Symposium on Eradicating the Opioid Crisis in Northern Virginia

Due to the overwhelming response, the event is now at capacity. Please contact Rebekah Hersch at rhersch@gmu.edu if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.

George Mason University (Mason) is working with its many partners in the Northern Virginia community to devise an eradication strategy in response to the opioid epidemic, and to advance our understanding of the etiology and treatment of addictions more globally. Consistent with the Institution’s deep commitment for research of consequence, Mason is well positioned to serve as the academic center for facilitating and coordinating partnerships, and in the design of innovative interventions that will lead to reproducible evidence-based practices.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Mason Provost S. David Wu will open the public event at 8 a.m. in Mason’s Dewberry Hall, and the morning agenda will include perspectives from distinguished panelists representing federal, state and local perspectives. Designed to “level-set” our understanding of the epidemic and priorities for addressing it, the public event will conclude with a discussion of Mason's expertise in responding to identified challenges.

In the by invitation only afternoon sessions, smaller working groups comprising representatives from the many community facets responding to the opioid epidemic will convene to identify partnership-based action plans aimed at eradicating the epidemic. Leveraging its longstanding expertise in the etiology and treatment of addictions, Mason has prioritized developing an integrated response with our many partners to ensure the health and well-being of the many populations we serve, both locally and globally. The time for action is now.

Parking is available at the Mason Pond Parking Deck for a fee and Free Parking is available at the surface Lot K.