For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Ipswich Police Department to Co-host Viewing of Documentary, “Heroin: On Cape Cod, USA” Tonight

IPSWICH –  Chief Paul A. Nikas announces that the Ipswich Police Department, in conjunction with Ipswich High School, is co-hosting a screening of the HBO documentary, “Heroin: Cape Cod, USA” tonight.

The event will be held on Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at Ipswich High School, 134 High St., in the Dolan Performing Arts Center.

Following the documentary, attendees are encouraged to stay for a panel discussion with staff and students from the Northshore Recovery High School in Beverly and treatment professionals from Lahey Clinic. Residents will have the opportunity to ask the panel questions about the film and express their concerns about addiction within the community.

“Our goal with this film is to give residents a better understanding of the multifaceted disease of addiction,” Chief Nikas said. “We encourage community members to attend the viewing of this insightful film and participate in the discussion afterward to learn more and ask questions.”

The film screening is open to the entire community, however, the documentary contains subject matter that is not appropriate for young children. The coastal communities highlighted in the film share many similarities with Ipswich and its residents that are struggling with the disease of addiction.

“By showing this video to members of the community, we hope to open their eyes and really get them thinking about the issues of substance abuse and addiction,” said School Resource Officer Joe Perna, who will be present at the event. “We need people to realize that this isn’t just a police or school issue, it’s an issue that affects the community as a whole. Ultimately, we want to educate and empower residents to make a difference and get involved in the fight against addiction.”

For more information on this event, contact the Ipswich Police Department at 978-356-4343.

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