In the past year, heroin and opiate abuse has become significantly more prevalent in the Roanoke Valley – but it has not received the attention it deserves. Law enforcement and medical officials gathered in Roanoke yesterday to speak on the issue, indicating that it’s time to acknowledge and act on the detriment addiction has caused.
Five speakers delivered somber remarks summarizing the damage they’ve seen take place in the Valley – from individuals serving years in prison for shuttling drugs, to families attempting to grasp the preventable loss of a loved one. Medical examiner Dr. Amy Tharp delivered the statistics:
“In Virginia – up until last year – more people died in car accidents than drug overdoses. We beat that last year. More people died of drug overdoses than in car accidents in this state – and, unfortunately, in Southwest Virginia, heroin deaths have quadrupled since 2010.”
Each speaker echoed the sentiment that the problem is too often shrugged off and assumed that it’s not happening in our area. One was the Honorable Jacqueline Talevi, Chief Judge of the Roanoke County General District Court – who says the epidemic spans all demographics:
“This is not an inner city issue. It is not an inner city issue. It is not limited to one racial group; it is not limited to one socioeconomic class. The profile of the young, new heroin user is not the homeless bum you cross the street to avoid.”
The general conclusion of yesterday’s meeting was that heroin and opiate abuse IS happening and IS devastating. Struggles often go unnoticed, unspoken, or un-assumed – encouraging seeking help is one way to begin to combat the growing problem.
There are a number of events coming up aimed at raising awareness for heroin and opiate addiction – including several community meetings:
October 15th, Roanoke Police Academy, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
October 16th, Vinton War Memorial, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
October 21st, Salem Civic Center, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
There will also be an opportunity to turn in used or expired medications at various drop off locations on Saturday, September 27th from 10 AM – 2 PM. They are:
-Valley View Target in Roanoke
- Daleville Kroger in Botetourt
- Super Shoes, Main Street in Salem
- Hary Road Kroger in Vinton
- Tanglewood Mall Kroger in Roanoke County
- Bonsack Kroger on Route 460 East
- Kroger on Brambleton & Colonial in Roanoke County
- Hershberger Road Fire and Rescue Station #1, Roanoke County