UNH Symposium To Discuss Drug-Related Deaths

Experts and other stakeholders will tackle the thorny problem of drug-related deaths in the state and nationally Oct. 22 and 23 during the 27th Annual Arnold Markle Symposium hosted by the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science.

This year’s speakers will include noted international and national drug experts, prosecutors, Drug Enforcement Administration investigators, emergency department physicians, toxicology experts, and parents of children who succumbed to addiction.

Dr. Henry C. Lee, one of the world’s foremost forensic scientists, founder of The Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven and chaired professor in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, will lead the discussion on the investigation of drug-related deaths.

Dr. James Gill, chief medical examiner for Connecticut, will discuss drug death trends in the state.

The symposium will address current deadly drug trends including opioids, fentanyl and heroin. It will delve into a timely discussion about drug-related death investigations, challenges faced today, and possible solutions. A special panel will close the symposium and will include the stories of families who have lost loved ones to the drug epidemic.

Each year, the Arnold Markle Symposium Advanced Homicide brings together nationally recognized experts in law enforcement, forensic science and the medical and legal professions to create a dialogue and work toward change in those fields.

The symposium will begin at 8:30 a.m. both days in Bucknall Theater at Dodds Hall on UNH’s West Haven campus.