Summit County Opiate Task Force in welcoming renowned author Sam Quinones to Summit County on April 12 for. Quinones wrote the groundbreaking book “Dreamland, The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic.” 

As an introduction ahead of the April 12th event, Quinones will have a discussion Skype session on March 29th from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for questions and answers about the opiate epidemic and the marketing of opiates. Register at http://SummitESC.org/Events.

The day-long event will kick off from 7-8:30 a.m. with the topic, Leaders in the Community Making a Difference. A discussion panel will take place at Summa Health System Firestone Auditorium located at 55 Arch Street in Akron. This portion of the day is free and open to the public.

“I found Sam’s book enlightening in helping to explain the many factors that have contributed to our opiate epidemic,” said Gerald Craig, executive director of the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board. “Armed with this knowledge, we can be more effective as we collaborate to develop community interventions to combat this daunting problem.”

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., Akron Roundtable will host a community luncheon with comments and a question and answer session with Quinones. The luncheon is open to the public, and admission is $20 and includes lunch. The luncheon will take place at the Quaker Station Inn at The University of Akron located at 135 South Broadway Street. Sign up is required for this portion of the day. To sign up, visit www.akronroundtable.org/speakers/sam-quinones/4411.

Quinones will then join Green Local High School students for a short interview session in the school’s T.V. studio. This portion of the day is not open to the public.

In the evening, Akron-Summit County Public Library will present an evening with Sam Quinones, which will include a talk by Quinones, a question and answer session and a book signing opportunity. This portion of the day will begin at 7 p.m. and is also free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

“We are proud to partner with a broad spectrum of local agencies to bring Sam Quinones to Summit County for a day of programming,” said Ricki Ethington, a Librarian from Akron-Summit County Public Library. “This partnership demonstrates our county's dedication and solidarity in fighting the opiate epidemic. This is certain to be an enlightening and inspiring day.”

Additional sponsors of the day-long event include Cover2 Resources, Summit Educational Service Center, Breaking Barriers, Akron Roundtable, Summit County Opiate Task Force, County of Summit, Community Partnership of Summit County, Summa Health, and County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board.