U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite announced today that his Office will observe National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week through the following special events:
Monday, Sept. 19, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict" for St. Bernard Parish students.
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Public screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict."
Panel Participants will include:
Kenneth A. Polite, U.S. Attorney, EDLA
Jeffrey Sallet, FBI Special Agent in Charge
Stephen Assam, DEA Special Agent in Charge
Dr. Jeff Rouse, Orleans Parish Coroner
Family members who have lost loved ones to heroin and opioid addiction
Loyola University, Nunemaker Auditorium, Monroe Hall, 6363 St. Charles Avenue, at 7:00 pm.
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in the West Road garage.
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict" for Jefferson Parish students.
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U.S. Attorney Polite to tour substance abuse facility and conduct panel discussion with patients of Bridge House, 4150 Earhart Blvd., New Orleans, LA at 2:00 pm.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016
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Private screening and panel discussion of the documentary “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opioid Addict" for Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish students.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has designated the week of September 19-23, 2016, as National Heroin and Opioid Awareness Week to raise awareness of the growing epidemic of heroin and opioid abuse in our country. Heroin overdoses increased 244% between 2007 and 2013. On an average day, 78 people die from an opioid-related overdose.
U.S. Attorney Polite stated, “We look forward to joining with all members of our community - law enforcement, educational institutions, and non-profit advocates - to bring greater attention to the problems and potential solutions to the heroin and opioid epidemic currently facing our region."
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
