Hundreds expected to attend conference in Columbia about substance abuse disorders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
An organization that helps people fight substance abuse disorders will gather in Columbia Thursday and Friday.
The Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers (MCRSP) is scheduled to hold its Central Region Conference at the Stoney Creek Hotel. Events and speakers are expected to start at 8 a.m. and run through 4 p.m.
Guests scheduled to speak Thursday include founder of the Recovery Research Institute at Harvard University Dr. John Kelly, Vice President of Capital Decisions Holly Strain, and Executive Director of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences Dave Sheridan.
ABC 17 News is told by MCRSP that more than 300 people registered for the conference. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about substance abuse disorders and how to help people recover from substance abuse.
The MCRSP Board of Directors and Housing Task Force are also scheduled to meet Friday.
In 2019, around 19.3 million people over 18 in the US struggled with substance abuse, according to a study on the coalition's website.
In Missouri, drug overdose deaths were the leading cause of death among adults between 18 to 44-years-old, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
The Columbia Police Department reported 30 overdose-related deaths in 2021. Between January and mid-May of this year, police investigated 18 overdose-related death in Columbia.
MCRSP also operates the Recover Support Services program. The coalition reports about 98% of clients in the program have not had a new arrest, around 90 % are in stable housing, and 63% are still employed after six months.
