Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week September 19-23, 2016

On Wednesday, September 21, 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office will host a community forum designed to highlight a unique, realistic perspective on the impact of prescription drug and opioid abuse.  The event will be held from 6:00-8:00PM, at the Elks Theater, located at 512 6th Street in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota.

The event will feature a screening of “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict” - a documentary film collaboratively produced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration in response to increasing prescription painkiller and opioid drug abuse across the nation. The film, which is designed to better educate students and young adults about the dangers of these drugs and the tragic consequences that often accompany addiction, debuted nationally in February 2016.  According to data in the film, nearly 46,000 people die from drug use annually in the United States, and about half of those deaths are related to opiate drug abuse.  At least 78 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose – it affects all ages, all socio-economic groups, all over the country, including Rapid City.

The movie screening will begin at 6:00PM on September 21, in the Elk’s main theater.  The documentary is approximately one-hour long, and will be followed by an interactive panel discussion with representatives from law enforcement, medical response, and mental health.

• Drug Enforcement Administration

• Pennington County State’s Attorney

• Psychologist/Counselor

• Rapid City Fire Department/EMS

Individuals and community groups are encouraged to attend.  The event is free and open to the public.

For further information and resources, visit DEA’s website: https://getsmartaboutdrugs.com