Movie screening, discussion to raise awareness of opioid epidemic

Posted at 10:02 am February 15, 2018
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

A movie screening and discussion on Tuesday will help raise awareness of the opioid epidemic in the community, a press release said.

The documentary “Chasing the Dragon” will be shown starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 20, in the Clinton Middle School auditorium. The screening and discussion are scheduled until 8 p.m. Parents, teachers, schools administrators, students, and other interested community members are invited to attend, the press release said. Students in grades 7-12 may attend with an adult.

The press release said there were 256 drug-related death cases in Knox and Anderson counties in 2016, according to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. And the number continues to increase, the press release said.

“In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of prescription drug and heroin abuse, ASAP of Anderson, in cooperation with Anderson County EMS and in coordination with community partners in Anderson County, are hosting a screening of ‘Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,’” the release said. “The FBI and DEA have released this documentary aimed at educating students, young adults, parents, and other community members about the dangers of dependence and addiction.”

After the film, a question-and-answer session will be held with a community panel, the press release said. Panelists include representatives from Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Anderson County Schools, Clinton Police Department, Clinton Fire Department, Ridgeview Behavioral Health Services, and ASAP.

Before the movie screening, those who attend will be able to browse information and talk with local community partners, the release said. Immediately after the event, ASAP is sponsoring a short Narcan (naloxone) training for anyone interested in receiving a free Narcan kit.

“Did you know 90 percent of individuals that die of an overdose suffered a nonfatal overdose in the past 12 months?” the press release said. “Narcan saves lives and prevents overdose deaths.”

For more information, contact ASAP of Anderson at (865) 457-3007.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

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