Idaho State University Kasiska Division of Health Sciences Research Day April 20 in Pocatello and Meridian

Health care providers, faculty, students and the public are invited to Research Day activities, which will feature presentations across multiple health care professions. 

Research Day is a way to show the importance of research in addressing real and prevalent issues in the health care community. This year a panel of opioid experts will discuss the opioid crisis in Idaho, how it impacts the community and health care workers, and alternatives to opioids in managing acute and chronic pain.

 “The opioid crisis in Idaho affects everyone,” said Christopher Wertz, program director and assistant professor for ISU’s Kasiska School of Health Professions radiographic science program. “There is no event fee, so we're not looking to increase revenue, but instead to inform the ISU community and the community at large of the current state of the opioid crisis in Idaho, how it's being combated, and alternatives to opioid use.”

Research Day is a free event, and registration will take place at the door from 7:30 - 7:45 a.m. Activities will be held in the ISU Pocatello Pond Student Union, 921 S. Eighth Ave., and at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, 1311 E. Central Drive, north of I-84 between Locust Grove and Meridian Road. Podium sessions will be broadcast simultaneously using distance-learning technology.

This year's keynote address will feature a panel discussion by experts from across the state on the various issues surrounding opioid use and abuse. The discussion panel will include:

• Dr. Marcia Witte, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
• Charles Wahl, diversion investigator for the Drug Enforcement Administration
• Dr. Magni Hamso, opioid addiction treatment expert
• Dr. Steve Pote, pain management psychologist

For more information about Research Day 2018, visit isu.edu/ichr/kdhs-research-day.