Opioid addiction is a growing concern. The Student Association at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Leonardtown Campus wants to educate the community and extend the dialogue about the problem with a Community Heroin/Opioid Forum at 6 p.m. April 25. The forum will include a free screening of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon.”
“Chasing the Dragon,” a film about the life of an opiate addict, was produced by the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration to educate high school students and young adults about the dangers of prescription drug and opioid abuse and the tragic consequences of addiction. This documentary was shown at St. Mary’s County high schools in the fall.
“Addiction to heroin and other opioids is a growing epidemic that crosses all segments of our communities. It is a community issue that must be tackled at the level of community, which is why we at CSM are so grateful to be partnering with the St. Mary’s County Health Department to host this event,” said Jennifer Fossell, CSM mental health counselor.
“We wanted to offer our students and the community at-large a chance to learn more about this problem and a chance to pursue together some positive steps toward solutions,” said Jennifer Van Cory, CSM student life coordinator.
In addition to the screening and the panel discussion, overdose response training will be offered at the event as well as a free Naloxone kit to trainees. Naloxone is a drug used to treat narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.
The screening and panel discussion will be held at the CSM Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown.
CSM Community Heroin/Opioid Forum. 6-9 p.m., April 25. College of Southern Maryland, Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Auditorium, 22950 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown. Join the Student Association for a discussion panel on the growing opioid epidemic, followed by a screening of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon.” Panelists will include representatives from local law enforcement, St. Mary’s County Health Department and Walden Sierra. Overdose response training will be provided as well as a free Naloxone kit to trainees. Event is being co-sponsored by CSM Leonardtown Student Association and CSM Counseling Services in partnership with St. Mary’s County Health Department. Free. [email protected], 240-725-5410
