Starke County Drug Abuse Symposium

By: Ben Haut, WKVI
Published: April 24th, 2013

In partnership with the Moving Starke County Forward Coalition, IU Health Starke Hospital is looking to address a community crisis through a Drug Abuse Symposium in downtown Knox. The problem of illegal drug abuse, including that of methamphetamine and prescription drugs, is a problem that affects numerous communities throughout Indiana and the nation, and these organizations are looking to make a difference.

The symposium will take place on May 3 at 9 a.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox, featuring Attorney General Greg Zoeller as the keynote speaker. Zoeller has undertaken the responsibilities of being at the forefront of lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels, taking a more aggressive role in the issue and the search for solutions.

Local law enforcement officials say prescription drug abuse in Starke County is greater than the abuse of illegal substances, though methamphetamine and other drugs – such as heroin – get more publicity.

Zoeller will answer questions following his presentation and a local panel of officials actively associated with the impact of drugs on the local community will share information from their perspective before breaking into smaller groups to attempt to provide innovative ways to bring the drug epidemic under control. The meeting will end in the early afternoon after a lunch provided.

To RSVP for the symposium, call Renay Hochstedler at (574) 772-1102 at IU Health Starke Hospital.