Opiates, Heroin and PCP - A Community Forum on Drug Addiction & Prevention Thursday, September 18th at Poughkeepsie High School

Poughkeepsie...Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and Dutchess County Legislator Gwen Johnson, together with the Health & Human Services Cabinet will host a “Community Forum on Opiates, Heroin and PCP - Drug Addiction & Prevention” on Thursday, September 18th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Poughkeepsie High School, 70 Forbus Street, Poughkeepsie. The public is encouraged to attend this important event to learn about how they can prevent and/or treat substance abuse, with particular focus of opiate, heroin and PCP abuse.

“Drug overdose is a serious concern within our community, affecting residents and the criminal justice equally. These forums are an important opportunity to increase awareness about the issues and hopefully prevent future use. There will be information about the programs and services available to assist individuals and their families affected by drug addiction. We must keep this conversation in the forefront if we want to help save lives and end this epidemic,” said County Executive Molinaro.

County Legislator Gwen Johnson, who represents the City of Poughkeepsie, said, “Too many City of Poughkeepsie families have been devastated by drug use. It is so important that everyone understands what is out on the street and how much damage even just one use of these drugs can cause to both the person and to their families. There is a lot of concern about these issues, and I know that together, through partnerships with elected officials, agencies and community leaders, we can help prevent the devastating effects of opiate, heroin and PCP abuse. I join with County Executive Molinaro and the Health & Human Services Cabinet’s efforts to address drug addiction and to help stop future use. I hope to see many families come out for this important event.”

The purpose of the September 18th forum is to help understand the extent of the problem, increase awareness, share information on addiction behavior and treatment opportunities, and offer messages of hope to prevent and/or treat addiction. Clinicians, prevention educators, community members, and public safety and elected officials will be among the participants, including representatives from the Council on Addiction, Prevention and Education (CAPE), the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department. Personal stories will be shared from multiple perspectives to help others understand how drug use and addiction impact the individual and their families and others in their lives.

The Dutchess County Sheriff Office will also have a medication drop box available at the forum from 6pm to 7pm where people can safely and anonymously dispose of unused and expired medication.