AG Zoeller, Rx Task Force to raise awareness of statewide programs, upcoming events during National Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week

7th Annual Prescription Drug Abuse & Heroin Symposium is Oct. 13,14

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – This week, September 19-23, is National Opioid and Heroin Awareness Week, aimed at educating the public about the dangers of abusing opioids and prescription drugs, and providing Hoosiers with preventative methods to help those in higher risk communities.

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller urges Hoosiers to raise awareness of prescription misuse in light of Indiana’s opioid epidemic. Recently, the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force and the Office of the Indiana Attorney General partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to educate middle and high school students on the risks of abusing prescription drugs. AG Zoeller is the co-chair and founder of the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force.

“The epidemic of prescription drug abuse and the resulting problems of opioid addiction and overdoses is a man-made problem caused by overprescribing. At this year’s Drug Abuse Symposium, we will address how Hoosier communities across the state have equipped first-responders and have successfully helped combat overdose deaths,” said Zoeller.

The seventh-annual Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Symposium takes place on Oct. 13, 14. The two-day symposium will focus on new challenges in the fight against Rx drug abuse due to the high number of unprecedented overdoses this year triggered by intravenous abuse of diverted medications.

This year’s symposium, titled “Rebuilding the Hoosier Heartland” will offer sessions on arming communities with strategies for curtailing abuse and providing treatment. In addition, this year’s keynote will be the author of the book, Dreamland. Sam Quinones is a journalist, storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and author of three acclaimed books of narrative nonfiction.

Registration and ticket information for the symposium is available here.

For more information about policies advocated by the Task Force, click here.

Visit www.BitterPill.IN.gov for more information about the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force and resources for the public.

Note: Media will be invited to attend the symposium at no cost. Contact Monica Hernandez at monica.hernandez@atg.in.gov or 317-234-2257 for information about receiving a press pass.