Community leaders collaborate to present drug awareness education to Harrison County, WV students

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – On Thursday, April 2, 2015, community leaders will present drug abuse awareness programming to high school students across Harrison County, West Virginia in a continued effort to combat the trend of increasing drug overdoses across the Mountain State.

“Drug addiction has infiltrated societies across West Virginia with an unforgiving grip. It is critical for young students to participate in straightforward, honest discussions about the reality of drug abuse,” said United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II. “Our state leads the nation in drug overdose deaths. The more we can address younger audiences, the better chance we have to reverse the trend of substance abuse and overdoses in our region. We commend the Harrison County Board of Education for collaborating with local community leaders to present drug education to the area high schools. These types of presentations are critical to position our young for future success.”

Presentations are scheduled on Thursday, April 2, 2015, for all students at Bridgeport High School (8:30AM), Lincoln High School (9:45AM), South Harrison High School (12:00PM), Robert C. Byrd High School (12:50PM), and Liberty High School (2:00PM). Students will hear presentations from the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as panel discussions coordinated by the Harrison County Prevention Partnership. The presenters will utilize a variety of techniques, including screening of thought-provoking documentary films. Additionally, a group of current and former West Virginia University athletes and coaches have partnered with the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan to place a spotlight on drug abuse. Several of those athletes will participate in tomorrow’s presentations.

The aforementioned presentations are all part of the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan for North Central West Virginia, a collaborative effort comprised of thought leaders from various disciplines. The goals of the plan include decreasing heroin use, promoting improved access to quality substance abuse treatment, choking off the supply of heroin to the region, and making West Virginia stronger, safer, and healthier. Providing impactful and effective drug education to West Virginia students is a key component of the action plan. Anyone interested in scheduling future events or obtaining additional information is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.