A lecture by Dr Marc Lasher entitled: "Harm Reduction and Needle Exchange: Fresno County, A Case Study" will take place on April 10th, 2007 as part of the California State University, Fresno, College of Health and Human Services 2006-07 Interdisciplinary Lecture series.

According to recent research in the Journal of Urban Health, Fresno County has the highest rate of iv-drug use in the nation. It is further estimated by county health officials that 75% of users have Hepatitis C. This lecture will tackle the complex health issues surrounding drug use in Fresno County. He will specifically discuss harm reduction efforts and needle exchange in Fresno County.

Marc Lasher, D.O., M.S.W., is the medical director of the Fresno Free Medical Clinic, in general practice at the Chinatown Family Medicine and Midwifery Medical Office, clinical physician at the Aegis-Fresno methadone clinic, and clinical instructor for the Family and Community Medicine Residency Program at UCSF-Fresno. He is a dedicated community activist who has worked tirelessly to enhance access to health care for the most vulnerable populations in Fresno County.

Marc Lasher received his Bachelor's and Master's degree is social work, as well as a teaching credential, from California State University, Fresno. He received a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.

Dr. Lasher has been recognized by Temple Beth Israel, the Fresno-Madera Medical Society and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for his community service.

The lecture will take place on Tuesday April 10th, 2007, from 3 - 4.30 pm at the Alice Peters Auditorium (Peters Building, room 191) in the University Business Center, California State University, Fresno. Relaxed parking in University Business Center Lot and Parking Lot A.

For more information, please contact the College of Health and Human Services at (559) 278-4004.

Location: California State University, Fresno, 2345 E. San Ramon, Fresno
Starts: 2007 Apr 10 - 3:00pm
Ends: 2007 Apr 10 - 4:30pm