On Thursday evening, NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties hosted its monthly Speaker Series . There was no shortage of excitement about the important and timely message being presented. A filled room joined to hear Dr. Jeffrey L Galinkin, M.D., F.A.A.P. share his extensive research and data about: A Clear and Present Danger: Opioid and Marijuana Use and Misuse in Adolescents.
Dr. Galinkin is a subject matter expert in this area and his very timely talk offered great insight into a real threat facing youth today. His talk was rich with information and statistics. Many facts shared were staggering, almost unbelievable. A few takeaways are that Colorado is a leader among other states in the use and abuse of Opioids and Marijuana in youth, which has apparently only increased with our State’s recent legalization of marijuana. Access for youth is now easier than ever.
Relative to Opioids, youth use often begins at home from the prescription of a parent/family member. He stressed how important it is for parents/caregivers to keep a careful eye on their own prescriptions, even under lock and key if necessary. Further, should their child be prescribed such drugs, monitor the use closely. Such vigilance can help to reduce the threat of a developing dependency.
Among those in attendance, there was no shortage of questions for Dr. Galinkin. Many attendees posed subject related questions about their own personal experience. The common thread among them seemed to focus on what could be done after a problem has presented itself. Unfortunately, it sounds like very little resources exist to deal with the issues created by youth opioid and marijuana use. Further, that there is very little being done to remedy that in the near future.
Some important facts about Dr. Galinkin:
Dr. Galinkin received his B.S. from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana and his M.D. from the University of Illinois. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Chicago Hospitals and a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He is currently professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at the University of Colorado.
Currently, he also serves as Director of Pain Research at CP Clinical Research in Aurora and is Co-Director of Colorado Hemp Research for Novel Translational Application Center. He is also Laboratory Director of CU Toxicology. Being board certified in pediatric anesthesiology, he is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.
In his career, he has chaired multiple boards, committees and panels at the Children’s hospitals here and in Philadelphia and at the CU Health Sciences Center. Additionally, Dr. Galinkin has received various awards, honors and memberships in honorary societies and he has written, edited and consulted on a very large number of publications. He has participated in numerous research studies which have been published in peer-reviewed publications. He is a frequent lecturer and panelist here in the US and abroad.
NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties feels fortunate to have had this esteemed Doctor share his important work and message with our membership. Many thanks, we offer our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you Dr. Jeff Galinkin.