Heroin: The scourge, the stories, the answers

Description

Poughkeepsie Journal Media will hold a free public forum, ''Heroin: The scourge, the stories, the answers,'' from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton St., Poughkeepsie. The forum will focus on heroin and prescription drug abuses and feature conversations with health and law enforcement experts as well as surviving family members and people in recovery. The forum will be moderated by Journal Engagement Editor John Penney, and audience members will have a chance to ask questions of the panelists. The Journal plans to live stream the forum on its website, www.poughkeepsiejournal.com, and make it available for replay later. The panelists will include Margaret Hirst, deputy commissioner of Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health; Elaine Trumpetto, executive director of The Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County; and Sgt. Vincent Stelmach, coordinator of the Dutchess County Drug Task Force. Also taking part will be Carmel resident Susan Salomone, executive director of Drug Crisis In Our Backyard; Red Hook resident Jami DeLorenzo of Drug Crisis in Our Backyard; and Shelby Adams, a recovering addict. Martha Frankel, executive director of Woodstock Writers, will read a poem she has written about the heroin crisis. As a community service, Family Services, Inc. will donate the use of the venue, and Hudson Valley Office Furniture will provide chairs and tables for panelists. Those planning to attend the forum should register in advance at http://pojonews.co/heroinforum. For more information, call 845-451-4508 or email pjevents@poughkeepsiejournal.com