Airs 8 p.m. Thursday on W.Va. Public TV
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Drug overdoses kill more West Virginians each year than car accidents. Two popular long-running programs on West Virginia Public Television, “Doctors On Call” and “The Law Works,” are joining forces in a live, hour-long special at 8 p.m. this Thursday to discuss the serious issues of drug abuse in the state.
Three WVU Healthcare experts will answer viewers’ medical questions, as three legal and law enforcement experts discuss crime and punishment.
“Doctors On Call” host, Rolly Sullivan, M.D., is director of addiction programs at WVU Healthcare’s Chestnut Ridge Center. James Berry, D.O., is also an addictions expert for WVU Healthcare at Chestnut Ridge. Owen Lander, M.D., is medical director of the emergency department at WVU Healthcare’s Ruby Memorial Hospital.
“The Law Works” host, Dan Ringer, is a practicing attorney in Morgantown and past president of the W.Va. State Bar. Shawn Morgan is the Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. Mark Simala is an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Our drug treatment clinics are full – we’re doing all we can to keep up with the demand for treatment,” Dr. Sullivan said. “Whether it’s methamphetamine, or prescription opioids, or even bath salts, so many people in this state are using and abusing drugs that are causing problems for their health and wellbeing.”
“The drug problem in West Virginia is so severe that whole communities are being scarred by it,” Ringer said. “We hope this program will shed some light on the issues and offer hope and possible solutions.”
“The Law Works” is supported by underwriting from the Office of the West Virginia Attorney General; Software Systems, Inc.; the West Virginia Bar Foundation, Inc.; the Monongalia County Bar Association; and the West Virginia State Supreme Court.
“Doctors on Call” is a joint production of WVU Healthcare, WVU Health Sciences, and West Virginia PBS (www.wvpubcast.org) a statewide network of radio, television, Internet and educational resources.
Stay up to date with “Doctors On Call” by visiting its Facebook page.