Distinguished Scientist to Speak on the Science of Addiction
Sarasota, FL (March 8, 2016) – Beginning Friday, April 1, 2016 Project 180 presents its annual Strong Voices/Strong Subjects luncheon lecture series with keynote speaker Mary Jeanne Kreek, MD. Dr. Kreek, one of the world’s foremost scientists in addictions research, launches the series with her keynote address, “Addictions are Diseases: The Science of Addiction.” Subsequent lectures in the series are on May 6 and June 10. Each luncheon lecture is at The Francis in Sarasota from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.
Dr. Kreek is internationally renowned for her pioneering work in the development of methadone maintenance therapy for heroin addicts in the 1960’s and was one of the first scientists to document that drugs of abuse significantly alter the expression of specific genes in the brain, resulting in changes in behavior. Her current research focuses on opiate addiction, cocaine dependency, and alcoholism.
Dr. Kreek is Patrick E. and Beatrice M. Haggerty Professor and head of the Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases at The Rockefeller University as well as Senior Physician at The Rockefeller University Hospital in New York. Dr. Kreek will be introduced by Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight.
Jessica Spencer, EdD, CPP, CAP, of Drug Free Manatee, a series sponsor, writes “Science-based education and information are vital to community health. Drug Free Manatee is thrilled that such a distinguished scientist as Dr. Kreek will be sharing her knowledge and expertise on substance use disorders with our community.“
The second lecture on Friday, May 6, “In Their Own Words: Addiction, Reentry and Recidivism,” features a panel of former offenders whose addictions led to their involvement in the criminal justice system. The panel is moderated by Susan Nilon, Member of the ACLU. State House Representative Darryl Rouson is a featured speaker. Panelists will share their personal histories, discuss prison, jail and reentry experiences and provide insights about their lives as addicts.
The third lecture of the series, “Heart and Soul: The Price of Addiction” is Friday, June 10. Keynote speaker Jane Dwyer, MSW, LCSW, is Associate Teaching Professor at The Florida State University in Tallahassee. Her research interests in corrections, criminal justice, reentry preparation and substance abuse stem, in part, from personal experiences. Nationally distinguished for her unaffected, soul-baring lectures, Ms. Dwyer was convicted of DUI Manslaughter in 1996 and spent five years in prison followed by ten years of probation.
Larry Eger, Public Defender of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit comments, “Hearing the stories of individuals with addictions helps us analyze how the criminal justice system can best serve community safety while providing addicts the opportunity to free themselves from the recidivism cycle.”
Tickets start at $30 each and include lunch. To secure tickets, please click here. For sponsorships or more information contact Barbara Richards at [email protected] or 941-677-2281.
Project 180 (www.project180reentry.org), a Sarasota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a prisoner reentry program. Project 180 seeks to reintegrate former offenders into community life by providing practical education programs in Gulf Coast prisons and jails and by offering Strong Voices, an annual lecture series on prisoner reentry for the public. Project 180 is currently planning a two-year residential program for men returning to the community from prison.
Event Details:
Who: Mary Jeanne Kreek, MD, The Rockefeller University
Former Offenders
State House Representative Darryl Rouson
FSU Professor Jane Dwyer, MSW
What: Project 180’s Strong Voices Luncheon Lecture Series
When:Fridays: April 1, May 6 and June 10 from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm
Where:The Francis, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota
Why: To successfully reintegrate former offenders into community life.
Tickets required: Click here or call 941-677-2281
Director, Project 180
On The Giving Partner at http://bit.ly/1OUYxEY
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Our Mission: Project 180 seeks to reintegrate former offenders into community life.
