Clifton Park, NY – On Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30pm, the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will present Real Talk: Heroin, a panel discussion facilitated by CAPteens, teen volunteers with CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services. This important discussion will feature a panel scheduled to include former addicts, a parent who lost a child to a heroin overdose and a representative from the New York State Police, who will be interviewed by local high school students.  A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion.  This program is presented in partnership with CAPTAIN, The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council, Shenendehowa Central Schools and the Library.

According the to the Center for Disease Control, the rate of deaths involving heroin overdose has nearly tripled since 2010, with overdoses doubling in 15 to 24 year olds from 2008 to 2012.  “Heroin use is a growing epidemic and sadly, it’s happening right in our own backyard,” says Lou An Stewart, Head of Adult Services at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library.  “It was important to address this issue and bring this program to our community. We hope it will help start the discussion between families and their children.”

Additionally, representatives from local community organizations will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about this growing epidemic.  Scheduled to be in attendance are: The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council, Shenendehowa S.A.D.D. Club, CAPteens, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Emergency Corps, Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center, St. Peter’s Hospital Addiction Recovery Center, Recovery Advocacy, NAR-ANON Family Groups, Saratoga County Youth Bureau and Saratoga County Drug Treatment Court.

The Library is committed to working with Shenendehowa Central School District and CAPTAIN in an effort to educate the community about this crisis and other important issues.  For more information, please contact Lou Ann Stewart at 371-8622.