Issues & Ales: Heroin in Alabama

Rachel Osier Lindley | March 16, 2015

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Deaths from heroin overdose have increased dramatically in Alabama, doubling in Jefferson County alone last year. Heroin is cheaper than ever, and more and more people who are addicted to prescription painkillers are making the switch, tearing families and communities apart. Why is heroin usage on the rise and what can law enforcement, public health officials, families, parents, and teachers do to combat the growing epidemic?

Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM will explore this topic through a five-part series, and at “Issues & Ales: Heroin in Alabama” on Tuesday, March 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at WorkPlay, 500 23rd St. South, Birmingham.

Panelists include:

-Joyce White Vance, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama

-Dr. Mark Wilson, Health Officer & Chief Executive, Jefferson County Department of Health

-Elizabeth P. Drennen, Director of Clinical Outreach and Communications, Addiction Prevention Coalition

-Foster Cook, Associate Professor and Director of UAB Substance Abuse Programs, Jefferson County Community Corrections Program (TASC)

-Dr. Karen Cropsey, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, UAB

and more…

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6 p.m. The event is free, and food and beverages will be available for purchase from Greg’s Hot Dogs and WorkPlay. Issues & Ales is part of the outreach effort of Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM, the station where you can listen and be heard.

For event updates, follow WBHM on Facebook and join the event or check the event page at WBHM’s website.
This event will be streamed live at wbhm.org.