Tuesday on “First Coast Connect,” as part of WJCT’s on going Community Thread looking into the area’s Opioid epidemic, we spoke with Dr. Scott Miles, medical director of Coastal Community Behavioral Health in St. Mary’s. Georgia. We also heard an interview with Florida Blue CEO Pat Geraghty about his trip to the World Economic Forum, also known as Davos. Naomi Sheridan and Jeff Tawney with Friday Musicale had a preview of next Saturday’s fundraiser featuring The Chris Thomas Band, and ahead of their concert tonight at the Mudville Music Room we heard an in-studio performance from organist John Ginty and his band.
Scott Miles- Opioids
The Opioid epidemic continues to be a major problem on the First Coast and across the country. Miles said he opened his health clinic in St. Mary’s because of a great need for services in the rural area due to opioid addiction. He spoke about some of the ways they treat patients and how opioid addiction continues to grow and affect people across political, social and economic spectrums.
Pat Geraghty In Davos
It’s the annual meeting of the world’s global business and political elites.
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, has been the subject of growing criticism in recent years as income inequality become more acute. Geraghty, who has been invited to participate in previous years, spoke about global health issues like the Zika virus and other epidemics.
Friday Musicale
It’s a hidden cultural gem on the First Coast that has been part of the Riverside community since 1890 and has helped train hundreds of young musicians. Singers and musicians from around the world have performed there and the chorus performed a Christmas concert in the East Wing of the White House in 1990. It’s annual fundraising event will be held Feb. 18 with a dinner and live music performed by The Chris Thomas Band.
John Ginty
Ginty recently wrapped up playing Hammond B 3 organ for the Dixie Chicks on their MMXVI World Tour. His band is touring the country and later this year will be taking a tour of Australia. His new album “Rockers” features singer-songwriter Aster Pheonyx and will be released Feb. 17.
Producer Kevin Meerschaert can be reached at kmeerschaert@wjct.org, 904-358-6334 or on Twitter at @KMeerschaertJax.
