The Rockingham Free Public Library and Greater Falls Connections will be showing the documentary The Opiate Effect on Wednesday, April 5th at 7:00pm at the Library. The film viewing will be followed by a discussion with Skip Gates, father of the UVM student featured in the film. The showing is free and open to the public.
The Opiate Effect is a powerful 22-minute film, that tells the story of UVM student Will Gates, who overdosed on heroin, and the impact that experience that had on his family. Skip Gates, Will’s father, will be present to share his experience and to educate about the dangers of opiate prescription drugs and heroin. Captain John Merrigan, Commander of Special Investigations with the VT State Police, will join Mr. Gates to speak to the scope of the drug epidemic in Vermont.
Following the discussion, Michael Johnson and Brandy Cheney of Turning Point Recovery Center of Springfield will talk about the hope that recovery centers have to offer. Attendees will also have the option to participate in a free, 10-minute training on how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan. Greater Falls Connections will be in attendance to connect community members with local efforts to prevent prescription drug abuse. Finally, to close the event, there will be a candlelight vigil to honor those we have lost, and those who we hope will find a path to recovery.
The Rockingham Free Public Library is located at 65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT. This event is hosted by The Rockingham Free Public Library and supported by Greater Falls Connections. For more information call the library at 802.463.4270 or go online to www.rockinghamlibrary.org.