This forum aired on Sunday, July 20 at 7 p.m.
Heroin is the latest illegal drug to become a scourge on communities in upstate New York and throughout the nation -- and it feels like it happened overnight.
What is causing this rise in heroin abuse? In part in can be linked to widespread abuse of painkillers and an effort to clamp down on them. Who is using it and how does it affect those who use it? Whether it's actor Philip Seymour Hoffman or SUNY Oswego students, heroin is impacting a wide range of socioeconomic groups.
What can the medical community, law enforcement, schools, governments and concerned citizens do to address this problem?
With a panel of regional experts, with will discuss how heroin use got to the point it has, how it is affecting our community and what can be done to address this issue. Panelists include Brad Finn, director at Prevention Network; Dr. Laura Martin, family practitioner and addiction specialist; and Ashley, a recovering heroin addict and certified drug counselor. News Director Catherine Loper is moderator.
This forum was recorded on Thursday, June 26 at the Central New York Community Foundation ballroom (431 East Fayette Street) in Syracuse.
This forum is one in a series sponsored by The Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.
