Youngstown Symposium Will Explore Local Opioid Crisis
Filmmaker Nancy Bannon and Judge John Durkin will discuss the impact of addiction on the Mahoning Valley at an upcoming event.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Youngstown State University will host a discussion on the opioid crisis on October 15, 2026, at Stambaugh Auditorium. The event features filmmaker Nancy Bannon and Judge John Durkin, who will share insights from the documentary If You are Breathing.
Why it matters
This symposium highlights the intersection of the criminal justice system and substance use disorder recovery. By examining the roles of drug courts and local responders, the discussion aims to foster greater community awareness regarding the emotional and social needs of those struggling with addiction.
The Centofanti Symposium, established in 2013, serves as a platform to address local health and social needs. The documentary featured in the event provides a qualitative analysis of local systems and drug court operations, though data on specific regional recovery success rates remains under investigation.
The players
Nancy Bannon
A filmmaker who collaborated to produce the documentary If You are Breathing regarding local addiction recovery systems.
John Durkin
A judge who established a drug court in the Mahoning Valley in 1997 to address substance use disorders within the criminal justice system.
Youngstown State University
An academic institution that hosts the annual Centofanti Symposium to raise awareness for the health and social needs of the local community.
The details
The documentary If You are Breathing illustrates how Mahoning County drug courts integrate legal oversight with substance use treatment. By shifting the focus from incarceration to specialized judicial intervention, these courts aim to address the root causes of substance use disorder within the justice system. The project specifically highlights the critical collaboration between judges, medical support teams, and local first responders in managing the ongoing opioid crisis.
Timeline
1997: Judge John Durkin established a drug court in the Mahoning Valley.
2013: The Centofanti Symposium was established by Youngstown State University.
October 15, 2026: The symposium features speakers Nancy Bannon and John Durkin at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Health Landscape
The Centofanti Symposium functions to raise awareness and aid in maintaining the health, social, and emotional needs of local groups. This event continues the annual mission of the symposium to address critical public health issues through academic and community-focused dialogue.
Residents of the Mahoning Valley may find value in attending this symposium to better understand the local resources available for those struggling with substance use. If you or a loved one are affected by addiction, consider discussing available local support and treatment pathways with your primary care physician.
The takeaway
Understanding how local judicial and health systems coordinate can provide clarity for families navigating the recovery process. If you have concerns about local addiction services, consult your physician or a local health advocate to discuss the most appropriate support channels for your specific situation.
Further reading
For more information on community resources and recovery trends, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Jambar.
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