Documentary on Prescription Drug Addiction to be Screened

June 10 event includes panel, resources

April 22, 2015 • Saved under Andover Organizations
By Christine Frost, for the Beacon
"The Hungry Heart" is an intimate look at the world of prescription drug abuse. It will be shown in Andover on Wednesday, June 10, in the AE/MS gym, with a reception and booths of information at 5:30 PM, the film at 6 PM, and a panel discussion with key officials and healthcare providers from around the area following the film.
“The Hungry Heart” is an intimate look at the world of prescription drug abuse. It will be shown in Andover on Wednesday, June 10, in the AE/MS gym, with a reception and booths of information at 5:30 PM, the film at 6 PM, and a panel discussion with key officials and healthcare providers from around the area following the film.

In January, I had the opportunity to attend a showing of the documentary The Hungry Heart at the Red River Theater. The film is an intimate look at the world of prescription drug abuse through Vermont Pediatrician Fred Holmes’ experience with his patients. It was a very provocative film as well as overwhelmingly relevant in our communities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug-related deaths associated with prescription opioids have remained stable since 2012. However the mortality rate associated with heroin increased for the third year in a row. It is believed that the increase in fatal heroin overdoses are attributed to users of prescription opiates substituting or supplementing with heroin, an opiate that is less expensive and contributes to the progression of their addiction.

Having a loved one 10 years in recovery, and being a healthcare representative in this community, I felt an overwhelming obligation to bring the same event home to my community. I am in the process of planning a community forum in Andover. I am extending this event to the towns that are served by the Merrimack Valley School District, Kearsarge School District, Franklin and Winnisquam.

My hope is that this will increase awareness and open up conversation to promote prevention, intervention, treatment options, and long-term recovery. Increasing awareness will have a significant impact on reducing stigma and hopefully increase access to care for those struggling with addiction.

The community screening will take place at the AE/MS gym on Wednesday, June 10. This film is appropriate for adults and high school students.

A reception will start at 5:30 PM, with refreshments and partner booths from a diverse number of agencies throughout New Hampshire. Information regarding family and youth services, prevention, recovery, intervention, and treatment will be available.

The film will start at 6 PM and will be followed by a panel discussion for question and answers. Some members on the panel will include Bess O’Brien, Director; Scott Hilliard, Merrimack County Sheriff; Dave Doiron, Hope for New Hampshire Recovery; Sue Caldon, Nathan Brody Program at LRGH; Paul Racicot, ER MD at LRGH; and an individual in long-term recovery. Monetary donations were made by Convenient MD, Proctor Academy, Andover Elementary/Middle School, and the Capitol Area Public Health Network.

This event is free, however seating is limited. Please pre-register at AEMSeagles.org. Contact Christine Frost at 735-5500 or CFrost@nullAEMSeagles.org with questions.