Janice of Middleton, N.J., six years clean, is quoted on www.alternet.org as saying, “No one sets out to be a heroin addict. It’s not a lifestyle choice...” And yet, the U.S. is experiencing a heroin epidemic of unprecedented proportions.

On April 20, the East Penn Community Forum on Drug Awareness was held at Emmaus High School.

“All of us hope that we can impart information to help [everyone dealing with addiction],” Tina Ralls, moderator and parent of a deceased addict, said.

Experts in a variety of fields addressed an audience of over 100. Jeffery Knopf, Emmaus EMS officer in charge of training and education, articulated a theme emphasized throughout the evening: addiction is a chronic, sometimes fatal, disease that does not spare its victims based on age, race, creed or social class.

Knopf explained the use of Naloxone, administered as nasal spray or injection, which counteracts the effects of a heroin overdose and encouraged everyone to take advantage of free CPR training available through the Emmaus Ambulance Corps. Knopf emphasized the death of a young person impacts the entire community; consequently, dealing with this plague requires community involvement.

Chief Deputy District Attorney and Narcotics Unit Supervisor, Joseph Stauffer elaborated on the need for community commitment. He discussed PA Act 139, nicknamed the Good Samaritan Law, which states a person who witnesses an overdose and seeks emergency assistance for and remains with the victim is immune from criminal prosecution. Stauffer also stressed when feasible, judges are opting to place substance abusers in rehabilitation settings rather than sending them to jail.

Several frustrated members of the audience questioned Stauffer concerning the failure of the legal system to, in their opinions, adequately deal with those supplying the drugs on which their loved ones overdosed. The responses given by several panel members underscored the complexity of the issue and the need to re-evaluate laws pertaining to drug related offenses.

Dr. Robert Cannon, D.O., Lehigh Valley Health Network emergency room physician, presented medical practice changes which may help to control the spread of the epidemic. He described heroin addiction as “...a medical illness [which] needs to be managed as such.”

According to Cannon, the time has come to remove the stigma associated with addiction and address the disorder. A clear connection exists between the increase in the administration of opioid drugs for pain relief and the rise in opioid addiction and overdose. In fact, four out of five heroin users began by taking prescription opioid drugs.

Cannon said physicians and patients need to re-think the role of opioid painkillers in the treatment of illness and injury. He encouraged patients to become informed, to explore treatment options and to engage in their health care.

On a community level, Sergeant Chuck Palmer, interim Emmaus Chief of Police, said one way to keep drugs out of the hands of young people is to empty the medicine chest. A drop box for extra or outdated medications is located in the lobby of the Emmaus Police Department. In addition, medications may be disposed of at a variety of sites throughout the Lehigh Valley on National Take Back Days.

When given the opportunity to interact with the panelists, several of whom are parents of addicts, emotions ran high when members of the audience revealed their personal fears and tragedies.

Lisa Wolff, of the Center for Humanistic Change and Tamra McGee, of Pyramid Health Care offered positive approaches for dealing with the current situation. Wolff outlined several programs designed at prevention and/or intervention. McGee briefly reviewed some medical options.

Amidst the stories shared and information disseminated, one message stood out. Scott Grim, Lehigh County Coroner, captured the focus of the evening when he said, “[This addiction epidemic] It’s all of our problem.”

More specific information is available through the following contacts: CPR Instruction – email jknopf@emmausems.com or call 610-965-0721, ext. 104,

Emmaus Police Department – non-emergency call 610-437-5252 or administration 610-967-3113, emergency 911.

Center for Humanistic Change – call 610-443-1595, fax 610-443-1598 or visit the website at www.thechc.org, Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services – call 610-782-3555 or visit www.lehighcounty.org and

Pyramid Health Care – call 215-896-2844 or visit www.pyramidhealthcarepa.com.