FARMINGTON — An information session, The Growing Bath Salts Epidemic, will begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Anyone interested in learning more about this growing epidemic in Maine is welcome.

Speakers and their topics of discussion will include:

* David Hyde, DO, medical director of Franklin Memorial Hospital, will describe the bath salts problem for the community, including hospitals, law enforcement and schools.

* Karen Simone, PharmD, director of Northern New England Poison Control, will explain what bath salts are, how they affect users, and protocols for dealing with patients.

* Kelly Klein, MD, emergency room physician at Eastern Maine Medical Center, will discuss her experiences with bath salts users at EMMC, EMMC’s protocol in the emergency room, effects of the drug on a patient, and affects of the epidemic on the hospital staff and community.

* Shane Cote, deputy chief of the Farmington Police Department, will discuss the bath salts experience in western Maine, criminality concerning bath salts, and what to look for to identify users.

There is no fee to attend, however an RSVP is requested by calling 779-2381.

This information session is made possible by Evergreen Behavioral Services, an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network. EBS offers 24/7 emergency mental health response and community outreach services in Greater Franklin County.

Copy the Story Link