Local News

Officials To Hold Town Hall Meeting Over Heroin Death Concerns

February 6, 2014 / 12:12 PM EST / CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The recent rash of heroin overdose deaths in our area seem to have slowed down, but residents in one local community are still concerned.

Tonight, they will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss the issues.

The meeting will be held at the North Hills Middle School at 7:30 p.m.

Organizers with the Alliance for Safe and Drug Free Children plan to address concerns from parents and residents about the recent heroin overdoses in our area.

While heroin is a dangerous drug no matter what, it has made headlines more recently because of a dangerous addition of fentanyl.

That has led to over 20 deaths in Pennsylvania over the past couple of weeks.

"Whenever crises happen, we have to take the opportunity to reach out to the community and let them know what is going on and what they need to do. Raise awareness," Debbie Kehoe of the Alliance for Safe and Drug Free Children said.

Kehoe said the town hall meeting will help parents understand addiction better and the things to look for with their own children to keep them drug free.

"There isn't an addict out there that will tell you they began with heroin. It starts with alcohol. It starts with marijuana and it progresses to the point where heroin overcomes their lives," Kehoe said.

Dr. Neil Capretto with the Gateway Rehabilitation Center will also answer questions tonight.

Kehoe said at-home drug tests will be passed to any parents who want them.

"If nothing else, it's a great deterrent to have that on hand and let your child know that you never know when we're going to test you. Because, even kids that get straight A's can be using. There's a lot of different things that parents need to be watching for," Kehoe said.

Representatives from law enforcement and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office will also be on hand.

Listen to KDKA Radio's interview with Debbie Kehoe here:

Listen to Debbie Kehoe

Fentanyl