Gateway to Heroin - Documentary viewing and Community Discussion

On April 20, 2011 the White House announced plans to reduce prescription drug abuse; “Unintentional drug overdose is a growing epidemic in the
US and is now the leading cause of injury death in 17 states,” stated Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Thomas Frieden.  In
Massachusetts the rate of death related to overdose is two times that of death caused by homicide. Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest growing drug problem, with a 300% increase in deaths from prescription opioids in less than a decade.

According to the results of the Somerville YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey) conducted by Somerville Cares About Prevention in collaboration with the
Somerville Public Schools our numbers related to prescription drug use are low.  We want to do everything we can to keep it this way.

Please join us for this important community discussion.  "Gateway to Heroin," is part of Current TV’s “Vanguard” documentary series; Mariana van Zeller investigates how and why prescription drugs have fueled a new heroin epidemic in and around
Boston.  The documentary highlights three families struggle with addiction.  "Vanguard" is Current TV's no-limits documentary series whose award-winning correspondents put themselves in extraordinary situations to immerse viewers in global issues that have a large social significance.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 617-625-6600 ext. 4325.  Please RSVP by Oct. 17^th if you plan to attend.