substance abuse as well as bills that have been proposed for 2018. While she will not explicitly support or oppose any of the bills mentioned, she will present the spectrum of solutions that have been put forth. She will ask the YMCA’s Strategic Partners Network to consider what they might be willing to try to end such a serious public health and mental health crisis.
The event will be held in the fourth floor council room at the hospital, located at 1812 Verdugo Blvd. For more information, email jrabago@ymcafoothills.org or visit ymcafoothills.org.
Friedman to Discuss Vaping, Drugs at USC-VHH on March 16
