News Advisory

MASSENA, NEW YORK – On Thursday, September 8, the United States Attorney’s Office is joining the City of Massena in hosting a community-wide, anti-drug event starting at 5:30 p.m. at Massena High School (flyer attached).  The purpose of the event is to discuss recent efforts to reduce the flow of drugs into the Massena area and to increase awareness of the heroin epidemic, with the intention of generating greater community involvement in the response to opioid addiction.

U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian said: “Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes and firearms. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute heroin dealers and to collaborate with community leaders to help addicts receive treatment.”

September 8 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Massena High School Auditorium
84 Nightengale Avenue, Massena, NY 13662
 

• The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a resource and information fair, with law enforcement agencies, and treatment and service providers offering information on drug abuse, addiction and recovery.
   
• From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., “Chasing the Dragon,” a 45-minute documentary film produced by the Department of Justice, will be shown.  The film profiles the stories of several people who either abused opiates or had family members become addicts.  This film aims to teach teens, college students, and parents about the cycle of addiction and the tragic consequences associated with opioid abuse.  During the resource and information fair, school professionals can register to receive a free resource packet that includes a DVD copy of “Chasing the Dragon,” along with discussion guides and other materials to use in classes, parent-teacher meetings, etc.
   
• From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. a panel of Massena residents will describe what they do to address opioid abuse, addiction, and recovery.

Massena Mayor Timmy Currier said: “I urge every citizen to attend this unique event.  If you have yet to be impacted by heroin, it is very likely that you will be in some manner.  Many members of this community have joined our drug-free community coalition and are working hard to deal with this issue from every angle.  However, real success will only be achieved when every citizen does their part and when we all work together, I am confident we will make great progress and save lives.”

Massena Police Chief Adam Love said: “This heroin epidemic cannot be solved by any one agency. We cannot arrest our way out of this.  It is critical to have community involvement on the part of young people, parents, schools, treatment facilities, religious institutions, the media and others. Being involved means knowing what this addiction is, being aware of warning signs, knowing what to do, who to call when you need help, and taking action when it is needed.”