Princeton Community Forum on Heroin Epidemic Tonight
A public forum, “Heroin & Opiates: They’re Here,” will be held tonight in an effort to educate parents, high school students and community members about the heroin epidemic that has swept across the United States, New Jersey and Princeton.
The presentation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Princeton High School Auditorium.
Since 2010, the rate of deaths from heroin has tripled in the U.S. In New Jersey, the heroin overdose death rate is triple the national average and now eclipses homicide, suicide, car accidents and AIDS as a cause of death in the state.
“Heroin & Opiates: They’re Here” will feature a keynote address from Michael DeLeon, founder of Steered Straight. DeLeon is director of the award winning documentaries “Kids Are Dying” and “An American Epidemic.”
After his presentation, DeLeon will join members of the Princeton Police Department, Corner House and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office for a panel discussion. Topics will include treatment options, greater Princeton area drug trends and the lifesaving administration of Narcan, an opiate antidote which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose.
Officials said the presentation by DeLeon will shatter stereotypes about heroin users. The presentation will explain why heroin is more prominently used by youths and provide tips on what to look for if you suspect someone might be using heroin.
A list of resources will also be provided for use if you suspect someone you love is using drugs.
The event is sponsored by Corner House in partnership with the Princeton Alcohol and Drug Alliance, the Princeton Health Department and the Princeton Police Department. For more information, contact Corner House at 609-924-8018.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.