Healthy Community Coalition, working with the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Greater Franklin County is hosting special community forums on Monday, Jan. 9, about heroin and opiate use, and the addiction crisis in Greater Franklin County.
Over the past year, Healthy Community Coalition and the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition have heard from many community partners, schools, businesses and concerned citizens about the devastating effect that substance has on individuals and their families in Greater Franklin County. According to the Attorney General’s Office, deaths from drug overdoses in Maine are now averaging 1 per day in 2016. Locally, Greater Franklin County has seen a dramatic increase in drug related deaths, babies born addicted to drugs, and a rise in drug related crimes. Adding to the addiction crisis is a lack of local treatment resources for individuals who suffer from substance use disorders and a lack of support for families who are dealing with substance abuse issues.
In response to these concerns, the Maine Opiate Collaborative Task Force will present its road map for federal, state and local actions that can be taken by local communities in the areas of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement. Community members will have an opportunity to share their reactions, suggestions, the opportunities and challenges to being successful.
There will be two community forums held on January 9; The first will be held at Spruce Moutain Middle School from 2:30-4:30 p.m. and the second will be at Mt. Abram High School from 6-8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. There will also be door prizes and childcare available.
For more information, contact Lorri Brown at 779-2409 or ljbrown@fchn.org or Nicole Ditata at 779-2932 or nditata@fchn.org
