SALISBURY — The second annual Rowan County opioid forum will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. today at West End Plaza, 1935 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.

Registration has closed for the forum because space was limited. But pre-registration is not required to hear the featured speaker tonight.

Journalist Sam Quinones, a former LA Times reporter and author of three acclaimed books, will speak at 7 p.m. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Quinones’ most recent book, “Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic,” depicts the current opioid crisis.

The afternoon forum will include a panel discussion by experts on substance abuse and addiction; speakers who’ve been affected personally by the opioid epidemic; presentations by county officials on the opioid crisis’ impact in Rowan County; and discussion of resources and opportunities for mental health assistance.