MERCER CO. CRIME STOPPERS

News release

Incidents of drug abuse appear in newspapers and other media daily across the country. Children and adults are being affected (mentally and/or physically) either through illness, injury and death or being placed in jail with records and obligations that may follow them for the rest of their lives. The supply of drugs is based on the demand for them.

Mercer County Crime Stoppers is sponsoring a community wide meeting to address the issues of supply and demand from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 in the Mercer County High School auditorium, 1124 Moberly Road. Co-sponsors include the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, Mercer County Health Department, Burgin and Mercer County schools, Campbellsville University, the Harrodsburg Herald, Harrodsburg Police Department and Hometown Radio WHBN.   

A Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration video titled “Chasing the Dragon — The Life of an Opiate Addict”” will be shown. It is a documentary exposing the truth behind the opiate epidemic. A significant lack of public understanding of this epidemic is a key stumbling block.

The goal in showing the video goes beyond raising awareness. It is intended to help people understand the depths of the critical components of opiate addiction — how easily it can begin, the heinous downward cycle that ensues, followed by the tragic consequences. The documentary is a compilation of unscripted, raw interviews of actual people affected by opiate addiction. The gut wrenching emotion and graphic stories are a glimpse into the terrifying reality of addiction that we hope will deter people from venturing into the drug culture.

Please be aware this video contains some profanity and graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised and it is not suitable for young children.

Following the video, speakers will address what attendees can do to help and include Sheriff Ernie Kelty, two federal Drug Enforcement Agents, Mercer County High School Coach David Buchanan and Chair of Mercer ASAP David Warner. Handouts of available resources in the area will be available.

As an incentive for attending this very important education session, school children in grades nine through twelve and adults who arrive by 7 p.m. will each be given one ticket upon initial entry. A drawing will be held at the end of the meeting and the holder of the lucky ticket will win a new Visio 32-inch Smart TV. You must be present to win.

Reservations will not be taken and attendees will be admitted on a seat available basis, starting at 6:15 p.m. As a courtesy to on time attendees and to avoid noise during the video, please try to arrive no later than 7 p.m.