Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week September 18-24, 2016

In recognition of Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week, the United States Attorney’s Office is hosting events across South Dakota. The community forums are designed to highlight a unique, realistic perspective on the impact of prescription drug and opioid abuse. 

Each 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.

Following each movie screening will be an interactive panel discussion.  The movie is approximately 50 minutes in length.  The events are as follows:

Sioux Falls:

Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 6:30 PM

Kresge Recital Hall, Augustana University, located at 2120 S. Grange Avenue

Rapid City:

Wednesday, September 21, 2016, at 6 PM

Elks Theatre, located at 512 6th Street

Pierre:

Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 7:00 PM

T.F. Riggs High School Theater, located at 1010 E. Broadway Avenue

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 South Dakota.

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

The President has officially proclaimed September 18-24 as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. The Presidential Proclamation is attached.

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