The UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is hosting the 3rd Annual Opioid Epidemic Awareness Fundraiser on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 7pm to 11pm. I want to invite you and the rest of your department (faculty, administrative staff, fellows, residents, significant others and children) to enjoy a night away from the Pittsburgh winter in the lush gardens of Phipps Conservatory.
This charity event that has been previously sponsored by the UPMC Health Plan, PSA and PANA and we are hoping for continued support from these and other major corporations. Last year we had over 220 healthcare professionals attend and raised over $11,000 and hope to increase that total this year.
Funds raised will be sent to the Light of Life Rescue Mission Organization. Light of Life Rescue Mission was founded in 1952 in Pittsburgh and offers a continuum of care for homeless individuals in Pittsburgh. Last year they provided over 250,000 meals and 10,000+ shelter stays for those in need. At Light of Life, they offer hope to those who are turning away from addiction through their long term residential recovery programs for men and women. They are developing new ways to serve the beloved community, to support those affected by addiction.
Below are the ways you can help support this cause:
1) Please attend the event with any of your friends, family and children. Tickets ($40) include appetizers, soft drinks, cash bar and live auction. Buy Tickets Here
2) Donate a gift for silent auction on the night of the event (sporting event tickets, tech items, art, jewelry, services (babysitting, pet sitting etc.) and more)
3) Donate via GoFundMe
4) Share event on Twitter and invite people to the Facebook Event Page. This event is multidisciplinary and goes beyond just healthcare professionals. All are welcome!
Below is more information on how the opioid epidemic impacts our surrounding community.
The opioid problem in Western Pennsylvania and across the United States is a public health and public safety emergency.More than 130 people die from opioid related overdose DAILY and 2.1 million people have opioid use disorder.
In 2014, Pennsylvania had the THIRD-highest number of opioid deaths in the country (2,732), behind only California (4,521) and Ohio (2,744). Western Pennsylvania has had SIX of the TEN counties with the highest drug-related death rates per 100,000 people in Pennsylvania. Within Western Pennsylvania, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Washington counties represent 55 percent of the overdose deaths in the region. This is an issue that affects our surrounding communities directly.
Please watch this awe-inspiring video regarding the opioid epidemic in Pittsburgh, PA: https://www.lightoflife.org/our-impact/eye-of-the-needle/
