Opioids have been front and center in both medical literature and the popular press as our society struggles with the burden of chronic pain and the unprecedented rise in opioid overdoses. Dr. Edward Bilsky, provost and chief academic officer at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, researches the neurobiology of pain, pain management, and addiction. In this talk, he will provide a broad overview of the effects that opioids have on the human body—from cellular to complex behaviors—including those effects associated with the long-term, high levels of exposure seen in the management of chronic pain, opioid use disorders, and medication-assisted therapies. Bilsky will examine the impact of opioid systems on the family unit and communities, tracing their influence through history. How can we connect liberal arts, social and biomedical sciences, medicine, and public health to better address what is arguably one of society’s highest health, social, and economic priorities?

Dr. Edward Bilsky, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, wil present "OPIOIDS: Will they untie us or unite us?" on January 28, 2020 at 7 p.m. in the Walla Walla University Melvin K. West Fine Arts Center Auditorium. 

This event is free and open to the public.