'Chasing Heroin'
Free documentary screening
"Chasing Heroin: Investigating an American Crisis," a Frontline documentary, will be screened on Wednesday October 3 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater.
America's heroin crisis has been called the worst drug epidemic in U.S. history. Consider these facts from the Centers for Disease Control:
- Around 66% of the more than 63,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016 involved an opioid
- In 2016 the number of overdose deaths involving opioids was five times higher than in 1999
- Almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014
Frontline's searing investigation places America's heroin crisis in a fresh and provocative light. "Chasing Heroin: Investigating an American Crisis" tells the story of individual addicts and vividly examines the social context and the role that big pharmacology contributed to the epidemic's years in the making growth. The film also offers a fresh perspective as it explores what happens when addiction is treated as a public health issue and not a crime. Please join us for this insightful and provocative investigation into this growing public health crisis.
We will be showing an abbreviated version of the film to accommodate Activity Period limitations. Following the film, Liz Whynott from Tapestry Health's Harm Reduction Program and a representative from WellConnect will speak briefly and be available to answer questions. Liz oversees the syringe access programs in Holyoke and Northampton as well as Tapestry Health's harm reduction efforts in Franklin and Berkshire County. Informational tables will be set up at 10:30 in the lobby prior to the screening. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide information before and for a short time at the end of the event. Representatives from Narcotics Anonymous will also be available to provide information.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact wellness promotion coordinator Mary J. O'Connor at moconnor@hcc.edu or 413.552.2422.
