The Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center will be hosting conversations about safe alternatives for pain medication on Thursday, July 13 in an effort to fight the growing problem of opiate overdoses.

The first 90-minute discussion will be at 10 a.m. and the second at 6 p.m. According to the Center for Disease Control, drug overdoses are now the number one killer of Americans under the age of 50.

Licensed Social Worker Micheal Pellechia says there are now a lot of other medications and therapies available for controlling pain. According to a VA news release, much of the discussion during the two sessions will focus on creating a sensible care plan and learning how to be in control of your healthcare.

Anyone interested in the morning session should meet in the primary care atrium while those interested in the evening meeting should enter through the emergency room. The Cheyenne VA campus is located at 2360 E. Pershing Blvd. in Cheyenne.

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