Heroin’s Impact Was Seminar Topic for Adults

SEA ISLE CITY – Sea Isle City’s Municipal Alliance Committee, the Sea Isle City Board of Education and other community partners joined to present two free presentations entitled “Sea Isle City Fights Heroin” Oct. 13.   
Speaker John Kriger of Kriger Consulting led the presentation that was broken into sessions targeting both seniors and adults.  
The daytime presentation for seniors, entitled “What Grandparents Need to Know” focused on the importance of securing medications in the home. 
Included in the presentation was a medication drop-off bin which all residents are urged to use for any unwanted drugs/medications.
The evening presentation for adults titled “What Kids Know and You Don’t” focused on current trends and issues parents and today’s professionals face and the risks that come with those trends. 
Many organizations joined to offer information including the Cape May County Prosecutors Office, Sea Isle City Police Department, Cape Assist, Cape Counseling and Sea Isle City’s Municipal Alliance Committee. Those organizations not only hope to raise awareness but offer services to the community for anyone in need.
The presentations broke down information on popular drugs, common ways that addiction begins, an explanation of current and local trends, and indicators of substance abuse.
With the rise and popularity of heroin in New Jersey both Kriger and the Sea Isle City Police Capt. Thomas McQuillen went into detail of how dangerous that drug is and facts about heroin use in New Jersey. 
• Heroin impacts all, knows no boundaries and is an equal opportunity killer.
• New Jersey has some of the least expensive, highest purity street heroin in the nation.
• 10 percent of heroin addicts in the country live in New Jersey.
• 80 percent of heroin users are from affluent communities.
• There were 225 more heroin-related deaths in New Jersey in 2014 than fatal car accidents, 781 heroin-related deaths compared to 556 vehicle fatalities. Numbers compiled by state Department of Justice and N.J. State Police.
Drunken Gummy Bears
Approximately 120 attended the presentations. One attendee stated “Nothing is at it seems” when Kriger explained some of the trends such as Drunken Gummy Bears. 
Kriger explained that Drunken Gummy Bears are candy gummy bears soaked in alcohol and youngsters sometimes bring bags of those gummy bears to events without suspicion from adults or staff. 
Another attendee, a local nurse, explained she didn’t know 90 percent of the information shared and just how valuable was the presentation.
The overall theme is to have communication and educate everyone and each other about the drug epidemic and disease of addiction.  
Sea Isle City Police encourages anyone needing information or help to contact the police department so they can put them in contact with local resources, many of which are free. 
With so many resources and services available, knowledge is power and help is not only available but encouraged.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.