Film and Speakers to focus on Vermont Opiate and Heroin Use
The Hungry Heart, an award-winning documentary by Vermont filmmaker Bess O’Brien, will be shown on Tuesday, January 19 at 6:30 pm at Montpelier High School auditorium. This event is free and will be followed by a panel discussion including Dr. Fred Holmes, Raina, and mother Sally Greeno from the film. Parents, community, and students 12 and older are welcome. It is sponsored by Central Vermont New Directions Coalition and supported by the Main Street Middle School Parent Advisory Group and Montpelier High School Boosters.
The film reveals the tragic impact of prescription opiate abuse and addiction on Vermont’s young people, their families, and their communities. Vermont currently ranks as one of the highest states for prescription drug abuse.
Statistics prove that addiction is a disease that does not discriminate. It cuts across lines of age, gender, ethnicity, level of education, and economic status. It can happen to anyone. The film covers commonly abused painkillers, how prescription abuse starts, and how this chronic relapsing disease affects the brain and behavior. Starting with pain meds for wisdom teeth removal, a back injury, or knee surgery, some people are susceptible to dependence and continue to take more of these pills. When the cost to feed this habit grows too expensive, addicts settle for the cheaper priced alternative—heroin—even when they thought they would never use that drug. The problem is complicated and it is here in central Vermont. Drug related crime and overdoses are in the news. Watching this film with family and friends will help build awareness to prevent people from abusing prescription drugs.
Central Vermont New Directions Coalition (CVNDC) is partnering with the Vermont Department of Health, prescribers, and pharmacists to promote safe use, safe storage, and safe disposal of prescription drugs. Removing unused and expired medications from the family home helps prevent abuse and theft. Prescription drugs can be dropped off in the permanent drop boxes located at the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, 10 Elm Street in Montpelier and at the Barre City Police Department at 15 Fourth Street in Barre.
Film is free. Donations accepted. For more information contact agilbert@cvndc.org 223-4949 www.cvndc.org
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