Cantata Health Solutions Sponsors 3rd Annual Fundraiser for Stop Stigma Now
Summary
The Honoree at this year’s event was Dr. Phil Paris, a physician and longtime leader supporting the validity and efficacy of medication-assisted treatment of people dealing with addiction to opioids. Dr. Paris recounted his recognition, early in his career, of the overwhelming stigma associated with this form of therapy, which led to his decades of dedication to supporting people receiving treatment. Keynote Speaker, Yngvild Olsen, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was assisted by her Deputy Director, Karran Phillips, who offered both insights into the work done at CSAT and their great appreciation of the efforts of SSN to support their community by promoting the need for broad-based acceptance of this form of addiction treatment. Guest Speakers at the event included The Honorable Craig D. Hannah, Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, and New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Chairman of the Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, both of whom related their own personal struggles with addiction and expressed their appreciation of the efforts of SSN to reduce reluctance to accept medication-assisted treatment as a valid and effective way of treating opioid addiction. “Substance Use Disorder is a disease that affects everyone one of us, either directly or indirectly, and being able to provide continued support to the Stop Stigma Now efforts to overcome perceptual barriers to treatment is a commitment we are proud of.