CHESAPEAKE, Va. - The City of Chesapeake is raising awareness about the local opioid problem Tuesday night.
The event, "Opening Our Eyes to Opioid Addiction", will include dinner, an expert panel and a viewing of the FBI-produced film, "Chasing the Dragon: Life of an Opiate Addict".
Opioid use, which the president recently declared a national public health emergency, takes tens of thousands of lives each year.
Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is hosting the event at the Chesapeake Conference Center.
"75% of people who use heroin began with prescription opioids so it's very important to get the word out on that," said David Dillon, a prevention specialist for CIBH.
Sponsors include CIBH, City of Chesapeake and the local FBI.
