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Big crowd shows for first Heroin Task Force town hall meeting

A testament to how many people the heroin epidemic has hit is the crowd that showed up for the first town hall meeting with the York County Heroin Task Force. C...

A testament to how many people the heroin epidemic has hit is the crowd that showed up for the first town hall meeting with the York County Heroin Task Force. Close to 100 people packed the auditorium of the York County School of Technology.

A body bag lined with 31 toe tags served as a centerpiece, to symbolize the 31 people who have already lost their lives to heroin in York County this year.

Members of the Heroin Task Force held the town hall meeting to address the growing heroin epidemic.  York County Coroner Pam Gay and Deputy Coroner Claude Stabley spent most of the meeting educating the public. From physical signs, behavioral changes and even household objects that may actually be paraphernalia.

But just as important was the public's input. "That's one of the things you bring to us, to teach us what it is that you need out in the community, and that's what we're looking for, where are the gaps," said York County District Attorney Tom Kearney.

Those who stood up and addressed the members of the Task Force asked for more treatment.

"Nobody has insurance. Do we have any state funded or nonprofit organizations out there that will detox somebody, put them in a bed?" said Jeff, who is a recovering addict who has been clean for nine months.

"Last week when I called there was a 30 day wait to get on Suboxone for a drug addict," said Paul Gunning referencing the long waiting lists people are facing when seeking treatment. He also talked about there not being enough space for people who are from York County. "Too many people from out of town are being treated here," said Gunning, who thinks we need to devote more space in treatment facilities to people who are from the area.

Grace McAfee lost her grandson Trent in June to a heroin overdose. She went to the meeting to share his story and offer some input from someone who went through it. She wants to see more treatment instead of jail time. "If they had cancer or diabetes which is a disease also, they wouldn't throw them in jail," said McAfee.

The Heroin Task Force will be holding more town hall meetings, stay with FOX43 for updates.

 

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