Partnership Highlights
Expert/ Specialist Sessions
Connecting Through Relationships, Attachment, and Authenticity
Connection to everything is vital and allows us to be present on this earth. Briana spoke with participants about community work; how historical and generational trauma brings out the importance of connection and healing. Briana’s ability to help the participant see and hear through an indigenous lens, and build a sense of togetherness, is essential to understanding a different angle on how we can authentically create safe places for other to heal.
Briana presented as opening keynote speaker for the 2nd Annual GLITEC Conference this year on June 26-30, in Green Bay, WI. For a summary of the conference please see ROTA-RC’s notes in Regional Highlights. We enjoyed being there to see Briana and the other presenters shine!
Presenter: Briana Matrious
Xylazine and Fentanyl: A Deadly Duo
Understanding the history of fentanyl and xylazine is a crucial in comprehending the challenges we face today. These substances have emerged as potent agents, reshaped the landscape of drug abuse and presented significant obstacles to public health and safety. Dr. Palombi worked with participants to broaden their perspectives, foster compassionate dialogue and equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce overdose and other harm resulting from fentanyl and xylazine use.
Presenter: Dr. Laura Palombi
Opioid Use Disorder Talk for Lakeville ISD
A community presentation for a local school in Minnesota to help explain what Opioid Use Disorder is, how addiction impacts the individual and the recovery based language currently used to help those dealing with addictions move towards harm reduction behaviors and recovery.
Presenter: Dr. Keri Hager
Date: closed community event
Location: online webinar
Please contact Mary Jo Katras (mkatras@umn.edu) with any questions
About the Presenters
Keri Hager, Pharm.D., BCACP is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Dr. Hager currently practices at the Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment (CADT) and provides MAT/MOUD and harm reduction education for northeast Minnesota’s rural and Indigenous communities.
Briana Matrious is a Tribal Community Facilitator for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as a member of Extension’s American Indian Resource and Resilience Team and a University of Minnesota Extension Educator.
Laura Palombi, PharmD, MPH, MAT is the Associate Dean for Students and an Associate Professor in the Pharmacy Practice and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy – Duluth. Dr. Palombi is also a consultant for area treatment court teams. She has established relationships with public health professionals, healthcare systems, and providers and has a strong background in providing effective, multi-pronged education on topics including harm reduction and opioid-emergency response.
