VIERA, Fla. -- A Brevard based philanthropic group is trying to combat the growing Opioid Crisis.
- Doctors Goodwill Foundation combats opioid crisis
- Forum will highlight effects of painkillers on people, community
- Goal to showcase available resources, treatment options
Friday, the Doctors Goodwill Foundation held a forum highlighting the effects pain killers have on people, families and the community as a whole.
The panel, made up of doctors, law enforcement and health officials discussed opioid prescriptions, addictions and overdoses.
The goal was to showcase available resources and treatment options on the Space Coast.
“I think the crisis in terms of opioid issues and their role has changed. I think initially people thought they would be great medications and they would help out with certain conditions, but we noticed over the years it's causing more problems for patients and having addiction tolerance issues,” said Ashish Udeshi, Doctors' Goodwill Foundation president.
According to the National Safety Council, 42,000 people died of prescription drug or heroin overdoses nationwide in 2016.