In his State of the State Message last week, Governor Shumlin spoke of an “epidemic” of heroin and opioid addiction in Vermont. This is important and very timely. Dealing with prescription drug addiction has become a huge public health problem in Vermont and is affecting schools, families, children, and crime rates in many of our communities.

Vermont ranks as one of the highest states for prescription drug abuse, and when the cost to feed this habit grows too expensive, addicts settle for the cheaper priced alternative—heroin. The Governor praised efforts in our state to address the disease of addiction and he pledged to bring the documentary film “The Hungry Heart” to every high school in Vermont.

This new documentary film by Bess O’Brien focuses on Vermont addiction to prescription drugs. The film is about real teens and their families in not-so-far-away St. Albans. It is an amazing opportunity to become aware of this statewide problem which is right here in our community as well.

Here in Central Vermont, there are several upcoming opportunities to view “The Hungry Heart.” On January 16th, 6:30-8:30pm there will be a free, public screening at Main Street Middle School, organized by the Main Street Middle School Parents Group, the Montpelier School District SAP program, and the Central Vermont New Directions Coalition. On February 4th, 6:30-8:30pm, another screening will take place at the Montpelier High School Auditorium, sponsored by the Montpelier High School Booster Club, the Montpelier School District SAP program, and the Central Vermont New Directions Coalition. Parents and community members are welcome and invited to bring their children grade 6 and older.

As part of the Vermont Department of Health’s statewide Partnership for Success initiative, Central Vermont New Directions Coalition joins Community Connections and the Washington County Youth Service Bureau to serve Washington County by bringing new strategies to reduce opioid abuse and tackle underage drinking. It all starts with community awareness.

If you would like to know more about these film opportunities, community education, or the Partnership for Success, contact Ann Gilbert at Central Vermont New Directions Coalition at 223-4949 or agilbert@cvndc.org.

Bring your friends and family to one of the upcoming “The Hungry Heart” screenings. You won’t regret seeing this powerful film.