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WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, April 11, Members of Congress will join a panel of experts on medical-legal partnerships for a ���˶���’s (LSC) congressional briefing on the opioid epidemic. The briefing, “How Medical-Legal Partnerships Assist Victims of Opioid Addiction,” will explore the role of medical-legal partnerships in confronting the opioid crisis.

This event is held in cooperation with the co-chairs of the Congressional Access to Civil Legal Services Caucus: Representatives Susan Brooks (IN-5), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-4), and Fred Upton (MI-6). LSC Board Chair John G. Levi will join them in delivering opening remarks before the panel discussion.

Opioid addiction affects nearly every community in America. It is a public health crisis requiring a multidisciplinary solution that brings together policymakers, medical professionals, mental health experts, social workers, case managers, and legal aid professionals.

Legal aid organizations play a key role in helping those affected by opioid addiction with problems related to their basic needs in areas such as family law, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, housing, and employment. Lawyers stationed in healthcare settings and partnering with healthcare providers are more easily able to reach patients and tackle the legal issues that are impeding patients’ health and recovery.  

This briefing will feature three experts on medical-legal partnerships and a former client. The speakers are:

Weayonnoh Davies, Medical-Legal Partnership Attorney, Community Legal Aid, MA

Stephanie Harris, Development Director, Ohio State Legal Services Association

Jon Laramore, Executive Director, Indiana Legal Services

Tarra Simmons, former client of Northwest Justice Project, Washington  

LSC President James J. Sandman will moderate the discussion.

The briefing will take place at 2075 Rayburn House Office Building, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Members of the press are invited to attend. Follow #LSCOPIOID for updates on Twitter.