Sessions Follow Recent Overdoses
WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Attorney Vincent H. Cohen, Jr., the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the District of Columbia Prevention Center for Wards 5 & 6 have scheduled a series of presentations at homeless shelters, starting tonight, that will be focused on the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, such as K-2 and Spice.
These presentations are being given in response to a recent spike in overdoses related to the use of synthetic cannabinoids; many requiring hospital attention were staying at area shelters. The sessions are tailored to equip the homeless population with important information about the dangers of using substances such as K-2 and Spice, as well as the current state of the law enforcement efforts related to the use and sale of the substances. The D.C. Department of Behavioral Health will be at the events to assist those who are in present need of treatment.
“Despite innocent-sounding names like Spice and Scooby Snax, synthetic cannabinoids threaten public health and safety," said Acting U.S. Attorney Cohen. “While we are committed to enforcing criminal laws, we also have a responsibility to educate the public. As evidenced by recent overdoses of homeless individuals, we need to reach out to all segments of our community to get the message out that synthetic cannabinoids are far from harmless."
Three events are scheduled:
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.: Shelter at the former D.C. General Hospital, 1900 Massachusetts Avenue SE.
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6 p.m.: Men’s shelter at the Central Union Mission, 65 Massachusetts Avenue NW.
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m.: Shelter at the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV), 425 Mitch Snyder Place (Second and D Streets NW).
All presentations are free for residents and guests of the shelters.
People with questions about the presentations may contact Carolyn Crank at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (202)-729-3718 or Carolyn.Crank@usdoj.gov. For media inquiries, please contact Bill Miller at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (202)-252-6933 or William.Miller3@usdoj.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
