State Rep. Tracy Marra was an invited panelist during a lunchtime forum in Hartford to address substance abuse issues Wednesday afternoon.

The free event, held in the Hartford Public Library and hosted by the Capital Region Council of Governments and the University of Connecticut School of Public Policy, brought together community leaders and activists to discuss the problem of substance abuse in the community and to consider solutions from legislative, judicial and social angles.  It was the first part of CROG/UConn’s series called “CT Policy Talks: A Series on Issues That Matter to Connecticut Residents.”

The panelists were: David Mitre Becerril, assistant professor, UConn School of Public Policy; State Rep. Tracy Marra, R-Darien; Mark Jenkins, founder and executive director at CT Harm Reduction Alliance; West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick; and Mallory Deprey, director of recreation and community services, City of New Britain.