Cultural Speaker Series Resumes at Cayuga with Dialogue on Addiction & Recovery

Cayuga Community College’s Cultural Speaker Series returns to both campuses this fall, starting with a conversation to help people understand addiction and how they can promote hope and recovery to those in need.

The popular free series has brought celebrated authors, historians, and community figures to Cayuga’s campuses, and returns this semester with a schedule featuring wellness counselors, writers, and leaders from community services.

The fall series opens with “Understanding Addiction: A Dialogue on Reasons, Roles and Recovery,” led by Cayuga’s Dr. Jerimy Blowers. It’s scheduled for Monday, Sept. 22, at the Auburn Campus and Monday, Oct. 20, at the Fulton Campus. Both conversations are at 4 p.m., and are free and open to the public.

Emily Cameron, Cayuga’s Director of Community Education and Workforce Development, said she was excited for the Cultural Speaker Series to resume this fall.

“The Cultural Speaker Series brings diverse topics and speakers to campus, and this fall we’re featuring a series of community-focused presenters, starting with Dr. Blowers. He’s an empathetic speaker who has a wonderful ability to connect with people and help them understand challenging, emotional topics. His discussion will help people who are seeking ways to support friends and family members in recovery,” said Cameron.

Addiction and substance abuse are prevalent concerns associated with individual and public health but are often misunderstood, said Blowers. Many people are confused about the causes of addiction and substance abuse, and are unable to help those in need.

Adding to that confusion is the stigma carried by addiction and substance abuse, he added. This often stops people from seeking assistance and leaves family and friends unprepared to offer support.

“Part of this dialogue is about understanding a true definition of addiction and substance abuse, the dynamics that surround it, and how it impacts those in need and those who care about their well-being,” said Blowers. “The second part is the role that each of us can play in spreading hope and assisting people in our community who are battling addiction.”

Blowers has spent more than two decades as a professor, program director, and behavioral health professional who supports students and community members. He’s a licensed mental health counselor with specialized training in addiction and integrated health.

He earned a doctorate in Behavioral Medicine and is a professor at Cayuga. He’s also the College’s coordinator of Wellness and Intervention Services.

Future entries in the Cultural Speaker Series this fall include Art of the Written Word, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Fulton and Oct. 27 in Auburn, Cayuga County Veteran Benefits and Resources (Nov. 3 in Auburn) and Oswego County Veteran Services (Nov. 17 in Fulton).

To register or for more details on the Cultural Speakers Series, call 315-294-8841 or visit https://cayuga-cc.edu/community/community-education/.