Mayor Scott Avedisian, in continuing partnership with substance abuse prevention coalitions and student assistance counselors across Rhode Island, will join former United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha, as he moderates the 13th in a series of town hall meetings and community forums addressing the growing epidemic of opioid and heroin addiction in Rhode Island and elsewhere. Parents, students, teachers, school administrators, community leaders and residents are encouraged to join the discussion at Warwick Police Headquarters, 99 Veterans Memorial Drive, on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

The town hall meeting will include an overview of the addiction problem in Rhode Island, a screening of the powerful documentary Chasing the Dragon, an unscripted and real-life look at the devastation of opioid and heroin addiction; the personal story of a parent, Deborah Parente, who lost her only child to opioid and heroin addiction; and a frank discussion about addiction and treatment and the impact this epidemic is having in every Rhode Island community.

The open discussion will include experts from the medical, treatment, education and law enforcement communities. Scheduled to participate in the discussion are Dr. James MacDonald, R.I. Department of Health; Michael Rizzi, treatment and behavioral healthcare expert; Sarah Dinklage, executive director, RI Student Assistance Services; Warwick Police Chief Stephen McCartney; Warwick Police Captain Rick Rathbun and David Neill, investigator, U.S. Attorney’s Office, retired RI State Police Major.

“The ongoing opioid and heroin epidemic continues to be one of the most serious issues related to public health and safety across the country,” Avedisian said in a statement. “Despite the efforts being made on both the local and national level, opioid and heroin addiction and overdose continue to take the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. It is my hope that by hosting an open forum we will remove some of the stigma associated with addiction and draw attention the real-life circumstances involving this crisis. By alerting parents and students of the threats and consequences related to addiction, it is our shared hope that the City of Warwick, in partnership with numerous local and state agencies, are able to make positive progress against this growing epidemic.”

To date, community forums have been held in Providence, South Kingstown, North Kingstown, Middletown, Woonsocket, Bristol, Barrington, Central Falls and Cranston. Students have participated in similar in-school opioid and heroin addiction awareness programs in Providence, Portsmouth, Johnston, North Kingstown, Central Falls, North Providence, Barrington, Bristol, Westerly, Chariho, Newport and South Kingstown. Community forums and school presentations are planned for other communities in Rhode Island as well.

For program information or to schedule an opioid and heroin addiction and prevention awareness program, contact the Substance Abuse and Prevention Coalition director in your community; Elizabeth Farrer at the R.I. Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals at (401) 462-0644; or Jim Martin, Public Information Officer and Community Outreach Specialist at the United States Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5357.

 For information about in-school awareness programs, contact a student assistance counselor in your community; Sarah Dinklage, Executive Director of R.I. Student Assistance Services; or Jim Martin, Public Information Officer and Community Outreach Specialist at the United States Attorney’s Office at (401) 709-5357.

Assistance and information about treatment options for opioid addiction is available from a licensed counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling Prevent Overdose RI at 942-STOP (942-7867).