ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – As you’ve heard on KMOX News, the St. Louis region is expected to see another dramatic spike in heroin deaths before the year’s out.

Dan Duncan with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse says many of heroin’s victims are young people.  “Probably the most important thing we can do right now is help parents and adults understand what is going on so that they can be more alert to the possibility of their own child being exposed to this or even using it.”

That’s why officials are holding the first of several town hall meetings this week:

A Community Response to Heroin

Thursday, June 23rd

Pattonville High School Auditorium

2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road

Maryland Heights, Mo  63143

“Last year we had 210 known overdose deaths in the St. Louis area.  This year I understand we’re on track for over 300,” point out Duncan.

He adds, part of the issue is that young people are unaware of how addicting and dangerous heroin is. “They don’t understand, heroin can and does sometimes kill people the first time they use it.”

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