Journalist Sam Quinones will be the keynote speaker for the second annual Rowan County Opioid Forum.

The forum will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. May 15 at West End Plaza. It will look at the opioid crisis and its impact on the nation, North Carolina and Rowan County.

Space is limited, and reservations are due by May 1.

Quinones is a former Los Angeles Times reporter and the author of three books. His most recent book, “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” depicts the current opioid crisis.

Quinones recently testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about opioids. He spoke about heroin and its connection to the opioid problem and the Mexican drug cartel.

The first forum was held Aug. 30 and was designed by the Rowan County Public Health Department to provide county leaders with an opportunity to learn from key organizations about how the opioid crisis.

Participants heard from Rowan County Public Health Director Nina Oliver about the local effects of the opioid crisis. County leaders also heard from Social Services Director Donna Fayko and District Attorney Brandy Cook.

Check-in for the May 15 forum will begin at 2:30 p.m. at West End Plaza, 1935 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.

Dinner and snacks will be provided. Go to http://rowanopioidforum02.ezregister.com to register.