From the City of Bradford Police Facebook page:
We’ve all heard about heroin taking the lives of our community members…some of which may be friends, some may be family members, or acquaintances. Regardless of our relationship, we are all affected by the current heroin epidemic, and the overdose deaths continue to increase. Deaths from heroin have tripled in the last five years. Pennsylvania has a higher overdose rate than most states. We’ve all also heard many radio commercials indicating why our youth first starting using heroin/opiates in the first place. One of those reasons identified was the lack of knowledge about drugs in general. ADAS, BRMC, local law enforcement and community leaders in McKean County are committed to providing that knowledge by hosting a town hall meeting.
On May 25, 2016 at 6:00PM at the Grace Lutheran Community Life Center, we will bring together local officials and individuals that have personal stories to share about their own experiences with addiction and recovery.
Anyone can become addicted to heroin and/or prescription pain pills…Anyone… Addiction does not discriminate against race, gender, ethnicity, etc. There is no one way to prevent addiction, other than education and prevention efforts to inform people to never start.
Prescription pain pills (Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin) are all used to treat pain, but are highly addictive. Many people are prescribed prescription pain pills for legitimate uses, however, when that prescription runs out, many are still left with not only pain, but now withdrawal to deal with. This is when the user will look for another way to treat the pain and withdrawal…Some may ask friends or acquaintances and others look to the streets, which is where the heroin comes into play.
So rather than turning a blind eye or thinking that it doesn’t exist, why not become educated and work with community officials to stop this epidemic. Please take the time to attend this much needed event. There will be refreshments, door prizes and information on the resources available to you in our area to stop this epidemic.