Write a commentIn an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, the Oswego County Prevention Coalition is collaborating with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and others to provide a community event on the opiate and heroin epidemic on April 11th at the Oswego Elk’s Lodge.
The event starts at 5:30 PM with agency resource tables, 6:30 PM showing “Chasing the Dragon”, a 45-minute documentary film that profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members become addicts, and at 7:30 PM an interactive community panel discussion on how we are dealing with this epidemic right here in Oswego.
April 11, 2017 – Anti-Opiate/Heroin Community Event
5:30 PM resource tables
6:30 – 8:30 PM “Chasing the Dragon” Documentary and Community Panel
Oswego Elk’s Lodge
132 West 5th Street
Oswego, NY 13126
This is a must see for teens, college students, parents, teachers and all community members to learn the cycle of addiction and the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse.
Created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), “Chasing the Dragon” profiles the cycle of addiction and looks at the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse. The documentary also features interviews with medical and law enforcement professionals discussing the effects of the addiction, and how this epidemic is unlike any this country has seen before.
Because opioid addiction can take hold even after just one use, the film sends a powerful message of deterrence to those either thinking of trying drugs or just beginning to use drugs. As so many in the movie say, “It just isn’t worth it!” It is recommended that parents bring their children aged 12 and up for a learning session together. Please be advised that there is strong language and graphic images.
Following the documentary, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM a panel of various representatives from the Oswego community will collectively describe how they are addressing heroin/opioid addiction. The panel will move quickly through a scenario of heroin addiction, providing the audience with a bird’s eye view of how individuals and agencies in Oswego respond throughout the course of abuse to addiction to life in recovery. Professionals will be available to answer questions.
Come learn more about opiate and heroin addiction. If you suspect someone is using or abusing an opioid or other drug, come learn more about this devastating disorder. The disease of addiction does not discriminate. This film may be difficult to watch, but watching as a community, we hope it educates our community about the tragic consequences that come with abusing these drugs. Youth aged 25 and under will receive a free entry for two drawings for a $20 gift card to the Oswego Cinema, provided by the VOW Foundation.
It is estimated that approximately 13% of the population of Oswego County, age 12 years and above, need chemical dependency service. Among those, 92% are adults and 8% are adolescents (age 12-17), according to the Oswego County Community Assessment (2014-17). In addition, the suicide death rate in Oswego County is higher than that of the state average.
This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided by the Oswego Elks Lodge. Doors open at 5:30 with information tables as well as panel members available for networking. Film will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. with the Q&A immediately following.
